A new special issue of Nordicom Review brings together literature reviews that explore media, communication, journalism, and democracy in the Nordic countries. The idea grew out of a growing need for accessible knowledge in a field where research is expanding rapidly but can be difficult to overview.
“It’s becoming harder and harder to get a clear picture of what we actually know. If we researchers find it hard to stay updated, one can only imagine how difficult it must be for others who want to learn more about what we know”, says professor Magnus Fredriksson, one of the editors of the special issue.
A wide range of topics
The topics included in the special issue range from declining media trust and the dilemmas journalists face during crises to how journalistic practices are changing as a result of digitalisation. Other articles explore the political uses of the past in Nordic media discourses, the relationship between fiction and democracy, and how religiosity is portrayed in the media.
“What especially characterises the articles we will publish is the range of topics. This may not be all that surprising, given the nature of the subject and the fact that Nordic research is known for its breadth”, says Fredriksson.
Articles in the special issue will be published continuously May–July 2025. During the NordMedia conference in Odense (13–15 August 2025), a panel will be held to present and discuss themes from the special issue.