Forschungsprojekt ::

Symposium "Change in Journalism"

Projektbeschreibung

Journalism is frequently referred to as the “life-blood of a democracy”. As a result of digitization as well as both economic and social influences, it is undergoing a radical upheaval – with as yet unforeseeable effects on democracy. There is a wide range of different opinions on the transformation that is being undergone by journalism – both in public debate and in scientific research: The diagnoses range from major opportunities to demise.

We see two problem areas in research: (1) At international level individual studies on individual phenomena are available that, regarded in an isolated fashion, give rise to more questions than they give answers to the big questions concerning the complex transformation. (2) In view of the different national media systems and journalistic traditions, it is advisable to start by carrying out intensive national investigations of the journalistic transformation in order to obtain a basis for an international comparison. Large-scale research projects are being conducted in the USA, Switzerland and Austria, but these are not linked. There is a complete absence of monitoring in Germany.

These deficits shall be addressed at the Symposium: In the first two days, the urgently needed international networking will take place – with the objective to develop new scientific ideas and innovative research perspectives. On the third day, we shall turn the spotlight on Germany: The aim here is to draw conclusions for the investigation of the change in journalism in Germany, and to develop corresponding methods.

The conference format is designed to allow an intensive exchange of views and information between 30 to 35 participants who were specifically selected on the basis of their expertise. All (leading researchers, junior scientists) shall participate with input contributions; each panel offers sufficient time for discussion. In the invitations, we have tasked everyone with the preparation of questions and methods that can be used to investigate the change in journalism, and thus with the development of perspectives for the field of research.

The fact that all approached experts spontaneously agreed to participate shows the relevance of this conference format. The symposium will be documented on a conference website and provide input for further research. In the long term we want to use the results to develop an application for a research project – with the objective to establish a system for monitoring the change in journalism in Germany.

From 16 to 18 September 2015, Schloss Herrenhausen, Hannover.