Newspaper Journalism Survival in the Modern Czech Era

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Acknowledgement

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

Declaration

I [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

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Abstract

Newspaper readership has fallen substantially over the last four decades; threatening newspapers' relevance to the communities they serve. The readership loss is strongly correlated to declines in broad measures of citizen participation in civic life and social networks, which are components of social capital theory. The readership and social capital changes share remarkably similar historical starting points. They also exhibit the same pattern of accelerating loss in each succeeding generation. This suggests that understanding social capital theory and civic engagement is important for deciphering some of journalism's troubles. Research into readership characteristics reinforces the implications of social capital theory, especially that increased public participation might influence readership.

The newspaper industry has attempted to improve content and presentation, often based on market research, to reverse its readership trends and to repair eroding credibility with the public. The public journalism movement, which bloomed in the early 1990s, focused on engaging citizens with public life, but did not significantly change the practices of the industry. This dissertation aims to investigate the survival of newspaper journalism in the Czech Republic. It explores the current condition of newspaper journalism, studies the influence of advanced technologies on the conventional journalism and looks into the future of the print journalism. A mixed methodology involving both qualitative and quantitative researches has been utilized to give the research study a valid analysis and conclusion.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

LIST OF FIGURESVII

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Study1

Problem Statement3

Aims and Objectives4

Research Question5

Electronic Database Searches6

Learning Process6

Theoretical Frame work7

Chapter I: Introduction7

Chapter II: Review of Literature8

Chapter III: Methodology8

Chapter IV: Critical Analysis and Discussion8

Chapter V: Conclusion8

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW9

Journalism9

Evolution of Journalism11

Number of Customers13

Revenues14

Trends in Journalism15

Role of Journalism16

Elements of Journalism18

Newspaper Journalism19

Competitiveness of modern Newspaper22

Open-Source Culture and the Business of Journalism26

Journalistic Role Perception28

Manipulation of Journalism by the politicians32

Indirect Control via State Owned Media Infrastructure34

Indirect Control via Financial Pressure34

Journalism in Czech Republic35

Influence of New Journalism on the Traditional Journalism37

Blogs, You Tube and Social Forums40

Online Journalism in Czech Republic42

Future of Journalism45

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY49

Research Strategy/Design49

Mixed Methodology49

Sample51

Survey Questionnaire52

Study Limitations52

Resources54

Theoretical Underpinning54

CHAPTER 4: ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION56

Part A: Demographic Breakdown56

Part B: Newspaper Journalism62

Discussion75

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION78

Review of the Chapters78

REFERENCES81

APPENDIX91

Part A: Demographic Background91

Part B: Newspaper Journalism95

List of Figures

figure 1: Learning Process6

Figure 2: The Newspaper Industry, Pre-Internet.27

Figure 3: The Newspaper Industry, Post-Internet42

List of Tables

Table 1: Performance of Journalism55

Table 2: Original form of Newspaper Journalism57

Table 3: Role of Journalism58

Table 4: Maintenance of harmony and peace59

Table 5: Provision of Information60

Table 6: Avoidance of Involvements61

Table 7: Voice for Underrepresented people62

Table 8: Provision of consumer information63

Table 9: Interpretation of current events65

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

The current study deals with the extent of the ...