The Web 2.0 Within Journalistic Research: Examining the Role of Web 2.0 Platforms in Comparison to Conventional Sources and the Relationship Between Web 2.0 Affinity and Journalistic Role Perception

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session and Reception
  In Interactive Paper Session: Journalism Studies Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

The study uses a sample of the members of the German Federation of Journalists to examine the integration of Web 2.0 platforms into journalistic research. Thereby the relationship between the affinity concerning Web 2.0 platforms and conventional sources and the suitability of Web 2.0 platforms for offering several uses in comparison to other sources is analyzed. Furthermore it investigates a potential linkage between Web 2.0 affinity and journalistic role perceptions as well as the identification with specific tasks. The findings indicate that Web 2.0 platforms function as an extension of the journalistic source spectrum and offer specific uses for which several other sources are not suitable to the same degree. Beyond that, greater Web 2.0 affinity comes along with greater identification with advice and service-oriented communication purposes, a critical-advocacy role perception and a greater identification with several journalistic tasks which gained in importance in the course of digitization of society.

Author

• Luisa Bauer, Technical U Dresden