Newcomers conserving the old: Transformation processes in the field of news journalism

Abstract

As new actors become online news producers in a changing media landscape, questions about field transformation are raised. This paper adds to institutional theory on how novel actors are incorporated into mature organizational fields and change structures of domination. We explore online news flow in the Swedish media and blogosphere about an executive remuneration program. The findings demonstrate that novel actors are incorporated into the field of news journalism, as key actors with dominant positions invite them to participate. Newcomers remain peripheral and lack the capacity to alter field positions. Structures of domination are not altered; instead, positions of key field actors are strengthened. Newcomers in mature fields serve as forces not only for transformation, but also conservation.