Particularites of Media Systems of the West Nordic Countries

Signe Ravn-Højgaard, Valgerður Jóhannsdóttir, Ragnar Karlsson, Rógvi Olavson, Heini í Skorini

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Abstract

This study compares the media systems of the West Nordic countries, namely the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Iceland. All three countries are democratic welfare states with considerable institutional transfer from the larger Nordic countries. It is argued that the West Nordic media systems fit into the “Nordic model” when it comes to the perception of media as cultural institutions as well as the central role of public service media. On the other hand, the micro-size of the media systems in the West Nordic countries makes them vulnerable, and makes editorial independence more difficult compared with their larger Nordic neighbours. In particular, media outlets within these micro-size media systems seem more susceptible to clientelism, and journalists seem more inclined towards self-censorship. This article highlights how interplay between small size and distinct local factors shape the media system in each of the West Nordic countries.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)102-123
Number of pages21
JournalThe NORDICOM review of Nordic research on media & communication
Volume42
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2021

Keywords

  • Faroe Islands
  • Greenland
  • Iceland
  • Comparative research
  • Size

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