In the Grip of Politics? How Political Journalists in France and Germany Perceive Political Influence

• In Event: Journalistic Autonomy and Perceived Influences

Abstract

This study investigates how high-ranking political journalists in France and Germany perceive strength of political influence on their work. The journalists’ assessments were collected in a quantitative survey (N = 284) using equivalent measures. Two forms of influence are distinguished: influence on political coverage and influence flowing from the exigency of having political orientations in line with political sources for successful interaction. The study probed several hypotheses pertaining to determinants of perceived influence. Journalists’ individual characteristics and the national context were relevant for explaining the perceptions. The most interesting findings are, first, that contact with PR staff rather than with elected politicians inspires the journalists’ feelings of being influenced. Second, the French context, which was expected to foster perceived political influence, did so only with respect to perceived influence on the coverage but reduced such perceptions as regards interactions. Role conceptions also mattered but the type of medium did not.

Author

• Peter Maurer, U of Vienna