Rethinking the Economic Foundations of Journalism in Contemporary Media Systems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26441/RC25.2-2026-4678Keywords:
media economics, political economy of media, media systems, journalism, sustainabilityAbstract
This article explores how perceptions and analysis of journalism economics have changed in the past 75 years, how economic factors supporting journalism have changed in contemporary media systems globally and how those changes have created different and similar effects in varying systems. It reveals why understanding economic foundations is central to comprehending the nature of changes and the threats and opportunities they present for the practice of journalism.
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