Collaborative Journalism and Politics in Europe

This chapter examines the evolving role and influence of journalists as opinion-shapers within the European public sphere, focusing on the rise of cross-border media consortia and their impact on democratic discourse. The once-dominant journalistic narrative now negotiates its authority alongside political and civic voices, amidst the growing influence of digital platforms and the pervasive spread of disinformation. Moreover, in peer-to-peer media ecosystems, the boundaries between producers and consumers of information have become increasingly blurred. Yet, the proliferation of transnational journalistic consortia has begun to reconfigure this dynamic. By pooling resources across borders, European media organizations have been able to produce high-quality, credible journalism in a sustainable manner, while extending their reach and influence on public opinion. Since 2020, in recognition of their role as disseminators of democratic and European values, the European Union (EU) has implemented innovative policies aimed at systematically fostering this type of cooperation. In holding power to account and reinvigorating the function of the “Fourth Estate,” European media alliances have also demonstrated a newfound capacity to reset the public agenda.