Mapping Change in Journalism: How Journalists in Germany, Austria and Switzerland Perceive the Transformation of News Making

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Thomas Hanitzsch
• Subject Area: Communication Sciences
• Term: from 2013 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 240803906

The principal purpose of the research project is to help journalism researchers, policy makers and practitioners better understand the changes that are taking place in the professional orientations of journalists, the constraints under which they work, as well as the social functions of journalism in a changing world. Such a study is especially relevant during a time of dramatic transformations taking place within the institution of journalism. The study therefore aims to assess the state of journalism in Germany, Austria and Switzerland - in relative comparison and in contrast to other societies around the world; to trace changes over time; to detect and map the constraints and influences that shape journalists' work; and to assess the principal factors that shape journalism in the three countries. Another goal is to coordinate ongoing empirical efforts of studying journalists in Germany, Austria and Switzerland; to create a timely data infrastructure on the state of journalism and changes within the profession for use in further research and the public domain; as well as to foster international collaboration in journalism research between and beyond Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In addition to contributing to scientific knowledge about journalism, the study therefore aspires to provide a service to the field of practice.Conceptually and methodologically, the study is embedded within the larger comparative framework of the Worlds of Journalism Study, which is a global research endeavor to regularly assess the state of journalism throughout the world. Under the leadership of the main applicant, the Worlds of Journalism Study has brought together researchers from about 90 countries. A second wave of parallelized surveys is currently being carried out until the end of 2014.Research in Germany, Austria and Switzerland will be carried out on the basis on a unified research framework. The methodological procedure consists of four major modules: the estimation of the population, interviews with journalists, data consolidation and data analysis, as well as dissemination and outreach. In order to achieve the study's goals, between 850 and 1100 interviews with journalists will be conducted via telephone (CATI) with the help of student research assistants in each of the three countries. The envisaged period of data collection is September to December 2014. Towards the end of the project, we will also organize an international conference in Munich involving researchers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, as well as leading experts in the field. Furthermore, the conference will be opened up to a larger international audience, with a competitive call for papers issued to attract additional attendees working on changes in journalism.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Austria, Switzerland
• Partner Organisation: Fonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung (FWF); Schweizerischer Nationalfonds (SNF)
• Participating Persons: Dr. Josef Seethaler; Professor Dr. Vinzenz Wyss