A Welfare State of Mind?: Nordic journalists' conception of their role and autonomy in international context. (4th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ahva, Laura; van Dalen, Arjen; Hovden, Jan Fredrik; Kolbeins, Guðbjörg Hildur; Löfgren Nilsson, Monica; Skovsgaard, Morten; Väliverronen, Jari
• Is Part Of: Journalism studies. Volume 18:Number 5(2017)
• Page Start: 595
• Page End: 613
• Publication Date: 2017-05-04
• Subjects: democratic corporatism -- media systems -- Nordic countries -- professional autonomy -- role conception -- welfare state; Journalism -- Periodicals; 070.4
• DOI: 10.1080/1461670X.2016.1249005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1461-670X

Abstract

Abstract : The development of journalism in the Nordic countries has been shaped by two interconnected ideologies: the welfare state and democratic corporatism. International reviews have repeatedly emphasized the similarities of the media systems in these countries. However, less work has been done on the professional identity of individual journalists working within these systems. In this article, the similarities and differences between journalists' professional values and perceptions in the Nordic countries are explored based on survey data from the Worlds of Journalism Study. The results indicate that despite country-specific variance, Nordic journalists share a vision of their professional identity especially in terms of seeing themselves as detached watchdogs and renouncing the role of opportunist facilitator. Another Nordic characteristic is the low level of experienced economic influence on journalistic work. In important ways, thus, Nordic journalists' professional views appear to reflect central characteristics of the political culture and media systems in which they work.