Category: Essay

By Klaus Meier | The term and the meaning of »plagiarism« have recently been transferred from academia into journalism without further thought. This is highly problematic and dangerous given that, although different standards and benchmarks apply for the two professions, merely a public accusation of plagiarism has the potential to destroy reputations and careers. This essay hopes to contribute to a nuanced debate and thus help to prevent scandalization of the issue of plagiarism in journalism. What benchmarks can be used as a guide – both during research and writing and when accusations arise after publication? What is common and reasonable journalistic practice, and what is a »no go?«

By Luis Paulitsch | »Alternative media« have gained in importance for the far right in the digital space, while recent years have also seen a rise in similar platforms at the right-wing, conservative end of the spectrum. Although media projects like this represent alternative positions, their relationship with the criticized »mainstream« is much more ambivalent. This essay highlights various unique features that can be used to distinguish right-wing conservative media from other »alternative media.« The publications Tichys Einblick, eXXpress and NIUS are used as examples.

By Roger Blum / Absurdly few experts from communication science and media law participate in the bodies of media regulation – in press councils, broadcasting councils, television councils, audience councils, media councils – and in the media in ombudsman’s offices in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. That is a shortcoming. Knowledge of fundamental rights and media law, media ethics, journalism, media structures and media effects research would help to find meaningful solutions.

by Peter Welchering / In a hybrid war, photos and especially videos become a weapon in themselves, image material is mercilessly falsified. That is why a basic knowledge of source analysis and image forensics methods is so important. Image forensics and source analysis cannot convict war criminals – but they can be used to research initial indications of when and where a crime was committed.

by Daria Gordeeva / It did not take long after the first Russian tanks rolled across the border into Ukraine for the Russian government to tighten its censorship laws. Rushed through, the new laws target allegedly ›false information‹ and set out both large fines and custodial sentences of up to 15 years. Numerous independent media websites were blocked, and at least 150 journalists were forced into exile by a wave of repression. How do independent journalists manage to provide truthful, critical reporting under conditions of wartime censorship?

by Marcel Franze / Universities of all kinds are institutions of teaching and research. As a result, disciplines like journalism studies straddle two fields: academia on the one hand, and professional preparation and qualification on the other. This balancing act becomes particularly obvious when it comes to the way theory and practice can be integrated. University staff receive too little attention in this context.