The Transformation of Journalism in European Countries: Professional Journalists Views and Perceptions

Abstract

This conference paper discusses the views, opinions and perceptions of professional journalists on the current transformation in journalism in Europe. It covers the global understanding of the state of journalism in terms of economic and political influences and changes.

Our work is grounded on the data of international comparative research, conducted in 2012-2016 in 67 countries in order to study the state of journalism worldwide. This research was carried out within the framework of the project the "Worlds of Journalism Study“. It systematically examines the field of journalism through comparative research, in order to explain the state of journalism globally. The project is a platform for the exchange of data, knowledge and experience, which offers an analysis of different ways of how journalists perceive their duties at their work.

In the frame of the project, more than 27,500 journalists were interviewed on a common methodological basis. The selection method was determined by stratified systematic sampling. According to the survey data, professional journalists' views are described by their profession and activities, the role of journalism in society, journalism ethics, journalistic autonomy, the trust in public institutions, the transformation of journalism and other issues.

In the proposed paper, we have focused specifically on the transformation and impacts of journalism in European countries. Consequently, the study of the issue has been made on the analysis of the data collected for the international comparative research. We have provided a secondary analysis of the data, by taking into account the analysis of the research in the perceived transition and the influences of European journalists. We present a re-analysis of the quantitative data at the aggregated level, regarding professional orientations of European journalists. Our analysis has included a sample of 18 countries of Western Europe and 12 countries of Eastern Europe.

The results have been reflected on the similarities and differences that were revealed during the analysis of the data. This, in return, allows us to think in a new way to see the challenges and difficulties, that journalists face today around the world in fulfilling their obligations.

The majority of the respondents pointed out, that the development and strengthening of the influences, that have resulted in changes, are connected with profit, advertising views, social media, etc. The effect of enhanced influence has not encountered on journalism education only, on the contrary, according to this parameter the influence has weakened. Interestingly, European journalists beliefs about technical skills and the use of search engines have changed over the last five years. The relationship between the audience and journalists in a news work is considered to be a major challenge for current journalism.

The analysis of secondary data of the project the “Worlds of Journalism Study” will help us to understand the transition of journalism through the views of European professional journalists better. The research suggests the differences, that refer to peculiarities of national journalistic cultures. The research data shows the existence of certain similarities between journalism cultures across the globe, but the significant differences also persist, owing to a variety of political, economic, cultural, technological and historical factors (Hanusch and Hanitzsch 2017).