Key research themes
1. How do evolving journalistic roles in diverse political and cultural contexts shape the nature and independence of journalism?
This research area investigates the dynamic roles journalists embody across different political systems and cultural environments, moving beyond Western democratic frameworks. It addresses how journalists navigate political and everyday life demands, particularly in non-democratic or hybrid regimes, and how these roles impact journalistic independence and the broader media landscape. Understanding these roles is essential because they reflect journalism's societal functions and reveal challenges to independence, especially under pressures like censorship, clientelism, and political control.
2. What are the impacts of funding models and technological changes on the autonomy and sustainability of independent journalism?
This theme focuses on how external funding sources and digital technological innovations affect journalistic practices, autonomy, and institutional viability. It includes analyzing philanthropic foundation funding’s influence on content boundaries and roles, as well as the pressures of digital transformation on newsroom labor, values, and professional identities. It further explores the survival strategies independent journalists adopt, including new media forms and transmedia storytelling, in politically repressive or resource-scarce environments.
3. How do independent journalism practices and grassroots media contribute to civic engagement and democratic accountability?
This research theme examines the role of independent and alternative journalism, including community media, grassroots initiatives, and investigative journalism, in fostering civic participation, providing representation for marginalized voices, and performing watchdog functions in democratic societies. It investigates their capacity to generate political and social impact where mainstream media may be failing, highlighting challenges and innovations in framing, content production, and media policy enabling or constraining such contributions.