Boucas, D. and Iosifides, P. 2020. Alternative digital journalism in Greece under conditions of austerity. in: Veneti, A. and Karatzogianni, A. (ed.) The Emerald Handbook of Digital Media in Greece Emerald Publishing Limited. pp. 143-158
| Chapter title | Alternative digital journalism in Greece under conditions of austerity |
|---|---|
| Authors | Boucas, D. and Iosifides, P. |
| Editors | Veneti, A. and Karatzogianni, A. |
| Abstract | This chapter investigates how alternative digital journalism operates in the broader context of the austerity economy in Greece. Using as a background the historical interweaving of interests between economic power, political power and media, the chapter explores the current state of digital journalism in Greece and whether it can flourish and serve the ideals of independence, objectivity and pluralism. The internet provides new possibilities for pluralism in journalism and gives rise to alternative media outlets that purport objectivity and independence from vested economic interests (e.g. advertising) and political pressures. However, the financial sustainability of such ventures is questionable and the regulatory framework in a heavily concentrated Greek media ecology weak or non-existing. In this chapter we examine the origins and mission statements of selected cases of alternative digital media outlets/projects, as well as their financing sources and business models. We then discuss sustainability issues and the limits to alternative digital journalism. Our empirical data derive from desktop research, short structured interviews with academics and longer semi-structured interviews with key actors of alternative digital media. |
| Keywords | digital journalism |
| alternative media | |
| clientelism | |
| austerity | |
| Book title | The Emerald Handbook of Digital Media in Greece |
| Page range | 143-158 |
| Year | 2020 |
| Publisher | Emerald Publishing Limited |
| Publication dates | |
| Published in print | 22 Oct 2020 |
| ISBN | 9781839824012 |
| File |