Project 12: Media Performance in Reporting the Presence and Future of Energy Systems – an Assessment of Journalistic Quality

It can be assumed that the light in which the media presents different energy supply technologies and options will influence public opinion strongly and thus influence the implementation of different energy supply options. The increasing number and complexity of technological options places high demands on journalists. Existing research shows that systemic deficiencies in the representation of energy supply systems and technologies are not new and have often been criticized. The project is granted further relevance by the strong, sometimes crisis-prone developments of journalism over the past decades as a result of the digital revolution, characterized by a tendency towards journalistic quality deterioration.

The central research question of the project is to assess the journalistic quality of reporting on the energy system and possible variations of its future development based on several dimensions. If quality deficits are identified, strategies should be devised to address these deficiencies. The scientific literature is to be examined in particular with regard to normative theory and the empirical measurement of the quality of technology reporting and journalism, with a special focus on the energy supply and relevant technologies. Quality can only be judged against the background of a normative framework that prescribes the characteristics of quality. The development of a corresponding normative framework is part of the project. In doing so, it is possible to build on existing research on journalistic quality, legal framework conditions, and journalistic professional standards. In particular, truth, relevance, and comprehensibility have to be taken into account as key dimensions for assessing journalistic quality. In addition, the quality of media content should be assessed by means of a content analysis that compares the information conveyed by different media on different aspects of the energy supply. Certain quality criteria which primarily relate to the truth and relevance of the presentation should be assessed by experts from the engineering and economic sciences. It may be necessary to carry out an input-output analysis of texts, comparing the output of what is published by specialist sources (utilities, experts, etc.) with what is ultimately published by the mass media. The aim is to examine a broad sample of various journalistic media. The choice of media should be geared to the use of the media and, in particular, should also take into account the media use of younger target groups, which is strongly focused on online outlets. A longitudinal sample is sought that spans several decades and allows the answering of questions regarding changes in journalistic quality over the years.

Doctoral Candidate: Tim Tschapek

First (Main-) Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Lutz Hagen

Second Supervisor: n.n.