Tag: journalism

Edition 1/2026, Paper

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

 , , , ,

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

 , , , ,

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

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

 , , , , , ,

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 3-4/2025, Focus

Attacks by the far right The impact of right-wing extremist threats on journalistic practice in Germany. An interview study

 , , , ,

By Olivia Mangold | Journalists reporting on right-wing extremism are increasingly confronted with hostility, intimidation, and assault. This development endangers freedom of press and challenges fundamental democratic values. The qualitative study examines the evolution of right-wing extremist threats over the past five years and their implications for journalistic practice. It focuses on four journalists who reported in semi-structured interviews about repeated threats ranging from verbal abuse and legal intimidation to physical assaults. In response, the journalists developed various protective strategies, such as publishing anonymously, adapting their research methods, and exercising greater caution in topic selection. Despite their professional commitment to unbiased reporting, tendencies toward self-censorship and growing mistrust of state institutions became apparent. Thus, threats by right-wing extremists not only affect individuals but also structurally restrict press freedom. In order to counteract this, targeted protection measures, institutional support, and broader societal awareness are needed.

Edition 3-4/2025, Focus

Media freedom in the shadow of right-wing extremism Challenges for Romanian journalists

 , , , ,

By Iulia Bârză and Veronica Câmpian | This study examines the relationship between the far right and the media in Romania and highlights the associated tensions that influence journalistic work. The Romanian media system, which historically has been characterized by authoritarian control followed by rapid commercialization, is now facing considerable political pressure, fragile editorial independence, and limited economic stability. The article is based on comparative media system research, e.g. the typology of Hallin and Mancini (2004). To illustrate the current situation, two experienced journalists were interviewed. The journalists emphasize that far-right actors undermine press freedom not through open censorship, but rather through delegitimization, manipulation, and disinformation. The interviewees report hostile relationships characterized by intimidation, verbal aggression, and the exclusion of critical media. At the same time, social networks, the main channels for spreading extremist narratives, are weakening traditional journalism. Nevertheless, there are also signs of resilience: journalists are responding with mutual solidarity, thorough fact-checking, and a renewed commitment to fundamental democratic values. The study concludes that, while the far right creates a climate of intimidation, it also triggers collective resistance from journalists. In order to preserve the press as a democratic safeguard, stricter digital regulations, greater transparency, and the promotion of independent media are essential.

Edition 1/2024, Paper

How journalism advances surveillant technology through weightless criticism Understanding one way consumers are nudged toward a state of total surveillance

 , ,

By Robert W. McMahon | The growth of consumer products with surveillant capabilities, in conjunction with the economic pressure journalism is under, has created fertile ground for surveillance capitalism to thrive and journalism to become complicit in that growth. An examination of a corpus of texts containing the products of journalism suggests this complicity can be seen through a style of reporting conceptualized as weightless criticism.

Edition 1/2024, Essay

Peace Journalism revisited A plea for better reporting on debates, controversies and social conflicts

 , , , , , , ,

By Sigrun Rottmann | A society that is challenged by multiple crises with many upheavals and conflicts needs journalists with conflict expertise. It needs journalists who are impartial, who contextualize and who report in a balanced and solution-oriented way. The media – even »quality media« – too often report on debates or conflicts using emotional and partisan language. They also increasingly make dubious diagnoses of division and polarization. Peace Journalism or Conflict-Sensitive Journalism as proposed by some peace and conflict researchers can provide inspiration and a basis for an interdisciplinary transfer of knowledge that supports good reporting on crises and social conflicts in Germany and elsewhere. They also provide an impetus for a debate about journalistic values and the role that journalism can and should play in uncertain times. This is an important topic when training new and more experienced journalists – especially in view of the communication strategies of populists and right-wing extremists who instrumentalize conflicts for their own purposes.

Debate, Edition 3-4/2023

All twittered out What @ichbinsophiescholl tells us about platform criticism in journalism

 , , , ,

By Nora Hespers | Journalists and media houses use a wide range of social media platforms to reach their audience. Yet this use is rarely subject to critical examination. The downfall of Twitter, now X, is the ideal opportunity to take a critical look at the structures and economic conditions behind these networks. But still there is no great debate – just as there wasn’t in the case of the Instagram project @ichbinsophiescholl. Does journalism lack expertise in social media?

Edition 1/2023, Essay

Content creation A new phase of journalism?

 , , , ,

By Gabriele Hooffacker | Conventional providers of news and journalism have now been joined by a new group of actors, known by terms like ›influencer‹ and ›content creator.‹ While the job description ›content creator‹ usually describes professions from the world of content marketing, some successful content creators also adhere to journalistic standards and are received accordingly. This essay uses games journalism as an example to present a model for the way a segment of journalistic functions is shifting onto new actors and channels.