Chapter 1 Journalism in between : The digital divide between South and North in Europe

Abstract

Focusing on an oft-neglected geographical region of study, this book critically analyses the state of journalism in the European South and considers challenges that may indicate a profession under duress. Focusing on three Mediterranean media systems, Greece, Cyprus, and Malta, this book summarizes the basic characteristics, threats, and challenges for journalism in the region. The book first examines the “North-South” divide in Europe and the challenges Mediterranean media systems have faced in recent years. It then analyzes points of dispute for journalism, such as press freedom, investigative reporting, corruption, post-crisis economic challenges, and the evolving dilemmas of journalism ethics. The second section of the book looks more closely at the three case studies, using data extracted over a turbulent 20-year timeframe up until 2023. Based on a mixed-methods approach, the study comprises findings of interviews with journalists in the three countries under study and time series analysis of feedback regarding challenges discussed earlier in the book. The book concludes on whether journalism today is indeed under attack and reflects critically on what are the main threats that have emerged in media systems of the Mediterranean region. This book will be of particular interest to scholars and researchers of journalism and media systems in Europe, although also bears implications for anyone studying wider issues of press freedom and journalism practice.