News and media use in transnational families in Finland

This report introduces the findings of a research project funded by the Helsingin Sanomat Foundation, focusing on news and media consumption practices among transnational families in Finland. The research project, conducted at the University of Jyväskylä's Department of Language and Communication Studies, interviewed 16 families, including 31 caretakers and 29 children, to understand their media usage patterns, negotiations, and meaning-making processes. The report highlights the fragmented nature of media use within transnational families, where individual members often have distinct media landscapes. The study found limited engagement with Finnish media, with many participants relying heavily on international news sources and social media. This limited engagement was partly attributed to language barriers and a greater interest in staying connected to their countries of origin. The report discusses the concept of 'shared media literacy' within families, where members collectively negotiate and develop skills to understand and evaluate media content. Schools play a vital role in fostering media literacy, but families also contribute through discussions and shared practices. Finally, the report provides practical implications for news organizations, families, and institutions supporting immigrants, emphasizing the need for inclusive approaches that acknowledge the diverse media landscapes of transnational families.