Sources in the News

TLDR

The study examines how the number, diversity, and range of news sources shape the media’s role in democratic citizenship, noting that prior research has focused on individual national systems while cross‑national comparisons can deepen understanding. The authors aim to identify country‑level differences in quoted sources, determine consistent media‑type sourcing patterns, and trace emerging patterns across organizational types and countries. The analysis draws on data from the “Media System, Political Context and Informed Citizenship” comparative project covering 11 countries. Results reveal significant variations in sourcing practices across media and countries, challenging common generalizations and underscoring the value of comparative research for strengthening the media’s role in informed citizenship.

Abstract

In analysing the news media's role in serving the functions associated with democratic citizenship, the number, diversity and range of news sources are central. Research conducted on sources has overwhelmingly focused on individual national systems. However, studying variations in news source patterns across national environments enhances understanding of the media's role. This article is based on a larger project, “Media System, Political Context and Informed Citizenship: A Comparative Study”, involving 11 countries. It seeks, first, to identify differences between countries in the sources quoted in the news; second, to establish whether there are consistent differences across countries between types of media in their sourcing patterns; and, third, to trace any emergent consistent patterns of variation between different types of organization across different countries. A range of findings related to news media source practices is discussed that highlights variations and patterns across different media and countries, thereby questioning common generalizations about the use of sources by newspapers and public service broadcasters. Finally, a case is made for comparative media research that helps enhance the news media's key role as a social institution dedicated to informed citizenship.