Journalistic Role Perceptions in Public Health Crises

• In Event: Covering Science and Health

Abstract

Journalistic role perceptions have been extensively studied in general contexts. However, recent studies indicate, that journalists working in varying news beats or subgenres, covering specific stories, differ regarding the importance they assign to journalistic roles and the professional standards they endorse. Despite journalism’s key function in a public health crisis, to date very little is known as to how journalists themselves understand their roles and how their roles – or their prioritization – may shift in this context. The aim of this study was an in-depth exploration of journalists’ role perceptions in health crises coverage, including differences between crisis and non-crisis contexts, and general versus specialist reporters. We conducted 22 in-depth interviews with reporters experienced in health crisis reporting, in Germany and Finland. We identified three themes: meaning beyond facts, stance towards authorities, and care for audiences. During crises, journalistic roles shift (e.g., from watchdog to co-operative), and distinct roles emerged.

Authors

• Celine Klemm, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

• Enny Henrica Das, Radboud University Nijmegen

• Tilo Hartmann, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam