Neutral Observers or Advocates for Societal Transformation? Role Orientations of Constructive Journalists in Germany

Abstract

Since the 2010s, a new type of journalism has emerged, especially in North America and Western Europe, called constructive journalism. Its basic idea is to complement classic problem-centered reporting by covering problem-solving approaches that could inspire the recipients. It has been harshly criticized, especially for its alleged proximity to advocacy or activism. To clarify the role orientations of the protagonists of this trend, a survey of all German journalists that call themselves constructive or solution-oriented was conducted (n = 79). The results show that constructive journalists are as diverse in age as the total of all journalists in Germany, but tend to be more women journalists, freelancers, formally higher educated, and politically leaning toward green and left-wing positions. Regarding role orientations, the field of constructive journalism not only represents a new facet of the entire journalistic field but also consists of several nuanced approaches itself: In factor analysis, we found eight role dimensions, of which the most important were the Social Integrator, the Transformation Agent, the Active Watchdog, the Emotional Storyteller, and the Innovation Reporter. In comparison to the average German journalist, the German constructive journalist shows stronger ambitions to control political and business elites, to motivate people to participate, and to contribute to social change. This can be explained as a countermovement not only to a possible negativity bias in the news but also to an increased attitude of detachment in German newsrooms.

Constructive Journalistic Roles in Environments of Social Complexity and Political Crisis

“…By adopting these roles, journalists can contribute to fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry, ultimately strengthening democratic societies. Some of the journalistic roles proposed by Krüger et al (2022), Hermida and Mellado (2020), Standaert et al (2019, Abdenour et al (2018Abdenour et al ( , 2021, Dahmen et al (2019), Li (2023), Thier and Namkoong (2023), Mäder and Rinsdorf (2023), Vos (2018, 2017), Ojala and Pöyhtäri (2018), Hanitzsch et al (2016), Tandoc and Peters (2015), Mellado and Dalen (2014), and Dalen et al (2012) in their investigations have been taken and expanded, and particularly, they have been reoriented towards the explanatory and constructive nature of the journalism model that has been exposed in this work. Even some journalistic functions, such as contextualization, promotion of public interest, dialogue, and understanding, as well as motivation or inspiration to action and commitment to communities and societies, are considered fundamental beyond constructive journalism or solutions.…”

“…In Germany, constructive journalists have eight role dimensions, including the social integrator, transformation agent, Active Watchdog, Emotional Storyteller, and Innovation Reporter. Krüger et al (2022) found that these journalists aim to control political and business elites, motivate participation, and contribute to social change. They are not only solution-oriented but also work normatively, politicized, and attached to specific issues, and may also be watchdogs of political and business elites in a Western tradition.…”