Particularities of media systems in the West Nordic countries

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

This study compares the media systems of the West Nordic countries, namely the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Iceland. All three countries are democratic welfare states with considerable institutional transfer from the larger Nordic countries. It is argued that the West Nordic media systems fit into the "Nordic model"when it comes to the perception of media as cultural institutions as well as the central role of public service media. On the other hand, the micro-size of the media systems in the West Nordic countries makes them vulnerable, and makes editorial independence more difficult compared with their larger Nordic neighbours. In particular, media outlets within these micro-size media systems seem more susceptible to clientelism, and journalists seem more inclined towards self-censorship. This article highlights how interplay between small size and distinct local factors shape the media system in each of the West Nordic countries.

Original languageEnglish
JournalN O R D I C O M Review
Volume42
Issue numberS2
Pages (from-to)102-123
Number of pages22
ISSN1403-1108
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2021
Externally publishedYes

ID: 385508372