Finland belongs to a list of countries that Hallin and Mancini place in the group of the ‘Democratic Cororatist’ model. (quoted after Hovden 2009, p.149; Hujanen 2009, p. 2) The central elements of this group are high newspaper circulation, strong professionalism and state intervention. They rose from a history of “early democratization, consensus-based governments, a history of democratic corporatism and a strong welfare state.” (quoted after Hovden 2009, p.149) These elements show clearly when taking a look at the Finnish history. Newspapers were born as political organs around 1900. 1917 Finland declared its independence and the welfare state has been built up until today. The era of newspapers as political organs ended only at the end of the 1990s and was followed by a non-political news policy. In combination to this change, in the 1950s the development of commercial media markets began and continues until today. One of the consequences of this was that the newspapers owned by media chains have to fulfil profit expectations. (Hujanen 2009, p.2) Finland has had different media eras, but the question is which cycle we are experiencing now? The media landscapes everywhere are moving, being discussed and worried about- therefore it might be the ‘era of change and challenges’. Like Ann Axelsson says, “the only certainty in our industry [the newspaper industry, A/N] is the incertitude.” (Das Magazin 2009)
One major discussion focuses on the role of journalists. Therefore this essay will explore the situation in Finland, focusing on questions and developments introduced by the beginning of the so called ‘digital age’. The core will consist of issues concerning newspaper journalist since the public and scientific discussions concentrate often around the possible death of newspapers and the new requirements for newspaper journalists.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Changes and challenges.
3. Possible answers
4. Conclusion
5. References
Research Objectives and Themes
This essay explores the shifting landscape of journalism in Finland during the early digital age, examining the challenges faced by newspaper journalists and the industry as it navigates the transition toward online media while maintaining traditional societal roles.
- The impact of digital transformation on traditional newspaper journalism.
- Evolving professional identities and required new skill sets for journalists.
- Balancing market-oriented journalism with the duty to serve the public sphere.
- The changing relationship between professional newsrooms and audiences.
- Strategies for adapting newspaper business models in a converged media environment.
Excerpt from the Book
2. Changes and challenges
It is not only the internet that gave birth to those challenges but it has both accelerated and enforced some of those developments and changes while also causing some new ones. Decreasing subscription, audience fragmentation, new reading traditions, grassroots journalism, user-generated content and convergence are some of the keywords. Mostly there are several aspects that cause the change, not only the ones initiated by the internet but also cultural, social and economic ones.
One of the most obvious developments that made newspapers realize they need to (re-)act are the decreasing readership and subscription numbers- even if the situation in Finland is not as alarming as in other continues. This development started in the recessions of the 1990s and continues with the recession today which also resulted in dropping advertisement income. The processes were fuelled again by the internet. (Hujanen 2009, p. 1) Especially in the younger generations the media traditions change. They do not subscribe to newspapers anymore because they are used to accessing news and information through the internet. Other socio-cultural factors like dislocation and temporality also create new traditions. In cities the number of one-person households is increasing and people in this living situation are less likely to subscribe to a newspaper. Those developments along with rising costs force newspapers to look out for new concepts and resources. (Hujanen 2009, p. 1; Jyrkiäinen 2004, 2006)
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the historical context of the Finnish media landscape, defining it as a ‘Democratic Corporatist’ model and introducing the shift toward the digital age.
2. Changes and challenges.: Discusses the factors disrupting the industry, including audience fragmentation, new reading habits, and the economic pressures forcing newspapers to adapt.
3. Possible answers: Explores potential survival strategies, such as hybridizing editorial content and improving the interactive relationship between journalists and readers.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes the findings, arguing that while the industry is in a state of transformation, traditional newspapers remain relevant through a necessary compromise between market needs and societal duties.
5. References: Provides the bibliographical sources and citations used throughout the essay.
Keywords
Journalism, Finland, Digital Age, Newspaper, Media Landscape, Convergence, Audience Fragmentation, Professionalism, Public Sphere, Grassroots Journalism, User-Generated Content, Market-Oriented Journalism, Digital Transformation, Reader-Relationship, Media Policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this essay?
The essay examines the challenges encountered by Finnish newspaper journalists due to the emergence of the digital era and changing societal expectations.
What are the core thematic areas?
The main themes include the shift in media consumption, the professional identity of journalists, the evolution of business models, and the role of the internet in media convergence.
What is the central research question?
The work aims to understand how Finnish journalism is adapting to the "digital age" and how it reconciles traditional journalistic values with modern market and technological demands.
Which scientific method is applied?
The author uses a qualitative literature review approach, synthesizing existing studies, media reports, and academic research on the Finnish media environment.
What is the focus of the main content chapters?
The main sections analyze the structural changes in the newspaper industry, the rise of user-generated content, and strategies for maintaining public relevance in a fragmented media market.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include journalism, digital transition, media convergence, public sphere, and audience fragmentation.
How does the author characterize the 'Democratic Corporatist' model?
It is defined by high newspaper circulation, strong journalistic professionalism, and significant state intervention in the media sector.
What does the author suggest about the future of printed newspapers?
The author concludes that while printed newspapers are facing challenges, they are not dead; rather, they must evolve into a symbiotic relationship with online platforms to stay relevant.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Nina Ratavaara (Autor:in), 2009, Journalism in the digital era, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/178935
