Plural society – diverse journalism?

Epistemic interest and research question:

When taking a look at the journalistic discussion of plurality and the representation of minorities, it is above all culturalizing, heteronormative and partly discriminatory discourses that have persisted over decades. Media coverage is the result of professional journalism, which, however, does not adequately take into account the reality of a diverse post-migrant society in terms of topics covered and staff structure. For example, people with migration backgrounds, disabilities, non-binary gender identities and non-heterosexual orientations (LGBTIQ) are underrepresented in German newsrooms. While diversity is considered normatively desirable in many places, in reality it is all too often mere lip service.

The project on the diversity of (journalistic) media communication approaches its object of investigation from the perspective of publicity theory and puts the concept of media integration to the test. Against the backdrop of the pluralization of media offerings in digital public spheres, the study focuses on the creation of diversity-sensitive media makers in Germany. Based on qualitative interviews, the project analyzes which goals and strategies journalists and activist media makers associate with the topic of diversity.

The project examines the following questions:

• What self-perception and goals shape the actions of diversity-sensitive media makers?
• To what extent do diversity-sensitive offers differ from traditional mass media formats in terms of their content design and involved staff?
• What role does the digital public play in this process and what impact does it have? What contribution can diversity-sensitive journalism make to an inclusive public sphere?
• To what extent does the potentially political-activist claim collide with the neutrality requirement of journalism in diversity-sensitive formats?