The Digital Journalism Literature and Normative Democratic Theory

• In Event: Normative Theories of Digital Journalism

Abstract

Through a comprehensive survey of the literature, this paper argues that four broad values underpin much of the work on digital journalism. First, and most prevalent, scholars argue that journalism should be participatory given the affordances of digital and social media. Second, and related, scholars argue that journalism should be deinstitutionalized, which entails breaking down professional jurisdiction. Third, scholars argue that journalism should be innovative to keep pace with technological change and the uncertain and highly precarious media business. Finally, scholars argue that journalists should be entrepreneurial, which entails being able to be self-starters. We conclude by arguing that normative theorizing around digital journalism has not fully grappled with the ways these values may undermine the diversity of voices and arguments in the public sphere, the quality of public discussion, the social responsibility and institutional power of the professional press, and the conditions of media work.

Authors

• Daniel Kreiss, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• Jonathan Scott Brennen, U of North Carolina - Chapel Hill