Organizing Independence: Negotiations between Journalism and Management in News Organizations

Elena Raviola's book explores how media independence is practiced and realized in everyday working life,taking an ethnographically rich journey through European news organizations. It exposes the diverse and complex ways in which the ideal of independence is upheld,and at the same time inevitably betrayed,in the organizational life of media companies. The book sheds light on how digital technologies are reshaping democratic principles such as media independence,while being embedded in the existing organizational and professional structures of democratic societies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 21 February 2023
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate workings of normative principles of media independence, shedding light on how these principles are translated into practical realities within the daily operations of media organizations. Through an ethnographic exploration of European news organizations, Elena Raviola unveils the diverse and multifaceted ways in which the ideal of independence is upheld, while simultaneously encountering inevitable betrayals within the organizational life of media companies.

Elena Raviola's book offers a unique organizational analysis of media independence, focusing on three prominent news organizations in Europe: Il Sole-24 Ore, the largest Italian financial newspaper; Stampen, the largest Swedish regional newspaper company; and Rue89, the pioneering online-only news website. Within each of these entities, the author delves into the profound implications of digitalization on their practices of independence, providing a comprehensive examination of these transformations.

The book's central objective is to shed light on how digital technologies are actively reshaping democratic principles, particularly media independence, while simultaneously being embedded within the existing organizational and professional structures of democratic societies. By undertaking an in-depth exploration of these organizations, Raviola offers valuable insights into the practical challenges and opportunities that arise as media outlets navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Through her ethnographic approach, Raviola provides a rich and detailed account of the practices, values, and dynamics that shape media independence within these organizations. She explores the complex interplay between journalists, editors, and management, examining how individual roles and responsibilities contribute to the preservation or erosion of media independence. The book also highlights the role of external factors, such as government regulations, corporate influence, and public opinion, in shaping the practices and outcomes of media organizations.

Organizing Independence is a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and practitioners in the fields of management, organization studies, media studies, and anyone interested in understanding the evolving landscape of media and democracy. It offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of media independence in practice, challenging readers to consider the complex interplay between normative principles, technological advancements, and organizational structures. By exploring the experiences of these three news organizations, the book provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing media professionals in the digital age.

In conclusion, Elena Raviola's book Organizing Independence is a groundbreaking exploration of the complex dynamics between media independence, digitalization, and democratic principles. Through her ethnographic approach, Raviola offers a rich and detailed account of the practices, values, and challenges faced by media organizations in Europe. The book provides valuable insights into the practical implications of digital technologies on media independence, challenging readers to consider the future of media in a rapidly changing world. By shedding light on the diverse and multifaceted ways in which the ideal of independence is upheld and betrayed, Organizing Independence serves as a crucial reference point for scholars, researchers, and practitioners alike.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781035313471