Competing Models of Journalism? Anglo-American and European Reporting in the Information Age

Abstract

Anglo-American values and methods dominate our understanding of contemporary journalism. European journalism is seen as gradually importing Anglo-American practice, style and form in the twentieth century. The European model of journalism is portrayed as regressive, resistant to giving up the old ways – a model of how not to practice the profession. This article examines the features that distinguish the European model, including the close relationship with the political world, the focus on commentary, interpretation and advocacy and the commitment to ‘literary’ writing. It argues that in spite of the differences in how journalism is practiced in various European countries it is possible to identify a form of journalism, which is more literary, political and intellectual in its approach. The distinctiveness of this approach is being eroded with the incorporation of Anglo-American values and practices into education programmes, the commercialisation of the industry and the process of globalisation. However, the extent of which journalism in Europe is replicating the Anglo-American model is open to question. The European tradition remains firmly entrenched, especially in some countries such as France, Italy and Spain. It is also argued that the European model is becoming more relevant in the attempt of the profession to adjust to the complexities and changes of the information age.