Characteristics And Attitudes Of Australia’s Finance Journalists

Abstract

The approxiniately 200 financial journalists employed by mainstream Australian news media have a paramount role in setting the agenda for public debate in the economic area, yet little is known about the nature of this important group. This study report; on the occupational characteristics and professional values of finance specialists, drawing on data from a comprehensive national survey of Australian journalists. It is found that in comparison with their colleagues, finance journalists are better paid, better educated and more likely to be from middle class socio-economic backgrounds. They are somewhat cynical, critical of news media performance, and are more inclined to classify themselves as left-leaning than right-wing. Most have observed improper managerial interference in the newsroom, and support government regulation of media. The results of this study may provide a framework for analysis of media coverage of finance and the economy.