Sourcing Practice in Local Media: Diversity and Media Shadows. (21st April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mathisen, Birgit Røe
• Is Part Of: Journalism practice. Volume 17:Number 4(2023)
• Page Start: 647
• Page End: 663
• Publication Date: 2023-04-21
• Subjects: Sources -- local journalism -- local media -- media shadows -- diversity -- regional media; Journalism -- Periodicals; 070.405
• DOI: 10.1080/17512786.2021.1942147
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-2786

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Journalism facilitates the public sphere, playing a key role as a social institution dedicated to informed citizenship. From a democratic perspective, a diversity of opinions and viewpoints on the mediated agenda is vital. This article analyzes the sourcing practice in Norwegian local and regional media, identifying what kind of sources are given access and who is not. With diversity and media shadows as central concepts, the research question asked is: What characterizes the sourcing practice in local and regional media, and how does this contribute to diversity in the coverage. With its characteristic geographic stratified media landscape and a large amount of local and regional media, the Norwegian context is of special interest when elaborating on the institutional role of local media, and the ideal of diversity. The article is based on a content analysis of 24 Norwegian local and regional media including print, online and broadcast.