Changing the Beat? Local Online Newsmaking in Finland, France, Germany, Portugal, and the U.K

Abstract

ABSTRACT Local news organizations are adapting their newsroom routines to better respond to a digital readership. These models feature different levels of online integration, but all aim to restructure newsroom responsibilities to ensure editorial and economic sustainability. This study uses a cross-national approach to assess how roles and structures in local and regional newsrooms are changing in the digital environment. In-depth interviews with managers, editors, and journalists in five countries (Finland, France, Germany, Portugal, and the U.K.) reveal how their newsroom structures have adapted for the production of digital content; how they have changed their newsroom cultures to better reflect a digital-first mind-set and changing audience preferences; the role of newsroom leaders in implementing these changes and equipping staff members to respond to digital disruption; and changes to journalists’ roles and responsibilities, including new beat assignments, the use of new digital tools, and the creation of entirely new positions. The findings shed light on ways local and regional news organizations are defying their institutional nature and innovating by restructuring their internal and external practices and rethinking their news products to appeal to digital audiences.