Research With(out) Values: Institutionalization and Impact of Media Accountability as an Academic Field

Tobias Eberwein; Marcus Kreutler; Susanne Fengler

Authors

Tobias Eberwein Institute for Comparative Media and Communication Studies (CMC), Austrian Academy of Sciences
Marcus Kreutler Erich Brost Institute for International Journalism, TU Dortmund
Susanne Fengler Erich Brost Institute for International Journalism, TU Dortmund

Keywords:

journalism, media accountability, media self-regulation, monitoring capabilities, research infrastructures

Abstract

Research on media accountability regularly stresses the importance of free and responsible media for democratic societies. But in how far can researchers themselves contribute to holding the media accountable? The paper discusses the relevance of media accountability as an academic field and its impact on journalism practice, media self-regulation, and society as a whole. The analysis is based on a comparative evaluation of research infrastructures for media accountability in 14 European countries and a discussion of cases of bidirectional interplay between journalism and academia. The study will enable a reflection of success factors for relevant media accountability research and develop perspectives for future studies.

References

Avădani, I. (2022a). Romania: Risks and opportunities related to media and journalism studies (2000–2020). Case study on the national research and monitoring capabilities. In Studies on national media research capability as a contextual domain of the sources of ROs (pp. 375–408). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-1/rou

Avădani, I. (2022b). Romania: Critical junctures in the media transformation process. In Country case studies on critical junctures in the media transformation process in four domains of potential ROs (2000–2020) (pp. 428–482). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-2/rou/

Bardoel, J., & d’Haenens, L. (2004). Media responsibility and accountability: New conceptualizations and practices. Communications, 29, 5–25.

Bastian, M. (2019). Media and accountability in Latin America: Framework – conditions – instruments. Springer VS.

Berglez, P., Nord, L., & Ots, M. (2022a). Sweden: Risks and opportunities related to media and journalism studies (2000–2020). Case study on the national research and monitoring capabilities. In Studies on national media research capability as a contextual domain of the sources of ROs (pp. 431–461). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-1/swe

Berglez, P., Nord, L., & Ots, M. (2022b). Sweden: Critical junctures in the media transformation process. In Country case studies on critical junctures in the media transformation process in four domains of potential ROs (2000–2020) (pp. 520–540). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-2/swe/

Bertrand, C. J. (1978). Press councils around the world: Unraveling a definitional dilemma. Journalism Quarterly, 55(2), 241–250.

Bertrand, C. J. (2000). Media ethics & accountability systems. Transaction.

Bettels‑Schwabbauer, T. (2012). Impulse für einen neuen britischen Presserat [Impulses for a new British press council]. https://de.ejo-online.eu/qualitaet-ethik/impulse-fuer-einen-neuen-britischen-presserat

Carraro, C., Cœuré, B., Dhand, O., Eichengreen, B., Mills, M. C., Rey, H., Sapir, A., & Schwarzer, D. (2022). A new era for Europe: How the European Union can make the most of its pandemic recovery, pursue sustainable growth, and promote global stability. Publications Office of the European Union. DOI: 10.2765/11297

Dobek‑Ostrowska, B., Głowacki, M., Jakubowicz, K., & Sükösd, M. (Eds.). (2010). Comparative media systems: European and global perspectives. Central European University Press.

Eberwein, T., Fengler, S., Lauk, E., & Leppik‑Bork, T. (Eds.). (2011). Mapping media accountability – in Europe and beyond. Halem.

Eberwein, T., Fengler, S., & Karmasin, M. (Eds.). (2018a). The European handbook of media accountability. Routledge.

Eberwein, T., Fengler, S., Kaufmann, K., Brinkmann, J., & Karmasin, M. (2018b). Summary: Measuring media accountability in Europe – and beyond. In T. Eberwein, S. Fengler & M. Karmasin (Eds.), The European handbook of media accountability (pp. 285–300). Routledge. DOI: 10.4324/9781315616353-35

Eberwein, T., Krakovsky, C., & Oggolder, C. (2022a). Austria: Risks and opportunities related to media and journalism studies (2000–2020). Case study on the national research and monitoring capabilities. In Studies on national media research capability as a contextual domain of the sources of ROs (pp. 2–33). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-1/aut

Eberwein, T., Krakovsky, C., Oggolder, C., & Rozgonyi, K. (2022b). Austria: Critical junctures in the media transformation process. In Country case studies on critical junctures in the media transformation process in four domains of potential ROs (2000–2020) (pp. 2–36). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-2/aut/

Eberwein, T., Rathmann, M., & Woschnagg, F. (2023). Journalismus in der Krise: Eine Interviewstudie mit Medienschaffenden während der COVID-19-Pandemie [Journalism in crisis: An interview study with media practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic]. In A. Bogner (Ed.), Verständigung fördern – in Dialog treten – die Zukunft gestalten. Austrian Academy of Sciences Press.

Fengler, S. (2022). A comparative analysis of media accountability across the globe: Models, frameworks, perspectives. In S. Fengler, T. Eberwein, & M. Karmasin (Eds.), The global handbook of media accountability (pp. 549–602). Routledge.

Fengler, S., Eberwein, T., Mazzoleni, G., Porlezza, C., & Russ‑Mohl, S. (Eds.). (2014). Journalists and media accountability: An international study of news people in the digital age. Peter Lang.

Fengler, S., Eberwein, T., & Karmasin, M. (Eds.). (2022a). The global handbook of media accountability. Routledge.

Fengler, S., Eberwein, T., Karmasin, M., Barthel, S., & Speck, D. (2022b). Media accountability: A global perspective. In S. Fengler, T. Eberwein, & M. Karmasin (Eds.), The global handbook of media accountability (pp. 3–57). Routledge.

Fengler, S., & Speck, D. (2019). Journalism and transparency: A mass communications perspective. In S. Berger & D. Owetschkin (Eds.), Contested transparencies, social movements and the public sphere (pp. 119–149). Palgrave Macmillan.

Fielden, L. (2012). Regulating the press: A comparative study of international press councils. Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2017-11/Regulating%20the%20Press.pdf

Gálik, S., Vrabec, N., Gáliková Tolnaiová, S., Čábyová, Ľ., Pravdová, H., Hudíková, Z., Višňovský, J., Mináriková, J., Radošinská, J., Švecová, M., Krajčovič, P., & Brník, A. (2022a). Slovakia: Risks and opportunities related to media and journalism studies (2000–2020). Case study on the national research and monitoring capabilities. In Studies on national media research capability as a contextual domain of the sources of ROs (pp. 409–430). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-1/svk

Gálik, S., Vrabec, N., Gáliková Tolnaiová, S., Čábyová, L., Pravdová, H., Hudíková, Z., Višňovský, J., Mináriková, J., Radošinská, J., Švecová, M., Krajčovič, P., & Brník, A. (2022b). Slovakia: Critical junctures in the media transformation process. In Country case studies on critical junctures in the media transformation process in four domains of potential ROs (2000–2020) (pp. 483–519). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-2/svk/

Głowacki, M., Gajlewicz‑Korab, K., Mikucki, J., Szurmiński, Ł., & Łoszewska‑Ołowska, M. (2022a). Poland: Risks and opportunities related to media and journalism studies (2000–2020). Case study on the national research and monitoring capabilities. In Studies on national media research capability as a contextual domain of the sources of ROs (pp. 346–374). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-1/pol/

Głowacki, M., Gajlewicz‑Korab, K., Mikucki, J., Szurmiński, Ł., & Łoszewska‑Ołowska, M. (2022b). Poland: Critical junctures in the media transformation process. In Country case studies on critical junctures in the media transformation process in four domains of potential ROs (2000–2020) (pp. 399–427). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-2/pol/

Gottwald, F., Kaltenbrunner, A., & Karmasin, M. (2006). Medienselbstregulierung zwischen Ökonomie und Ethik: Erfolgsfaktoren für ein österreichisches Modell [Media self-regulation between economics and ethics: Success factors for an Austrian model]. LIT.

Hallin, D. C., & Mancini, P. (2004). Comparing media systems: Three models of media and politics. Cambridge University Press.

Hallin, D. C., & Mancini, P. (Eds.). (2012). Comparing media systems beyond the Western world. Cambridge University Press.

Harro‑Loit, H., & Eberwein, T. (2024). News media monitoring capabilities in 14 European countries: Problems and best practices. Media and Communication, 12(1). DOI: 10.17645/mac.7199

Harro‑Loit, H., Lauk, E., Kõuts, R., Parder, M.-L., & Loit, U. (2022). Estonia: Risks and opportunities related to media and journalism studies (2000–2020). Case study on the national research and monitoring capabilities. In Studies on national media research capability as a contextual domain of the sources of ROs (pp. 126–160). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-1/est

Kreutler, M., Eberwein, T., Fengler, S., Glowacki, M., Mikucki, J., Rožukalne, A., & Velinova, N. (2024). Media accountability and its contribution to deliberative communication in Europe: Recent trends and current practices. In Z. Peruško, E. Lauk & H. Harro‑Loit (Eds.), Media systems for deliberative communication: Risks and opportunities. Routledge.

Kreutler, M., & Fengler, S. (2022a). Germany: Risks and opportunities related to media and journalism studies (2000–2020). Case study on the national research and monitoring capabilities. In Studies on national media research capability as a contextual domain of the sources of ROs (pp. 161–189). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-1/deu

Kreutler, M., & Fengler, S. (2022b). Germany: Critical junctures in the media transformation process. In Country case studies on critical junctures in the media transformation process in four domains of potential ROs (2000–2020) (pp. 202–244). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-2/deu/

Kreutler, M., & Fengler, S. (2024). Media accountability: Global trends and European monitoring capabilities. Media and Communication, 12(1). DOI: 10.17645/mac.7256

Kurkowski, I. (2023). Roadmap für einen unabhängigen Presserat in Polen [Roadmap for an independent press council in Poland]. https://de.ejo-online.eu/pressefreiheit/roadmap-fuer-einen-unabhaengigen-presserat-in-polen

Laitila, T. (1995). Journalistic codes of ethics in Europe. European Journal of Communication, 10(4), 527–544.

Lauk, E., Harro‑Loit, H., Kõuts-Klemm, R., Parder, M.-L., & Loit, U. (2022). Estonia: Critical junctures in the media transformation process. In Country case studies on critical junctures in the media transformation process in four domains of potential ROs (2000–2020) (pp. 166–201). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-2/est/

Mayring, P. (2014). Qualitative content analysis: Theoretical foundation, basic procedures and software solution. https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-395173

McQuail, D. (2003). Media accountability and freedom of publication. Oxford University Press.

Mediadelcom. (2020). Critical exploration of media related risks and opportunities for deliberative communication: Development scenarios of the European media landscape. Project proposal.

Mediadelcom. (2022a). Approaching deliberative communication: Studies on monitoring capability and on critical junctures of media development in 14 EU countries. CS1, D-2.1. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-1/

Mediadelcom. (2022b). Approaching deliberative communication: Studies on monitoring capability and on critical junctures of media development in 14 EU countries. CS2, D-2.1. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-2/

Mediadelcom. (2023). Bibliographical data of media and journalism research related to risks and opportunities for deliberative communication in 14 countries (in 2000-2020). https://www.mediadelcom.eu/outreach/d22-biblio-database/

Perrault, M. F., & Perrault, G. P. (2021). Journalists on COVID-19 journalism: Communication ecology of pandemic reporting. American Behavioral Scientist, 65(7), 976–991. DOI: 10.1177/0002764221992813

Peruško, Z., & Vozab, D. (2022). Croatia: Risks and opportunities related to media and journalism studies (2000–2020). Case study on the national research and monitoring capabilities. In Studies on national media research capability as a contextual domain of the sources of ROs (pp. 65–100). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-1/hrv

Peruško, Z., Vozab, D., & Čuvalo, A. (2021). Comparing post-socialist media systems: The case of southeast Europe. Routledge.

Peruško, Z., Vozab, D., & Nenadić, I. (2022). Croatia: Critical junctures in the media transformation process. In Country case studies on critical junctures in the media transformation process in four domains of potential ROs (2000–2020) (pp. 82–141). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-2/hrv/

Piacentini, A., Splendore, S., Garusi, D., & Oller Alonso, M. (2022). Italy: Critical junctures in the media transformation process. In Country case studies on critical junctures in the media transformation process in four domains of potential ROs (2000–2020) (pp. 325–368). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-2/ita/

Polyák, G., Urbán, Á., & Szávai, P. (2022). Hungary: Risks and opportunities related to media and journalism studies (2000–2020). Case study on the national research and monitoring capabilities. In Studies on national media research capability as a contextual domain of the sources of ROs (pp. 213–260). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-1/hun

Pöttker, H., & Starck, K. (2003). Criss-crossing perspectives: Contrasting models of press self-regulation in Germany and the United States. Journalism Studies, 4(1), 47–64.

Psychogiopoulou, E., & Kandyla, A. (2022a). Greece: Risks and opportunities related to media and journalism studies (2000–2020). Case study on the national research and monitoring capabilities. In Studies on national media research capability as a contextual domain of the sources of ROs (pp. 190–212). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-1/grc

Psychogiopoulou, E., & Kandyla, A. (2022b). Greece: Critical junctures in the media transformation process. In Country case studies on critical junctures in the media transformation process in four domains of potential ROs (2000–2020) (pp. 245–278). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-2/grc/

Puppis, M. (2009). Organisationen der Medienselbstregulierung: Europäische Presseräte im Vergleich [Organizations of media self-regulation: European press councils in comparison]. Halem.

Quandt, T., & Wahl‑Jorgensen, K. (2021). The Coronavirus Pandemic as a critical moment for digital journalism. Digital Journalism, 9(9), 1199–1207. DOI: 10.1080/21670811.2021.1996253

Raycheva, L., Zankova, B., Miteva, N., Velinova, N., & Metanova, L. (2022a). Bulgaria: Risks and opportunities related to media and journalism studies (2000–2020). Case study on the national research and monitoring capabilities. In Studies on national media research capability as a contextual domain of the sources of ROs (pp. 34–64). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-1/blg

Raycheva, L., Zankova, B., Miteva, N., Velinova, N., & Metanova, L. (2022b). Bulgaria: Critical junctures in the media transformation process. In Country case studies on critical junctures in the media transformation process in four domains of potential ROs (2000–2020) (pp. 37–81). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-2/bgr/

Richards, I. (2011). The dilemma of trust. In R. S. Fortner & P. M. Fackler (Eds.), The handbook of global communications and media ethics (pp. 247–262). Wiley‑Blackwell.

Rožukalne, A., Skulte, I., & Stakle, A. (2022a). Latvia: Risks and opportunities related to media and journalism studies (2000–2020). Case study on the national research and monitoring capabilities. In Studies on national media research capability as a contextual domain of the sources of ROs (pp. 311–345). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-1/lva

Rožukalne, A., Skulte, I., & Stakle, A. (2022b). Latvia: Critical junctures in the media transformation process. In Country case studies on critical junctures in the media transformation process in four domains of potential ROs (2000–2020) (pp. 369–398). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-2/lva/

Splendore, S., Garusi, D., & Oller Alonso, M. (2022). Italy: Risks and opportunities related to media and journalism studies (2000–2020). Case study on the national research and monitoring capabilities. In Studies on national media research capability as a contextual domain of the sources of ROs (pp. 261–310). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-1/ita

Urbán, Á., Polyák, G., & Szávai, P. (2022). Hungary: Critical junctures in the media transformation process. In Country case studies on critical junctures in the media transformation process in four domains of potential ROs (2000–2020) (pp. 279–324). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-2/hun/

Vīķe-Freiberga, V., Däubler‑Gmelin, H., Hammersley, B., & Poiares Pessoa Maduro, L. M. (2013). A free and pluralistic media to sustain European democracy. The report of the High Level Group on Media Freedom and Pluralism. https://ec.europa.eu/information_society/media_taskforce/doc/pluralism/hlg/hlg_final_report.pdf

Vilović, G. (2009). Veliki napori, slabi rezultati. MediAnali, 3(6), 233–238. https://hrcak.srce.hr/44552

Waschková Císařová, L., Jansová, I., & Motal, J. (2022a). Czechia: Risks and opportunities related to media and journalism studies (2000–2020). Case study on the national research and monitoring capabilities. In Studies on national media research capability as a contextual domain of the sources of ROs (pp. 101–125). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-1/cze

Waschková Císařová, L., Jansová, I., & Motal, J. (2022b). Czechia: Critical junctures in the media transformation process. In Country case studies on critical junctures in the media transformation process in four domains of potential ROs (2000–2020) (pp. 142–165). Mediadelcom. https://www.mediadelcom.eu/publications/d21-case-study-2/cze/

Wiedemann, V. (1992). Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle der Presse [Voluntary self-regulation of the press]. Bertelsmann Stiftung.

Zimmermann, A., & Kraus, D. (2007). Begleitprojekt zur Implementierung von Selbstkontrolle in Österreichs Printmedien: Entwicklung von Rahmenbedingungen und Organisationsformen [Accompanying project for the implementation of self-regulation in Austria’s print media: Development of a framework and organizational forms]. Medienhaus Wien.

Research With(out) Values: Institutionalization and Impact of Media Accountability as an Academic Field

Authors

Keywords:

Abstract

References

Downloads

Published

How to Cite

Issue

Section

License

Most read articles by the same author(s)

Make a Submission

Information