JOURNAL ARTICLE

How does a national, multilingual news agency contribute to news diversity? A mixed-methods case study.

  • Published In: Journalism, 2024, v. 25, n. 8. P. 1754 1 of 3

  • Database: Communication Source 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Nelissen, Elisa; Hendrickx, Jonathan 3 of 3

Abstract

This article examines how Belga, Belgium's national multilingual news agency, sources its Dutch-language science news within the context of a small, multilingual media market. Using a mixed-methods approach—including content analysis, surveys, and interviews—the study finds that Belga heavily relies on press releases and reports from other news agencies, predominantly sourcing science news locally in Dutch and focusing on Flemish institutions, with limited interlingual translation or coverage of Walloon sources. The agency's science reporting is not prioritized, with no dedicated science beat and constrained resources, resulting in a news flow shaped by proximity and linguistic factors. These sourcing practices raise questions about the diversity and independence of science news content, highlighting the need for further research on the role of news agencies as intermediaries in science communication and the impact of translation on news diversity.

Additional Information

  • Source:Journalism. 2024/08, Vol. 25, Issue 8, p1754
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Communication and Mass Media
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:1464-8849
  • DOI:10.1177/14648849231179784
  • Accession Number:178879371
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