High expectations. The watchdog ideal of Swedish journalists

• Swedish media have for a long time been characterised by a strong public service tradition, stressing the democratic role of journalism. However, the last two decades the news production has changed dramatically. An explosion of new market driven channels, new technology and increasing profit demands have had considerable effects on journalistic everyday practice. Professional boundaries and the legitimacy of journalism are at stake and journalistic ideals play an important part in maintaining status quo. But can journalism fulfil its democratic tasks? What do the journalists think? This paper will answer two questions: 1) what professional ideals are maintained by Swedish journalists? And 2) what part does the scrutinising watchdog ideal play in current changes of the news industry and a possibly changing role of journalism?

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Medie- och kommunikationsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Media and Communications (hsv//eng)

Keyword

journalism

professional ideals

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kon (subject category)