Upcoming Special Issue to Explore Visual Political Communication
An upcoming special issue of Nordicom Review will explore the evolving landscape of visual political communication in the Nordic countries. A Call has been issued for contributions addressing not only the content, strategies, and effects of visual political communication, but also accounting for their broader impact on society. A particular focus is on how visual strategies interact with core Nordic democratic values, such as openness, inclusivity, and (political and media) trust.
A Closer Look at Media and Democracy in the Nordics
What do we know about media, communication, journalism, and democracy in the Nordic region? A new special issue of Nordicom Review brings together literature reviews that aim to answer just that. We spoke with Magnus Fredriksson, professor and co-editor of the issue, about why these kinds of overviews are needed now, and how they might support both research and public understanding.
Scandinavians Among the Most Surveilled Citizens – Without Knowing It
Citizens in Scandinavia routinely access tax-funded public services online – unaware that their personal data is being harvested in the process. In this interview, media scholar Helle Sjøvaag discusses new research revealing how municipal websites across Denmark, Norway, and Sweden use commercial trackers that collect personal data, raising concerns about privacy, transparency, and the integrity of the Nordic welfare model.
NordMedia25: Final Paper Submission Deadline – 16 June
NordMedia25 has received a record number of abstract submissions this year. Following the notification of acceptance, we would like to remind all participants that the deadline for submitting final papers is 16 June.
Novel Methodological Approach Combines Data Donation and Surveys
Nordicom has recently published, in collaboration with DATALAB – Center for Digital Social Research, at Aarhus University, an in-depth reporting of a novel methodological approach combining data donation and surveys. The publication demonstrates how data donation can be scaled to national population level to understand trends in digital media usage and potential challenges for digital democracies. Kristin Clay, manuscript editor at Nordicom, spoke with co-author Anja Bechmann about the study’s main findings and their broader relevance.
Study: Climate Topics Receive Limited Attention in Nordic Journalism Education
There are differing views on whether climate change should be treated as a distinct field within journalism or simply as one topic among many. These perspectives are reflected in journalism education across the Nordic countries, according to new research.
2024 Media Use in the Nordics: Insights from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark
The Media Barometers are annual surveys tracking daily media consumption. In Sweden, the survey has been conducted by Nordicom since 1979, with support from the Swedish Ministry of Culture. In Norway, Statistics Norway has carried out a corresponding survey since 1991. In Denmark, the study of news media usage is carried out by researchers at the Center for News Research at Roskilde University.
What to Expect from the NordMedia25 Keynotes: A First Glimpse
With NordMedia25 approaching in August, the conference program is beginning to take shape. The keynote abstracts are now available, offering an early look at some of the themes and questions that will drive this year’s discussions in Odense.
NordMedia25: Registration Now Open
Registration for the NordMedia25 conference in Odense is now open. Take advantage of early-bird pricing available through 28 June 2025. Standard registration rates will apply from 29 June onward.
Amid US Political Tensions, International Scientists Rethink Transatlantic Conferences –Where Do Nordic Researchers Stand?
The Trump administration’s attacks on science and education drew strong criticism from scientists around the world, including in the Nordic countries. Cuts to funding, threats to academic freedom, and ideological interference, along with denied entry to scholars, have raised alarm. With the ICA Conference scheduled for June in Denver, many international media scholars are now reconsidering whether to attend. Within the Nordic community, the dilemma also persists: whether to take part, and how best to engage with the developments unfolding in the United States.
Meta Used Books and Research Papers to Train Its AI - Was Yours One of Them?
Meta has illegally used millions of books and scientific papers to train its AI models. We explain how to check if your work has been pirated, and what steps you can take if it has.
Your Work, Their Words: How Others See Us (Part 2)
Innovative, methodologically well-structured, and open to diverse academic traditions – these are just some of the qualities that international scholars value and appreciate about Nordic media and communication researchers. In the second article in our series "Your Work, Their Words: How Others See Us", we spotlight more voices from international scholars and their reflections on the contributions of Nordic researchers. Here’s what they had to say.
Greenland is Vulnerable to Disinformation
Greenland’s journalistic media are few and small, while social media are important, writes Signe Ravn-Højgaard, director of the Digital Infrastructure Think Tank, which co-published a report on the topic.
Your Work, Their Words: How Others See Us
Though modest in size, the Nordic countries play a significant role in global media and communication research. The field benefits greatly from your contributions, which extend far beyond national and regional boundaries. Yet amid the pressures of proposals, publications, and conferences, there is little time – or perhaps even interest – to reflect on the broader impact of this work. To gain perspective, we asked your international colleagues how they view the contributions of Nordic researchers. Here is the first glimpse into what they had to say.
Influencers: A Political Force for Engagement?
In recent years, the role of social media influencers has extended beyond brand endorsements and lifestyle content, entering the realm of political discourse. While much of the conversation around influencers and politics focuses on concerns such as misinformation and polarisation, new research highlights the potential of influencers to positively impact political engagement.
New Knowledge Centre at Södertörn University to Explore the Future of Public Service Media
Södertörn University in Sweden has launched a new research and knowledge hub dedicated to studying the role and future of public service media in a rapidly changing digital and political landscape. The Knowledge Center for Public Service Media (K-pub) will focus on the challenges and transformations affecting public broadcasters across Sweden, Eastern Europe, and the Baltic region.
The Swedish Media Landscape 2025: Key Insights for Nordic Media Researchers
Nordicom has released the sixteenth edition of MedieSverige [MediaSweden], a comprehensive report on Sweden’s media landscape. The report covers policy shifts, digital trends, and industry developments, but its insights also extend beyond Sweden’s borders.
New Article Provides Matrix for Studying Journalistic Value Creation
Journalism must meet different interests – social, economic, profession-based, and audience-based. Norwegian media researcher Ragnhild Kristine Olsen has created a value matrix for studying journalistic value creation and editorial choices in an increasingly complex media landscape where commercial incentives and social mission often conflict, and professional and audience needs are at times divided.
How a Nordicom Newsletter is Created – A Behind-the-Scenes Look
Media policy is constantly evolving, and staying up to date with new regulations and changes is not an easy task. In this article, we take you behind the scenes of the Nordic Media Policy newsletter, offering a look at how the key topics are being identified and prioritised.
Doctoral Research 2024: What Did the New Nordic Doctors Study?
Data journalism, gender and ideologies online, digital parenting, investigative journalism, and how parliamentarians use media – these were just some of the topics of the doctoral theses defended at Nordic universities last year. In 2024, 66 researchers earned their PhDs in the region. Congratulations to all!