A new symbiosis? Opportunities and challenges to hyperlocal journalism in the digital age

Carson, Andrea; Müller, Denis; Martin, Jennifer; Simons, Margaret

doi:10.1177/1329878x16648390

Cited by 27 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…While legacy media have lost resources, new symbiotic relationships have formed between journalists and non-media news providers, thereby adding to the functioning of a democratic society (Carson et al, 2016). Although there is new technological optimism about democratic renewal due to a collaborative network, researchers urge a more cautious approach when it comes to networking democracy (Loader & Mercea, 2011).…”

Section: Concluding Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Local Democracy and the Media

Jangdal

2019

Nordicom Review

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Local news media in Western countries are undergoing major changes, including cutbacks, centralisation and consolidation. In this study, Sweden has been scanned to map the presence of digital hyperlocal media and to investigate which online channels of communication they offer their readers, in order to determine their set-up for democratic functions. The results reveal that very few hyperlocals are positioned in rural areas; instead, the majority of them favour metropolitan or urban municipalities. The hyperlocal media presence on social networks is limited to a few platforms, and about half of the hyperlocals offer commentary fields on their news sites. As the democratic structure varies, coupled with the fact that hyperlocals favour high-density population municipalities where traditional media already exist, this study indicates that the democracy dialogue in the local public sphere may be at risk.

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Section: Concluding Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Local Democracy and the Media

Jangdal

2019

Nordicom Review

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“…We can consider this in the context of what Chadwick (2017) calls a ‘hybrid media system’, in which journalists routinely mobilise digital media to both source and circulate news content. This may be understood as part of a broader response by journalists to cutbacks by furthering ‘symbiotic relationships’ with ‘hyperlocal entities to produce public interest news for local communities’ (Carson et al, 2016: 144). As this can include state representatives such as the police, we may consider the extent to which such relations conceptually overlap with surveillant assemblages (Haggerty and Ericson, 2000), in which data collection practices are effected through temporarily sustained networks of institutionally and contextually dispersed actors.…”

Section: Reconciling Vigilante Practices and The Pressmentioning

confidence: 99%

Confronting the digital mob: Press coverage of online justice seeking

Trottier

2020

European Journal of Communication

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This article offers an exploratory account of press coverage of digitally mediated vigilantism. It considers how the UK press renders these events visible in a sustained and meaningful way. News reports and editorials add visibility to these events, and also make them more tangible when integrating content from social media platforms. In doing so, this coverage directs attention to a range of social actors, who may be perceived as responsible for these kinds of developments. In considering how other social actors are presented in relation to digital vigilantism, this study focusses on press accounts of those either initiating or being targeted by online denunciations, and also on a broader and often amorphous range of spectators to such events, often referred to as ‘internet mobs’. Relatedly, this article explores how specific practices related to digital vigilantism such as denunciation are expressed in press coverage, as well as coverage of motivations by the public to either participate or facilitate such practices. Reflecting on how the press represent mediated denunciation will illustrate not only how tabloids and broadsheets frame such practices, but also how they take advantage of connective and data-generating affordances associated with social platforms.

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“…Democratic functions are not necessarily limited to traditional news media but can be fulfilled by social media and hyperlocal news platforms. Digital media are challenging the underlying, long-held principles of journalistic objectivity, which were once central to legacy media's methodology (Carson, Muller, Martin, & Simons, 2016).…”

Section: Interdependence and Network Of Hyperlocal Media Entrepreneursmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hyperlocal Journalism and PR: Diversity in Roles and Interactions

Jangdal

Cepaite-Nilsson

Stúr

2019

(OBS*)

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Hyperlocal media has repeatedly been framed as a potential saviour of local journalism, but the democratic and civic role that often is ascribed to hyperlocals is not obvious or uncomplicated. The hyperlocals' vulnerable economic situation makes them dependent on free content, for example material produced by local councils or organizations. This paper investigates the role of hyperlocal media entrepreneurs and their interaction with local councils and other stakeholders. We examine how the hyperlocal media entrepreneurs supply their communities with news in places of a media void, and how they perceive their role in their communities. Findings from this qualitative study show that the media entrepreneurs view their news production as an important part of the local community. They provide a forum for debate and information for citizens, local governments and organizations. Their service also includes a channel for local events relevant for the community. The interactions with the local governments vary, as well as the hyperlocal entrepreneurs' evaluation of how the information provided by the councils can or should be handled. The relation between hyperlocal media entrepreneurs and local governments is a complex process, including both interrelated and contradictory goals.

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A new symbiosis? Opportunities and challenges to hyperlocal journalism in the digital age

Cited by 27 publications

References 19 publications

Local Democracy and the Media

Local Democracy and the Media

Confronting the digital mob: Press coverage of online justice seeking

Hyperlocal Journalism and PR: Diversity in Roles and Interactions

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