Not to burn bridges : A qualitative interview study on local sports journalists’ balancing of critical reporting and relationships

Local sports journalism is characterized by close relationships between journalists and actors within sports organizations, which may affect critical reporting. This study examines how sports journalists in local newsrooms balance critical reporting with source dependence. The study is based on qualitative interviews with local sports journalists across Sweden. The analysis is informed by perspectives on journalism as a profession and theories of source relations as well as agenda-setting and framing. The findings show that local sports journalists experience a tension between critical reporting and reliance on relationships with sports actors. The relationships are described as professional but characterized by closeness, where public criticism may have consequences for future access to information. Journalists use several strategies to manage this balance, including factual and evidence-based criticism and collegial collaboration. Overall, journalists negotiate between professional ideals and occupational conditions.