The J Word 4.2: How Free are Journalists?

In this episode, we discuss not just how free journalists are across the globe, but how we can better understand the complications of journalistic autonomy. In other words, we ask, “What types of freedoms are there for journalists?” Guests include Cláudia Álvares, Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at ISCTE: Lisbon University Institute in Portugal, who discusses “journalistic freedom” from political partisanship, while Signe Ivask, a Postdoctoral Researcher at Masaryk University in the Czech Republic, examines the role of journalistic autonomy and “freedom” in making tough editorial decisions, specifically in publishing visuals of violence and death. Basyouni Hamada, Professor in the Department of Mass Communication at Qatar University, in Qatar, also discusses of one of the most recognized aspects of journalistic freedom and autonomy – physical safety.


Text Featured in this Episode:

Alvares, C., Cardoso, G., Crespo, M., & Pinto-Martinho, A. (2021). Seeking the Legitimation of Mainstream Journalism: A Portuguese Case-Study. Journalism Practice, 1-16.

Ivask, S., Laak, B., & Kuulpak, K. (2021). “All by Myself?” Journalists’ Routines and Decision-making in Gathering and Publishing Death-related Visuals. Journalism Practice, 1-17.

Hamada, B. I. (2021). Determinants of Journalists’ Autonomy and Safety: Evidence from the Worlds of Journalism Study. Journalism Practice, 1-21.

Produced and hosted by Robert (Ted) Gutsche, Jr.

Give feedback to the podcast on Twitter @JournPractice or email jwordpodcast@gmail.com