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Volume 7
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Journal. Media, Volume 7, Issue 2 (June 2026) – 60 articles

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21 pages, 5478 KB  
Essay
Ritualizing Digital Media Use: A Conceptual Model of Digital Resilience Rituals in Information-Rich Environments
by László Balázs
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020130 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Viewed by 337
Abstract
This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework of digital resilience rituals in order to illuminate the ways in which media practices can be seen as adaptive responses to information stress in the context of the current digital communication environment. By incorporating the [...] Read more.
This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework of digital resilience rituals in order to illuminate the ways in which media practices can be seen as adaptive responses to information stress in the context of the current digital communication environment. By incorporating the theoretical perspectives of the concept of ritual communication and the theories of resilience and salutogenesis, the current study aims to reconceptualize the use of digital media as routinized and meaning-making practices. Algorithmically curated, information-rich environments generate continuous cognitive and affective demands, experienced as information stress. In response, users engage in ritualized media practices that structure attention, regulate emotional responses, and maintain a sense of control. The model identifies three types of digital resilience rituals: orientation rituals, emotional regulation rituals, and boundary-setting rituals. Conceptually, the framework links structural characteristics of the media environment with psychological resources, positioning ritualized practices as mediating mechanisms between environmental stressors and adaptive outcomes. By doing so, the study extends ritual communication theory toward adaptive regulation in digital contexts and offers a theoretically grounded basis for future empirical research on media practices, information stress, and resilience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ritual Functioning of Online Media)
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17 pages, 295 KB  
Article
Beyond the Problem: The Impact of Constructive News Reporting on the Perception of Societal Issues in The Netherlands
by Tineke Prins, Nadia Swijtink, Liesbeth Hermans and Niek Hietbrink
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020129 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Viewed by 110
Abstract
This study examined how exposure to constructive audiovisual news shapes people’s perception of societal issues in the Netherlands. An online experiment was conducted among 575 participants aged 18 to 90 years old. Participants were randomly assigned to watch an audiovisual news item, either [...] Read more.
This study examined how exposure to constructive audiovisual news shapes people’s perception of societal issues in the Netherlands. An online experiment was conducted among 575 participants aged 18 to 90 years old. Participants were randomly assigned to watch an audiovisual news item, either constructive or nonconstructive news, about plastic waste in the ocean or the Dutch housing market. The study investigated how these different reporting styles affected participants’ perceptions of the main message, their awareness of the seriousness of the societal issue, and their evaluation of the journalistic quality of the news report. Results showed that, contrary to critics’ concerns, constructive news did not reduce perceived problem awareness: participants across conditions reported similarly high levels of awareness regarding the seriousness of the issues presented. Perceived journalistic quality also remained high in both constructive and nonconstructive conditions, indicating that incorporating constructive elements did not compromise credibility. Furthermore, constructive news appeared to encourage a broader, more solution-oriented perspective, prompting participants to consider opportunities and future prospects. Importantly, this broader perspective did not come at the expense of perceived problem awareness or journalistic quality. Overall, the findings provide empirical support for the value of constructive journalism in the Dutch media context. Full article
23 pages, 1350 KB  
Article
Front-Page Environmental News Coverage and Implications for the Public Sphere: A Study Against the Backdrop of India’s G20 Presidency
by Sangeetha Unnithan
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020128 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 190
Abstract
This study examines front-page environmental news coverage in two prominent national newspapers against the backdrop of India’s G20 presidency. The study integrates agenda setting and framing theories with public sphere theory, to understand the implications of front-page coverage of environmental issues for the [...] Read more.
This study examines front-page environmental news coverage in two prominent national newspapers against the backdrop of India’s G20 presidency. The study integrates agenda setting and framing theories with public sphere theory, to understand the implications of front-page coverage of environmental issues for the public sphere. Following a mixed methodology, content analysis and frame analysis were conducted on a continuous six-month sample of the two newspapers, covering 180 days and 360 issues. A total of 435 front-page environmental stories were identified and analyzed. The findings reveal that front-page environmental reporting in the sampled newspapers spotlighted the severe environmental crises impacting the country, rather than the government’s sustainability-oriented and eco-centric discourse during the G20 presidency. Weather emerged as the most salient topic, followed by pollution. Foregrounding extreme weather and unusual weather patterns on the front page helped problematize weather events as a public concern. However, the disproportionate dominance of weather and pollution, along with an overreliance on routine sources, poor representation of source categories such as scientists/experts, and underutilization of data journalism reveal limitations in inclusive and rational deliberation on environmental issues. Problem-centric framing dominated the coverage, followed by adversarial narratives. Framing also overwhelmingly emphasized environment-related risks to humans while risks to nonhuman entities were marginalized, indicating anthropocentric tendencies in environmental coverage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Media, Journalism and Environmental Resilience)
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14 pages, 251 KB  
Article
Violence, Celebrity Culture, and Ritual: Dramatized Role-Playing in the Television Genre of Celebrity Boxing
by Ádám Guld
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020127 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 221
Abstract
Sports-based television formats combining competition, cooperation, and physical confrontation have long attracted large audiences. Since the 2000s reality television has increasingly adapted these elements, particularly through wrestling- and boxing-themed programs. This study examines the genre of celebrity boxing within the broader context of [...] Read more.
Sports-based television formats combining competition, cooperation, and physical confrontation have long attracted large audiences. Since the 2000s reality television has increasingly adapted these elements, particularly through wrestling- and boxing-themed programs. This study examines the genre of celebrity boxing within the broader context of contemporary media culture, with the aim of interpreting its popularity through perspectives from communication and media theory. The analysis applies a qualitative approach drawing on concepts such as the media violence and Carey’s and Couldry’s ritual model of communication and includes an empirical case study of the Hungarian television program Sztárbox. The findings suggest that celebrity boxing operates as a pseudo-sporting spectacle that combines media violence with celebrity culture to maintain audience attention, while its dramaturgy—following Barthes’ and Jenkins’ interpretations—relies heavily on simplified moral oppositions and dramatized role-playing. These elements function as micro-rituals that structure viewer engagement and contribute to collective meaning-making beyond mere entertainment. The study concludes that the appeal of celebrity boxing lies not only in the display of physical confrontation but in its ritualized narrative framework, which reinforces social and cultural interpretations of conflict, identity, and spectacle within the logic of contemporary media environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ritual Functioning of Online Media)
18 pages, 269 KB  
Article
Mental Health Risks for Journalists Covering Suicide in Times of Crisis
by Izabela Korbiel
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020126 - 14 Jun 2026
Viewed by 238
Abstract
According to the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), over one in every 100 deaths (1.3%) in 2019 was the result of suicide, yet suicide is a highly sensitive issue in the media and often a taboo. The field of communication research has [...] Read more.
According to the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), over one in every 100 deaths (1.3%) in 2019 was the result of suicide, yet suicide is a highly sensitive issue in the media and often a taboo. The field of communication research has very early recognized the relevance of coverage of suicide. One of the first manuals on journalistic work in 1925 elaborated on newsworthiness of suicide reporting. This paper draws on experiences of journalists who covered suicide cases during multiple crises. There is evidence that an interview is the most appropriate practice to research sensitive topics; thus, expert interviews and episodically ethnographic interviews inform this study. Additional data was collected for analysis during (participatory) observations. The presented article is an outcome of 29 interviews with journalists and mental health professionals in Greece, Spain and Bulgaria. In total, 36 h of interviews and 20 observation protocols were collected during 8 field trips and 5 weeks in total in the field. Most of the data refers to the financial crisis of 2015 and 2016—a period when suicide rates significantly increased. However, selected interviewees were interviewed again after 7–8 years during the post-pandemic time, brutal wars and the substantial cost of living crisis. Journalists who usually give a voice and platform to suicide survivors speak their own perspective and evaluate the impact it had on their mental health and well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health in the Headlines)
11 pages, 213 KB  
Article
Stretched Under Job-Related Stress—How Do Albanian Journalists Negotiate Their Workplace Challenges?
by Elira Canga
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020125 - 12 Jun 2026
Viewed by 185
Abstract
Journalism in Albania unfolds in a fragile media environment where political pressure, economic insecurity and intimidation are part of everyday professional life. This study examines how Albanian journalists experience job-related stress and how they cope with it. Using a qualitative design, the study [...] Read more.
Journalism in Albania unfolds in a fragile media environment where political pressure, economic insecurity and intimidation are part of everyday professional life. This study examines how Albanian journalists experience job-related stress and how they cope with it. Using a qualitative design, the study draws on 14 semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis to identify the main stressors and response strategies described by participants. Findings show that occupational stress is not episodic, but normalized within journalistic practice. Journalists reported three major stressors: political interference, financial precarity, and direct threats linked to reporting on crime and corruption. To manage these pressures, they relied on both problem-focused strategies, such as careful verification, legal consultation, and strategic reporting practices, and emotion-focused strategies, including peer support, emotional compartmentalization, and maintaining boundaries between work and family life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health in the Headlines)
16 pages, 301 KB  
Article
Duck and Cover: Journalists on Being “Enemies of the People” During Early Days of Trump’s “Fake News” World
by Leslie-Jean Thornton
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020124 - 11 Jun 2026
Viewed by 278
Abstract
The experiences of 48 U.S. journalists covering Donald Trump’s inaugural year as president in 2017 provide a contemporaneous account of being “enemies of the people” in a highly charged partisan environment. Using snowball sampling, participants were asked to respond via email during a [...] Read more.
The experiences of 48 U.S. journalists covering Donald Trump’s inaugural year as president in 2017 provide a contemporaneous account of being “enemies of the people” in a highly charged partisan environment. Using snowball sampling, participants were asked to respond via email during a period bookended by a Phoenix, Arizona, rally in which Trump berated news reporters for their coverage of demonstrations in Charlottesville, Virginia, and then, weeks later, posted disparaging “fake news” tweets. The social media barrage followed challenging news coverage of a devastating hurricane in the eastern United States. Responses came from journalists representing 41 news organizations (including broadcast, radio, cable, online, and print) in regions throughout the country. Qualitative reflexive thematic analysis surfaced deeply intertwined personal and professional concerns, suggesting a need to heighten awareness of the influence sustained trauma has on both personal and professional relationships. Their being labeled “fake” and “enemies of the people” might affect content and routine in ways that include self-censorship, sourcing, transparency, and degrees to which one would risk harm or emotional distress to cover a story. Toughing it out in the face of sustained and wounding attacks might create hidden psychological and professional time-bombs, putting journalists, journalism, and ultimately democracy, at risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health in the Headlines)
19 pages, 327 KB  
Article
Instagram Bios as Gateways of Virality and Influence: Signaling, Visibility, and Engagement Among Brazilian Sports Journalists
by Henrique Marques-Martins and José Sixto-García
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020123 - 11 Jun 2026
Viewed by 227
Abstract
In ecosystems of algorithmic visibility, Instagram bios operate as high salience microdiscourses of self-presentation and signaling. We examine whether observable bio attributes are associated with visibility and interaction among Brazilian sports journalists. We analyzed 151 public Instagram profiles (≥100,000 followers) and extracted bios [...] Read more.
In ecosystems of algorithmic visibility, Instagram bios operate as high salience microdiscourses of self-presentation and signaling. We examine whether observable bio attributes are associated with visibility and interaction among Brazilian sports journalists. We analyzed 151 public Instagram profiles (≥100,000 followers) and extracted bios and profile metadata via automated collection. Bio attributes (length, emojis, @mentions, hashtags, location, informational cues, and external links) were related to followers, average likes and comments, and engagement rate (primary outcome) using Spearman rank correlations under conservative interpretation. Emojis and mentions were near universal; links were common; hashtags and locations were rare. Associations were small and exploratory: personal information correlated negatively with followers; hashtags correlated positively with likes and comments but relied on five cases; and references to other platforms correlated negatively with engagement. Overall, bios appear to function mainly as signaling infrastructures, with any performance effects likely indirect and mediated by content practices and platform exposure within this ecosystem. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Headlines to Hashtags: Journalism and Storytelling in the Age of Virality and Influence)
19 pages, 317 KB  
Article
Afghanistan-Linked Publics in Germany: Digital Networks, Actors, and Narratives in a Post-Migration Society
by Kefa Hamidi, Ramin Kamangar and Abumoslem Khorasani
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020122 - 11 Jun 2026
Viewed by 346
Abstract
Research on migration and digital media has expanded, yet empirical knowledge about how digital network communication structures public interaction in post-migration contexts remains limited. In particular, little is known about the communicative arenas in which interaction becomes visible, the actors who gain interpretive [...] Read more.
Research on migration and digital media has expanded, yet empirical knowledge about how digital network communication structures public interaction in post-migration contexts remains limited. In particular, little is known about the communicative arenas in which interaction becomes visible, the actors who gain interpretive authority, and the recurring issues and narratives that stabilize meaning. This article addresses these gaps by examining Afghanistan-linked digital publics in Germany. Eight semi-structured interviews with key informants and a qualitative content analysis of selected TikTok accounts revealed that short-video platforms can function as central arenas of attention, where repeatedly recognized communicators become orientation points for audiences through sustained interaction. Communication stabilizes around recurring issues and narratives such as migration procedures, institutional encounters, Afghanistan-related political developments, and community conflicts, which connect everyday experiences in the country of residence to political, social, and cultural debates about Afghanistan—thereby bridging local and transnational references within shared communication networks. These environments function simultaneously as spaces of practical guidance, social orientation, and public dispute. Building on these insights, the article proposes a multidimensional model of digital diaspora communication that links communicative arenas, actors, and issues and narratives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Media, Local Voices: The Dynamics of Diversity)
19 pages, 812 KB  
Article
Conspiracy Hashtags and Pro-Trump Performative Communication on Instagram
by Alexei Anisin
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020121 - 9 Jun 2026
Viewed by 403
Abstract
This study investigates the function of hashtags as performative political communication on Instagram during the 2024–2025 U.S. presidential electoral cycle. Through computational web-scraping processes, a dataset of over 300,000 posts (N = 17,750) yielded hashtags that were categorized according to (1) pro-Trump terms [...] Read more.
This study investigates the function of hashtags as performative political communication on Instagram during the 2024–2025 U.S. presidential electoral cycle. Through computational web-scraping processes, a dataset of over 300,000 posts (N = 17,750) yielded hashtags that were categorized according to (1) pro-Trump terms and (2) conspiracy-theory terms. Eight hashtags include #blacksfortrump, #donaldtrump, #freemasonic, #illuminatis, #impeachbiden, #latinosfortrump, #MAGA, and #secretsocieties. They are analyzed through negative binomial regression on comment engagement. Results reveal that identity-affirming and partisan condemnation hashtags (#blacksfortrump, #MAGA, #impeachbiden) were associated with higher levels of digital interactions, whereas conspiracy hashtags were associated with lower levels of engagement. Specifically, the hashtags #freemasonic and #illuminatis show negative associations with engagement, while #secretsocieties slightly elevated engagement with pro-Trump anti-elite narratives. These results indicate that not all forms of political communication are equally effective in mobilizing interactions on Instagram. Comment engagement was driven more heavily by identity performance and moralized partisan signaling than by conspiratorial narratives. These findings add to our knowledge on political communication in contemporary digital media environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Media in Disinformation Studies)
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17 pages, 2177 KB  
Article
Digital and Corporate Strategy in Bio-Health Start-Ups: Andalusia Health Technology Park (2025)
by Elena Becerra, José Borja Arjona and Juan Salvador Victoria
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020120 - 4 Jun 2026
Viewed by 258
Abstract
While digital communication is critical for business growth, there is a notable lack of research concerning the specific digital and corporate strategies of bio-health start-ups in regional ecosystems like Andalusia. This article addresses this gap by analysing the corporate and digital strategies of [...] Read more.
While digital communication is critical for business growth, there is a notable lack of research concerning the specific digital and corporate strategies of bio-health start-ups in regional ecosystems like Andalusia. This article addresses this gap by analysing the corporate and digital strategies of the leading bio-health start-ups at the Andalusian Health Technology Park. The research focuses on innovation in the health sector and builds on the broader discourse surrounding science communication as applied to Andalusian companies. Health innovation companies are implementing their digital corporate strategies to raise their profile and reach their target audience. For Andalusian bio-health start-ups, the main focus is on their websites; this is why they are analysed here from different perspectives, with the aim of evaluating the information they share and its effectiveness. To this end, a mixed approach combining quantitative and qualitative content analysis is proposed, and data analysis tools are applied to web traffic and performance factors, as well as to the analysis of corporate culture and brand identity. The results indicate that these companies are consistent with digital communication strategies typical of B2B models, that is, emerging and highly specialised companies. In the corporate sphere, there is generally a strong focus on positioning within a framework that fosters organisational culture, employee recognition and the key elements of effective brand architecture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Communication in Startups: Competitive Strategies for Differentiation)
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18 pages, 337 KB  
Article
Weaving in the Brosphere: Podcasting, Hegemonic Masculinity, and Bypassing Journalism in the 2024 US ‘Podcast Election’
by Maria Rae, Dylan Bird and Dominic Knight
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020119 - 2 Jun 2026
Viewed by 545
Abstract
The 2024 US presidential campaign was dubbed the ‘podcast election’, with Donald Trump’s appearances on shows targeting young male audiences hailed for securing victory with this demographic. However, limited attention has been paid to how the specific affordances of audio media are leveraged [...] Read more.
The 2024 US presidential campaign was dubbed the ‘podcast election’, with Donald Trump’s appearances on shows targeting young male audiences hailed for securing victory with this demographic. However, limited attention has been paid to how the specific affordances of audio media are leveraged to engage voters with appeals to hegemonic masculinity. Drawing on the theoretical framework of counterpublics, this study applies an innovative close analytical listening method and critical discourse analysis to five long-form podcast interviews with Trump. It finds that intimacy, authenticity, and convivial, free-wheeling conversation were key elements of Trump’s political communication—reaching mass audiences while bypassing the scrutiny of professional journalism. Furthermore, these shows celebrated men’s superiority while largely excluding women from public discourse. These findings are important for understanding the implications of an increasingly masculine, right-wing podcast scene, which we theorize as the brosphere. Ultimately, we argue that the brosphere is distinct from—but related to—the overtly misogynistic manosphere. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking Journalism in the Age of Podcasts: Perspectives, Possibilities, Boundaries)
16 pages, 288 KB  
Article
From Spectators to Strategic Users: A Qualitative Study on the Transformation of Film and TV Series Consumption
by Ádám Horváth and Balázs Gyenge
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020118 - 2 Jun 2026
Viewed by 428
Abstract
This research examines the transformation of film and TV series consumption within the contemporary media landscape, characterized by digital plenitude and Over-the-Top (OTT) dominance. The study investigates how users navigate the transition from linear broadcasting toward on-demand, platform-centric environments. Through an exploratory qualitative [...] Read more.
This research examines the transformation of film and TV series consumption within the contemporary media landscape, characterized by digital plenitude and Over-the-Top (OTT) dominance. The study investigates how users navigate the transition from linear broadcasting toward on-demand, platform-centric environments. Through an exploratory qualitative approach as the initial phase of a broader study, 18 semi-structured interviews were conducted with a demographically diverse group of Hungarian participants whose primary commonality is active film and TV series consumption. The findings highlight a rejection of traditional linear television, driven by an aversion to intrusive advertising and a demand for temporal autonomy. While mobile devices, particularly smartphones, are central to this shift, consumption remains predominantly stationary; users prioritize the flexibility of cross-device access within the domestic environment over mobile viewing during transit. Furthermore, the study identifies a growing friction caused by content fragmentation between different OTT platforms and rising subscription costs, while digital piracy persists as a marginal alternative. Ultimately, the study concludes that the modern audience acts as a strategic user navigating a complex ecosystem of excess. This underscores a fundamental shift where the cultural value of content is increasingly defined by the tension between individual agency and the systemic constraints of competing services. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Television as Fragments: From Broadcast Logics to Platform Imaginaries)
15 pages, 286 KB  
Article
Advocacy Journalism in Nigeria: Alaroye and the Justice Movement for Mohbad
by Abiodun Salawu and Bukola Christiana Ajala
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020117 - 1 Jun 2026
Viewed by 301
Abstract
This paper examines the unresolved case of a Nigerian singer/rapper, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba (Mohbad), aged 27, whose tragic death occurred on 12 September 2023. His death sparked public outcry and calls for justice, resulting in massive protest movements in Nigeria and the Diaspora. [...] Read more.
This paper examines the unresolved case of a Nigerian singer/rapper, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba (Mohbad), aged 27, whose tragic death occurred on 12 September 2023. His death sparked public outcry and calls for justice, resulting in massive protest movements in Nigeria and the Diaspora. Alaroye, a foremost indigenous language newspaper, has consistently deployed its platform to advocate for justice for the deceased rapper. Using the Agenda-setting Theory, this study examines, through key informant interviews, the external events that caused public opinion on the clamour for justice for Mohbad to wane, which impeded the newspaper’s agenda-setting capacity. This paper explores Alaroye’s coverage of the circumstances surrounding the death of Mohbad and the need to galvanise justice for him. Through a content analysis of the Alaroye online newspaper, 62 newspaper stories were purposively sampled within the time frame of the incident (September 2023 to August 2024). Although Alaroye’s reports on the happenings surrounding Mohbad’s death created public awareness and debate, key informants explain that public opinion on the issue could not stimulate justice for the deceased due to political, economic, and other associated factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Media, Local Voices: The Dynamics of Diversity)
17 pages, 427 KB  
Article
Revisiting Agenda-Setting Theory in Hybrid Media Ecosystems: Flash Agendas, Agenda Leadership, and Algorithmic Curation
by Vered Elishar and Yaron Ariel
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020116 - 1 Jun 2026
Viewed by 338
Abstract
Traditional agenda-setting theory, which is centered on legacy news outlets, now operates in a fragmented ecosystem shaped by platforms, algorithms, and networked intermediaries. Existing agenda-setting models only partially integrate algorithmic gatekeeping and audience agency, thus limiting their capacity to explain contemporary patterns of [...] Read more.
Traditional agenda-setting theory, which is centered on legacy news outlets, now operates in a fragmented ecosystem shaped by platforms, algorithms, and networked intermediaries. Existing agenda-setting models only partially integrate algorithmic gatekeeping and audience agency, thus limiting their capacity to explain contemporary patterns of issue salience. This study revisits classic, second-level, and network agenda-setting research. It synthesizes recent work on big data, social media, and AI-driven curation to propose an agenda-setting ecosystem conceptual model for hybrid liberal-democratic media systems that links macro-level institutions and infrastructure, meso-level networked intermediaries, and micro-level cognitive and behavioral processes. Two analytical concepts have been advanced: flash agendas, defined as rapid and short-lived spikes in public attention, and agenda leadership, defined as the capacity of specific actors to trigger, steer, and sustain such spikes across platforms. This article outlines the methodological and ethical challenges of studying these dynamics, including data access, measurement validity, and transparency of algorithmic systems. It identifies directions for empirical research and policy, with particular attention to cross-platform diffusion and feedback loops. The framework aims to support more robust theory building and measurement in hybrid, algorithmically mediated media environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revisiting Agenda-Setting Across Media Systems and Regime Types: Foundations, Network Dynamics, and Need for Orientation)
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18 pages, 1125 KB  
Article
Beyond Uniform Machine Heuristics: Multidimensional Audience Evaluations of AI-Labeled News
by Chang Sup Park and Mohammad Al Masum Molla
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020115 - 1 Jun 2026
Viewed by 350
Abstract
Grounded in the MAIN model and multidimensional information-quality frameworks, this research conceptualizes news evaluation through three distinct lenses: credibility, newsworthiness, and readability. Through a 2 (authorship: AI vs. human) × 3 (news domain: finance, weather, sports) mixed experiment (N = 301), participants evaluated [...] Read more.
Grounded in the MAIN model and multidimensional information-quality frameworks, this research conceptualizes news evaluation through three distinct lenses: credibility, newsworthiness, and readability. Through a 2 (authorship: AI vs. human) × 3 (news domain: finance, weather, sports) mixed experiment (N = 301), participants evaluated identical articles attributed to either an AI system or a human journalist. The results reveal a consistent “credibility penalty” for AI-labeled news across all domains, suggesting that authorship serves as a domain-general source heuristic. However, the effects on newsworthiness and readability were domain-contingent, shifting based on genre-specific expectations and the informational stakes of the topic. These findings demonstrate that audience responses to AI journalism are multidimensional and context-sensitive rather than uniform. This study offers significant implications for communication theory, transparency in disclosure practices, and the strategic adoption of AI in modern newsrooms. Full article
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17 pages, 2279 KB  
Article
AI-Mediated Storytelling in a Liquid Information Ecosystem
by Bahareh Heravi
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020114 - 29 May 2026
Viewed by 520
Abstract
The contemporary information environment is marked by the increasing ease with which journalistic stories can be generated, reformatted, and adapted through generative AI systems. As a result, content becomes increasingly liquid, and the article no longer functions as the sole or stable unit [...] Read more.
The contemporary information environment is marked by the increasing ease with which journalistic stories can be generated, reformatted, and adapted through generative AI systems. As a result, content becomes increasingly liquid, and the article no longer functions as the sole or stable unit of journalism. While writing remains central to journalistic practice, the primary site of value shifts toward the production and stewardship of reliable information from which multiple narratives can be formed. This paper argues that, in AI-mediated news and journalism, journalists increasingly operate not only as authors of finished stories but as producers and curators of reusable information artefacts that support both human and AI-assisted storytelling. Situated within discussions of AI-mediated news, liquid content, modular journalism, and data storytelling, the paper advances the need for a modular and compositional storytelling structure suited to dynamically generated narratives. Building on prior empirical work, it positions the Water Tower storytelling model as a structure capable of organising liquid journalistic content into coherent stories across formats and levels of detail, while remaining grounded in editorial judgement. Full article
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20 pages, 8520 KB  
Article
AI-Generated Content in Spanish Media: Transparency, New Uses, and Defined Strategies
by Montse Mera-Fernández, Victoria Moreno-Gil and Montse Morata-Santos
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020113 - 28 May 2026
Viewed by 372
Abstract
In this paper, we describe and analyse the characteristics of news articles published in Spanish media which were written with assistance, of different types and to varying extents, from generative AI. We pursue three objectives: to identify how AI is being used, to [...] Read more.
In this paper, we describe and analyse the characteristics of news articles published in Spanish media which were written with assistance, of different types and to varying extents, from generative AI. We pursue three objectives: to identify how AI is being used, to examine the formal and textual characteristics of articles produced in this way, and to determine the degree of transparency with which the use of generative AI is communicated to readers. Using content analysis techniques, 120 articles published in different newspapers were studied, including articles written entirely by AI, written with the help of AI, and resulting from other uses of AI. Our analysis shows different results depending on the use of AI. The first group exhibits standardised writing, repetitive structures, and fewer sources. The second group shows less standardisation, more contextual information, and more journalistic errors. Despite relying on a repetitive structure, the third group does not display standardised writing. Regarding transparency, this study reveals that not all texts disclose AI use, and when they do, it appears separately from the byline or within the text. This study is pioneering due to the breadth of the analysed sample and our examination of different uses of AI in the Spanish news media. Full article
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24 pages, 2109 KB  
Article
Shifting the Dial: Does Exposure to Climate Change Efficacy Messages Boost Individual and Collective Political Activism Intentions?
by Nimmagadda Bhargav and Jagadish Thaker
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020112 - 25 May 2026
Viewed by 337
Abstract
Media primarily frames climate change as a threat or disaster, which may dampen public interest and engagement. Does shifting communication strategies to emphasize people’s ability to enact change increase political engagement with climate change? This study examines whether exposure to a news story [...] Read more.
Media primarily frames climate change as a threat or disaster, which may dampen public interest and engagement. Does shifting communication strategies to emphasize people’s ability to enact change increase political engagement with climate change? This study examines whether exposure to a news story containing efficacy information is associated with changes in self-efficacy, collective efficacy, and intentions to engage in political activism. Using a quasi-experimental classroom-based design, a single exposure to a news story embedded with efficacy information was not associated with higher levels of any of the three dimensions of political self-efficacy—internal, external, and response—as well as perceived collective efficacy among undergraduate students (N = 731) in a large city in India. Exposure to efficacy information was not associated with intentions to engage in individual or political activism indirectly either. However, internal efficacy, response efficacy, and collective efficacy were positively associated with intentions to engage in individual and collective political action. In addition, perceived collective efficacy mediated the association between internal and response efficacies with collective political action intentions, highlighting the critical role of collective efficacy in collective political action. The findings suggest that while perceived self- and collective efficacies are important for increasing public engagement, they may not be readily amenable to change through single or infrequent exposure to efficacy-oriented messages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Media, Journalism and Environmental Resilience)
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24 pages, 591 KB  
Article
Ideological Battle in Spain’s Television Access Prime Time: Analysis of El Hormiguero and La Revuelta Representations
by Alberto E. López-Carrión and Germán Llorca-Abad
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020111 - 22 May 2026
Viewed by 466
Abstract
This study examines how ideological polarisation in Spanish society is reflected and amplified in press coverage of the competition between El Hormiguero (Antena3) and La Revuelta (TVE) in the access prime time television slot. Situated within debates on audience fragmentation, the attention economy, [...] Read more.
This study examines how ideological polarisation in Spanish society is reflected and amplified in press coverage of the competition between El Hormiguero (Antena3) and La Revuelta (TVE) in the access prime time television slot. Situated within debates on audience fragmentation, the attention economy, and the politicisation of entertainment, the research seeks to determine whether media ideology shapes journalistic narratives surrounding this television rivalry. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. A total of 385 news articles published between April 2024 and March 2025 in five leading Spanish digital newspapers with different ideological orientations (20 Minutos, ABC, El HuffPost, El Mundo and El País) were analysed. The results reveal clear ideological patterns in coverage, affecting the intensity of attention, the selection of sources, and the framing of both programmes. El Hormiguero is predominantly associated with leadership and competitive strength, while La Revuelta is framed around innovation, youth appeal, and politicisation linked to public broadcasting. Overall, the findings indicate that Spanish newspapers do not merely report on a television competition but actively contribute to its symbolic and ideological polarisation, reinforcing entertainment as a central arena of contemporary cultural conflict. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reimagining Journalism in the Era of Digital Innovation)
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13 pages, 295 KB  
Article
Personality, Algorithmic Awareness, and Addictive Symptoms of TikTok Use in University Students
by Gonzalo López-Barranco, María Amapola Povedano-Díaz, María Belén Morales-Cevallos, Jose A. Rodas, David Alarcón Rubio, María Muñiz Rivas and Daniel Oleas
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020110 - 20 May 2026
Viewed by 564
Abstract
(1) Background: Problematic social media use has increasingly been conceptualized as a non-clinical addictive-like behavior characterized by impaired control and negative functional consequences. Despite the rapid growth of TikTok and its algorithm-driven content delivery, the contribution of individual psychological factors and users’ awareness [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Problematic social media use has increasingly been conceptualized as a non-clinical addictive-like behavior characterized by impaired control and negative functional consequences. Despite the rapid growth of TikTok and its algorithm-driven content delivery, the contribution of individual psychological factors and users’ awareness of algorithmic processes to addictive symptoms remains insufficiently understood, particularly in Latin American contexts. This study examined the associations between personality traits, algorithmic awareness, and addictive symptoms of TikTok use among university students. (2) Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional design was conducted with a convenience sample of 238 university students from Ecuador. Participants completed self-report measures of social media addiction, algorithmic media content awareness, and Big Five personality traits. Spearman correlations and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed, controlling for age and sex. (3) Results: Algorithmic awareness dimensions were not significant predictors of addictive symptoms. Demographic variables explained minimal variance, whereas personality traits accounted for the largest increase in explained variance in the final model. Neuroticism and Extraversion were positively associated with addictive symptoms, while Conscientiousness and Openness to Experience were negatively associated. (4) Conclusions: Personality traits were more informative than algorithmic awareness in explaining addictive-like TikTok use among university students, underscoring the relevance of self-regulatory and affective dispositions for prevention and intervention strategies. Full article
16 pages, 1875 KB  
Article
How Students Evaluate Fake News and AI-Generated Content on Social Media: Insights from Hong Kong Post-Secondary Students
by William Ko-Wai Tang, Chammy Yan-Lam Lau and Ao Zhang
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020109 - 20 May 2026
Viewed by 636
Abstract
Social media has become a primary news source for post-secondary students in Hong Kong; however, there is substantial disinformation and misinformation on these platforms. This study offers an initial qualitative window into how Hong Kong post-secondary students identify and respond to online disinformation [...] Read more.
Social media has become a primary news source for post-secondary students in Hong Kong; however, there is substantial disinformation and misinformation on these platforms. This study offers an initial qualitative window into how Hong Kong post-secondary students identify and respond to online disinformation and misinformation on social media. The qualitative interviews were conducted based on the traditional “Content–Appearance–Motivation” (CAM) framework. The findings show that students actively draw on common-sense reasoning and CAM-related cues. The study proposes a provisional Contextualized Dual-Loop Verification Model in which traditional CAM assessment is embedded within a broader loop of platform literacy, technical authenticity awareness, perceived risk and efficacy, and metacognitive regulation, highlighting the need for journalism and media education to move beyond conventional information literacy toward AI-era verification competencies. Future large-scale and cross-cultural studies are needed to test and refine this model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Media in Disinformation Studies)
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13 pages, 242 KB  
Article
From Virality to Value: A Bibliometric and Thematic Analysis of Engagement Metrics in Brand Storytelling on Social Media
by Andaleep Sadi Ades
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020108 - 20 May 2026
Viewed by 433
Abstract
The advent of social media has transformed brand communication to put storytelling at the center of building engagement and awareness. But the role of long-term brand value in virality is an essential challenge. This paper conducts a bibliometric and thematic analysis from the [...] Read more.
The advent of social media has transformed brand communication to put storytelling at the center of building engagement and awareness. But the role of long-term brand value in virality is an essential challenge. This paper conducts a bibliometric and thematic analysis from the fields of marketing, psychology, and media studies published between 2015 and 2025, examining the correlation between narrative design and audience response, separating short-term popularity and long-term consumer appeal. The analysis was based on a structured literature review and qualitative methodological framework, using the literature sourced through Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar published between 2015 and 2025. Thematic coding searched for emotional tones, devices used in the narration, types of metrics, and contextual factors in inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings indicate a divide in quantitative measures, such as likes and shares, and qualitative measures, such as sentiment and resonance stories. Story elements such as authenticity, the depth of the characters, and video-based content had a major effect on the two types of engagement. Storytelling effectiveness was also mediated by influencer participation, algorithmic interactions, and audience demographics. The results confirm that meaningful storytelling with hybrid metrics contributes to stronger brand–consumer relationships. Future studies ought to shift to predictive modeling and focus on the ability of AI to dictate personalized brand stories in diverse cultures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Era of Influencer Journalism: Blurring the Lines Between Reporting and Branding)
24 pages, 345 KB  
Article
“Not My King”: A Qualitative Examination of Anti-Monarchist Movement via YouTube
by Ehsan Jozaghi
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020107 - 19 May 2026
Viewed by 393
Abstract
Periods of major technological transformation have historically coincided with the emergence of political movements. The current Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution, alongside the expansion of platform-based media, has reshaped how political dissent is produced, circulated, and normalized. This study examines contemporary anti-monarchist discourse associated [...] Read more.
Periods of major technological transformation have historically coincided with the emergence of political movements. The current Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution, alongside the expansion of platform-based media, has reshaped how political dissent is produced, circulated, and normalized. This study examines contemporary anti-monarchist discourse associated with the UK-based Republic movement, focusing on how opposition to constitutional monarchy is articulated on YouTube within an environment shaped by profit-driven goals. Using NVivo 14, this qualitative study analyzes 62 publicly available YouTube videos published over a twelve-month period from January 2025 to January 2026, employing a hybrid inductive–deductive thematic analysis supported by Large Language Models. Findings identify three interrelated discursive themes: monarchy framed as legalized theft and extraction of public wealth; monarchical authority depicted as undemocratic and constitutionally manipulative; and the reproduction of colonial, elite, and mythic power through mediated narratives of tradition and national identity. Rather than evaluating the factual accuracy of anti-monarchist claims, the analysis treats this content as a mediated cultural practice through which broader socio-economic anxieties—such as inequality, democratic distrust, and fears of technological displacement—are symbolically organized. Digital platforms, such as the Republic Campaign YouTube channel, thus enable political discourse to gain visibility and resonance. Full article
24 pages, 492 KB  
Article
Audience Exposure to Digital Media Coverage of the Civil War in Sudan and Its Relationship with Psychological Immunity and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
by Muhammad Noor Al Adwan, Shaimaa Ezzat Basha, Asmaa Hegazy, Asmaa Moustafa Ahmed and Hossam Fayez
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020106 - 19 May 2026
Viewed by 453
Abstract
This study examines the relationship between Sudanese audiences’ exposure to digital media coverage of the civil war and their psychological immunity and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms while also investigating the mediating role of psychological immunity. Data were collected through an online survey [...] Read more.
This study examines the relationship between Sudanese audiences’ exposure to digital media coverage of the civil war and their psychological immunity and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms while also investigating the mediating role of psychological immunity. Data were collected through an online survey from a sample of 774 Sudanese respondents residing both inside and outside Sudan. The findings indicate a relatively high level of exposure to digital news coverage, particularly through social media platforms such as Facebook, reflecting the growing centrality of digitally mediated news environments in conflict reporting. The results also reveal moderate levels of psychological immunity and relatively high levels of PTSD symptoms, especially in the hyperarousal dimension. Statistical analysis shows a negative association between media exposure and psychological immunity, and a positive association between exposure and PTSD symptoms, with psychological immunity partially mediating this relationship. Beyond these findings, this study highlights important implications for journalism practice and media responsibility. The intensity and emotional nature of digital war coverage raise critical concerns regarding ethical news production, the circulation of distressing content, and the potential psychological impact on audiences. These findings underscore the need for more responsible digital journalism practices, including content moderation, trauma-sensitive reporting, and the promotion of media literacy, in order to mitigate the potential harm associated with repeated exposure to crisis-related news content. Full article
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27 pages, 935 KB  
Article
What Drives Effective AI Use in the Newsroom? Communication Barriers, Organizational Support, and Journalist Performance in China
by Fangni Li, Lei Zhang and Sanjoy Kumar Roy
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020105 - 18 May 2026
Viewed by 606
Abstract
As artificial intelligence reshapes professional workflows, understanding what drives effective AI use among employees has become a critical concern for organizations. Moving beyond traditional technology acceptance frameworks, this study develops an integrative multi-level model to examine the behavioral determinants of AI use performance [...] Read more.
As artificial intelligence reshapes professional workflows, understanding what drives effective AI use among employees has become a critical concern for organizations. Moving beyond traditional technology acceptance frameworks, this study develops an integrative multi-level model to examine the behavioral determinants of AI use performance (AUP) among journalists. Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM) and incorporating individual and organizational factors, a survey was conducted among 543 journalists in China. Hypotheses are tested via a hybrid PLS-SEM and artificial neural network (ANN) approach to capture both linear and non-linear relationships. The findings reveal that expectation confirmation significantly enhances AUP by driving perceived usefulness and satisfaction. Digital literacy, personal trust in AI, and organizational support positively influence AUP, whereas communication barriers exert the strongest negative effect. Demographic variables (gender, age, education) show no significant impact. Notably, the ANN sensitivity analysis identifies communication barriers as the most influential predictor overall, a finding not apparent from linear analysis alone. This study advances theoretical understanding of employee behavioral responses in AI-integrated professional contexts and offers practical insights into how organizations can foster effective employee–AI collaboration through targeted communication strategies and supportive infrastructure. Full article
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33 pages, 6991 KB  
Article
Digital Communication Strategies of Start-Ups in the Agri-Food Sector in Spain
by Lorena Vegas García, Gladys Arlette Corona León, Francisco Javier Paniagua Rojano and Rosalba Mancinas Chávez
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020104 - 16 May 2026
Viewed by 472
Abstract
Start-ups have established themselves as drivers of dynamism and economic growth. However, they face many and varied challenges, with one of them being managing their communication strategy. This study aims to analyse the digital communication strategy of start-ups in the Agrotech and Foodtech [...] Read more.
Start-ups have established themselves as drivers of dynamism and economic growth. However, they face many and varied challenges, with one of them being managing their communication strategy. This study aims to analyse the digital communication strategy of start-ups in the Agrotech and Foodtech sectors. For that purpose, the annual rankings published by El Referente between 2023 and 2025 were reviewed, and 17 companies were selected, 11 from the Agrotech sector and six from the Foodtech sector. Based on this sample, a mixed methodology was used, combining content analysis with social media metrics analysis. The results show an uneven use of communication strategies by start-ups. Almost all of them have their own communication channels, such as websites or social media profiles, but their use is not uniform, and in many cases, the potential offered by these tools could be improved. The findings contribute to the literature on strategic communication in start-ups by evidencing the gap between declared identity and substantive legitimacy in sectors of high social scrutiny, such as the agri-food sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Communication in Startups: Competitive Strategies for Differentiation)
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25 pages, 1155 KB  
Article
Who Believes Misinformation That Is Aligned with Dominant Narratives in Mainstream Media?
by Felix Schläpfer
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020103 - 14 May 2026
Viewed by 570
Abstract
Much research on misinformation has focused on claims that challenge mainstream views. This study instead examines misinformation that is aligned with dominant narratives in mainstream news media. It uses an epistemically grounded definition of misinformation and a measurement approach that accounts for the [...] Read more.
Much research on misinformation has focused on claims that challenge mainstream views. This study instead examines misinformation that is aligned with dominant narratives in mainstream news media. It uses an epistemically grounded definition of misinformation and a measurement approach that accounts for the complexity of politically relevant misinformation. The analysis centers on 20 false or misleading claims about major international issues, evaluated by a sample of 1590 survey respondents in German-speaking Switzerland. Across these claims, the population-weighted share of “fully agree” responses ranged from 6% to 50%. The probability of acceptance of misinformation was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with several factors: male gender (+0.04); medium or higher education (−0.06 and −0.05, respectively); more than 30 min of daily news consumption, compared with less (+0.06); identification with Green (+0.09) and Liberal party (+0.07, relative to Center party); medium trust in government (−0.04), relative to high trust; and a non-mainstream primary news source (−0.28), relative to public television. A similar pattern emerges for the subset of the claims that had been publicly corrected. Notable differences from patterns reported for non-mainstream misinformation highlight the importance of the type of misinformation under study. Taken together—and in light of evidence that news consumers expect truthful and impartial information—these findings suggest that misinformation in mainstream news media warrants greater attention in both research and regulatory policy. Full article
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23 pages, 1032 KB  
Article
Trust Dynamics and Economic Implications of Generative AI Adoption in Digital Journalism
by Maksim Iavich and Tsotne Ivanishvili
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020102 - 14 May 2026
Viewed by 1628
Abstract
Digital news organizations increasingly adopt generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) under conditions of economic strain and platform dependency. While AI integration is often framed as a strategy for operational efficiency, its institutional implications extend beyond productivity gains. This study examines how different governance approaches [...] Read more.
Digital news organizations increasingly adopt generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) under conditions of economic strain and platform dependency. While AI integration is often framed as a strategy for operational efficiency, its institutional implications extend beyond productivity gains. This study examines how different governance approaches to GenAI adoption—specifically variations in transparency, disclosure, and oversight practices—correspond to shifts in audience engagement and financial performance. Using a comparative mixed-methods design, we analyze three prominent cases between 2022 and 2025—CNET, Gizmodo, and The New York Times—representing, respectively, covert AI use with limited disclosure, transparent but poorly managed deployment, and proactive ethical and legally grounded positioning. To operationalize audience stability, we introduce two behavioral indicators: the Engagement Resilience Index (ERI), measuring depth and consistency of user engagement; and the Market Turbulence Ratio (MTR), capturing post-incident volatility in audience behavior. The findings indicate that AI deployment strategies associated with limited disclosure or weak governance correspond with increased engagement instability and revenue contraction, whereas approaches framed through institutional accountability and ethical positioning align with more stable or positive performance trajectories. The results suggest that AI integration functions not merely as a technological shift but as a governance-mediated signal interpreted by audiences in economic terms. These dynamics highlight the centrality of institutional trust in shaping the sustainability of digital journalism in the age of automation. Full article
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21 pages, 369 KB  
Article
Ordinary People over Journalists? Young People’s Use of Different Curating Actors for News
by Maximilian Klesl, Darian Harff and Desiree Schmuck
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020101 - 13 May 2026
Viewed by 678
Abstract
Most young people today consume news through social media, where diverse sources (e.g., influencers and journalists) curate news for them. However, we know little about which curating actors young people rely on for news, and which factors predict their use. Addressing these gaps, [...] Read more.
Most young people today consume news through social media, where diverse sources (e.g., influencers and journalists) curate news for them. However, we know little about which curating actors young people rely on for news, and which factors predict their use. Addressing these gaps, we draw on the curated flows framework and a quota-based survey of N = 569 young people aged 16 to 25 in Austria, conducted in December 2023 and January 2024. We found that ordinary people and influencers were young people’s most popular information sources on social media, favored by those who consume opinionated and soft news and encounter news incidentally. Traditional journalism and politicians were less relevant and primarily sought out intentionally, and for hard news. Full article
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