Journalist–source relations and the deliberative system: A network performance approach to investigating journalism’s contribution to facilitating pu…

2018

Journalist–source relationships and interactions are interpreted in this study as crucial mechanisms for linking different arenas in a deliberative system. To unravel these source networks, 106 semi-standardized interviews with journalists as well as public relations (PR) professionals from government delegations and non-governmental organizations were conducted on-site three United Nations (UN) climate change conferences between 2010 and 2013, and an online survey was administered during the conference in 2015. The analysis shows that most journalists maintain close relationships with their home country delegation. However, journalists experienced in climate conference coverage also maint…