Postdoc project:
Constructive Journalism in Sweden: Just a Buzz, or Transformative: A
Diffusion of Innovations Approach.
abstract:
This study applies García-Avilés et al.’s (2019) diffusion of media innovations framework to examine how constructive journalism is being adopted in Sweden. Insights were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 14 Swedish journalists who have practical experience with this approach. Overall findings suggest that constructive journalism is driving innovation in daily news production, particularly through the adoption of storytelling formats that counter traditional journalism’s focus on problem narratives. As early adopters, the journalists generally view constructive journalism as a positive and transformative force, though they also recognize several limiting factors. For broader adoption and long-term sustainability, strong editorial backing and increased involvement from national news organizations seen as key agenda-setters, are essential.