Category: Edition 1/2026

Journalism Research, Vol. 9 (1), 2026

Edition 1/2026, Paper

The role of constructive journalism in the diffusion of social innovations The example of community-supported agriculture

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By Inken Thiel and Uwe Krüger | The alternative reporting approach of constructive journalism has been extensively researched in recent years in terms of its effects, albeit primarily in the form of individual psychological experimental research. Its effects on the emotional state and behavioural intentions of recipients are well documented. But to what extent can constructive journalism promote social progress, for example by contributing to the spread of ecological or social innovations? In this study, we expand the impact research on constructive journalism by applying the theoretical approach of ›diffusion of social innovations‹ to the question and retrospectively asking the adopters of a specific social innovation, namely community-supported agriculture (CSA), about the influences on their decision. The quantitative online survey of 431 members and operators of CSA farms in Germany shows that constructive media or media formats did not play a role in the diffusion. Instead, interpersonal communication with CSA farm members was decisive for the initial contact, followed by local print and TV journalism, as well as advertising materials and events organized by CSA farms. This is also in line with diffusion theory for later stages of innovation diffusion. It cannot be ruled out that constructive media coverage of other social innovations (especially those more recent than CSA) plays a greater role in the respective early stages of the diffusion process.

Edition 1/2026, Paper

Journalism in Finland amid changing geopolitical and digital conditions How humiliating deepfakes are interfering with political communication

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By Marcus Bölz | Since Finland joined NATO in 2023, Finnish journalism has been operating under new geopolitical conditions. The realignment of security policy has not only changed political reporting, but also increased demands on journalistic diligence and source verification. A particular focus is on Russia’s disinformation policies, which deliberately attempt to undermine trust in Finnish media and institutions. Digital campaigns, manipulated content, and emotional rhetoric are used to influence public opinion. Finnish editorial offices are responding with increased transparency, more rigorous fact-checking, and international cooperation. This article analyses the quality of journalism in Finland in the context of these developments and the structural challenges Finnish journalists are facing, including media concentration, staff cuts, and the rise of right-wing populist platforms.

Edition 1/2026, Paper

Between microphone and audience Experiences of women radio presenters in digitally connected interactions

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By Lea Möller | Interaction with the audience is fundamental in journalism, especially in radio, where it contributes significantly to the success of programs. In the age of social media and digital platforms, the interaction between presenters and recipients is crucial for the listening experience and the relevance of the content. Prior research has focused primarily on the audience’s perception of interactions, while the perspective of radio presenters has been largely ignored. In light of increasing hate attacks, especially against women journalists, this qualitative study addresses the experiences of women radio presenters in their interaction with their audience in Germany. The results show how structural factors and the use of digital communication tools influence the dynamics of interaction and the emotional experience of presenters. The latter tend to find contact with the audience enriching, both professionally and personally. However, they also mention negative experiences, which vary depending on the type of station and the channels of interaction used.

Edition 1/2026, Research in Brief

Think tanks and war reporting How selected German media outlets deal with the US think tank ISW in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war

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By Matteo Emmanuello | Since the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine on 24 February 2022, which violates international law, the conflict has had massive humanitarian consequences and poses particular challenges for war reporting: Complex information situations, strategic influence and the role of non-governmental think tanks shape public perception. This study examines how the German national newspapers Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), Die Zeit and the public broadcasters’ news outlet tagesschau.de use reports (2022–2025) of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), and what consequences this has for journalistic quality and framing. The ISW engages in strategic communication by presenting the conflict as a resource conflict with clear »good versus evil« dichotomies through selective frames of problem and responsibility as well as economic and military interpretations.
Media often adopt these frames uncritically, presenting the ISW as a neutral authority requiring no plurality of sources, without a transparent classification of its political stance, or reflection on its proximity to the US arms industry. Although ISW information is usually labelled transparently, what dominates are paraphrases without contextualisation, especially in map material. This practice can undermine the democratic function of journalism in times of war when media act as amplifiers of strategic communication rather than critical mediators. This study, which was part of a bachelor’s thesis, contributes to media and conflict research, calls for reflective source criticism and the development of standards for dealing with geopolitically positioned actors.

Edition 1/2026, Research in Brief

Clickbait crime in the Sunshine State A feminist political economic analysis of the Florida Man and Florida Woman phenomena

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By Kaylin Lane and Jennifer M. Proffitt | The Florida Man and Florida Woman phenomena were created by U.S. news outlets reporting on shocking and unusual events committed by people in Florida and has proliferated over time. Yet, these news stories stereo­type men and women, poke fun at serious crimes and acts, and bring attention to trivial events through clickbait titles in exchange for profit. Using textual analysis as a method, we use a feminist political economy lens to investigate news coverage of the Florida Man and Florida Woman to explain how news outlets are capitalizing on the Florida Man and Florida Woman to attract readers, while perpetuating stereotypical, problematic news coverage in the process.

Edition 1/2026, Review

Must read: Books by journalists

By Martina Thiele and Boris Romahn | The decision to continue the »Book Journalism« section (see Journalism Research 3-4/2025) has been met with widespread approval. We have also received many tips about recently published books. On the one hand, this is wonderful and very helpful, but on the other hand, we have to decide which ten books to choose from the multitude of new publications. Journalists are obviously very productive, even when it comes to longer forms such as books. We, Martina Thiele (MT, University of Tübingen) and Boris Romahn (Bro, University of Salzburg), are pleased to recommend a diverse selection of books by journalists that are well worth reading. They cover current and historical topics and offer a wide range of perspectives on war and peace, fact and fiction, homelands and identities.