The role of media connections in seasoned equity offerings

Abstract

We present evidence that corporate connections to the media are associated with a greater likelihood of a seasoned equity offering (SEO), more negative announcement returns, and poorer long-term performance. The effect of media connections on announcement returns is more pronounced for firms with higher information asymmetry, greater financial constraints, and lower advertising expenditures. Media connections are positively associated with media coverage and sentiment before the SEO announcements. Our findings are consistent with the notion that SEO issuers use their connections with media firms to actively manage media coverage and successfully offer new equity.