Chapter 11
The Reliability and Objectivity of Journalists in the Light of Empirical Research of the Polish Press between 2010 and 2018
In: Politics and the Media in Poland from the 19th to the 21st CenturiesSearch for other papers by Ewa Jurga-Wosik in
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Search for other papers by Inga Oleksiuk in
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Abstract
Scientific objective: The primary objective of the research project in question is to assess the professionalism of news journalism in terms of citizens’ rights to information.
Research methods: A critical, interdisciplinary analysis of source material and the literature was performed, with empirical research of the news content of relevant media sources being conducted using a quantitative method. A total of 897 news items published in local media were selected (using random and purposive-random sampling techniques) and juxtaposed with the results of studies on the national press.
Findings and conclusions: (1) the professionalism of local press in terms of citizens’ rights to information is similar to that offered by commercial national press; (2) two basic indicators of professionalism were selected – reliability and objectivity. The former – concerning information sources and verifiable data content – is at 80.4%, while the latter – taking into account the number of evaluative comments and opinions (adjectives) in news items – is assessed lower, i.e. at 66.2%. The analysed press items allow the conclusion that local news sources contain opinions that may have an adverse impact on the citizens’ access to reliable information.
Cognitive value: Research into the news content of local media conducted in terms of the normative assumptions of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland and the Press Law provides a deeper understanding of the professionalism of news journalism in contemporary Poland.