Polarization in local news reporting on the European Union: A transnational study

Abstract

In the current framework of fragmentation of digital audiences, local journalism still plays a key role in building local communities, allowing a local approach to the news. This mission is even more important in contextualizing remote democratic institutions with a great influence on the life of citizens, as is the case of the European Union (EU). Bearing this in mind, the purpose of this study is to analyze the degree of polarization of EU news on the local level. To achieve this aim, content analysis is used as a research strategy, applying it to the coverage provided in Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom. The information source (personalization) and the message tone (negativity) show a close association through the Pearson correlation, revealing a homogenization of news practices that makes it difficult to understand EU politics.