Online discussion threads as promotors of citizen democracy: Current opportunities and challenges for small- and medium-sized media organisations in Finland

Abbott, J. Y. (2017). Tensions in the scholarship on participatory journalism and citizen journalism. Annals of the International Communication Association, 41(3–4), 278–297. https://doi.org/10.1080/23808985.2017.1350927 AbbottJ. Y. 2017 Tensions in the scholarship on participatory journalism and citizen journalism Annals of the International Communication Association 41 3–4 278 297 https://doi.org/10.1080/23808985.2017.1350927 Search in Google Scholar

Ahva, L. (2013). Public journalism and professional reflexivity. Journalism, 14(6), 790–806. https://doi.org/10.1177/1464884912455895 AhvaL. 2013 Public journalism and professional reflexivity Journalism 14 6 790 806 https://doi.org/10.1177/1464884912455895 Search in Google Scholar

Backholm, K., Hägglund, S., Rautanen, K., & Wingren, M. (2022). What drives news choices and trust in journalism of young people? In V. J. E. Manninen, M. K. Niemi, & A. Ridge-Newman (Eds.), Futures of journalism: Technology-stimulated evolution in the audience-news media relationship (pp. 313–328). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-95073-6_20 BackholmK. HägglundS. RautanenK. WingrenM. 2022 What drives news choices and trust in journalism of young people? In ManninenV. J. E. NiemiM. K. Ridge-NewmanA. (Eds.), Futures of journalism: Technology-stimulated evolution in the audience-news media relationship 313 328 Palgrave Macmillan https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-95073-6_20 Search in Google Scholar

Bergström, A., & Wadbring, I. (2015). Beneficial yet crappy: Journalists and audiences on obstacles and opportunities in reader comments. European Journal of Communication, 30(2), 137–151. https://doi.org/10.1177/0267323114559378 BergströmA. WadbringI. 2015 Beneficial yet crappy: Journalists and audiences on obstacles and opportunities in reader comments European Journal of Communication 30 2 137 151 https://doi.org/10.1177/0267323114559378 Search in Google Scholar

Boberg, S., Schatto-Eckrodt, T., Frischlich, L., & Quandt, T. (2018). The moral gatekeeper? Moderation and deletion of user-generated content in a leading news forum. Media and Communication, 6(4), 58–69. https://doi.org/10.17645/mac.v6i4.1493 BobergS. Schatto-EckrodtT. FrischlichL. QuandtT. 2018 The moral gatekeeper? Moderation and deletion of user-generated content in a leading news forum Media and Communication 6 4 58 69 https://doi.org/10.17645/mac.v6i4.1493 Search in Google Scholar

Borger, M., van Hoof, A., Costera Meijer, I., & Sanders, J. (2013). Constructing participatory journalism as a scholarly object: A genealogical analysis. Digital Journalism, 1(1), 117–134. https://doi.org/10.1080/21670811.2012.740267 BorgerM. van HoofA. Costera MeijerI. SandersJ. 2013 Constructing participatory journalism as a scholarly object: A genealogical analysis Digital Journalism 1 1 117 134 https://doi.org/10.1080/21670811.2012.740267 Search in Google Scholar

Bro, P., & Wallberg, F. (2015). Gatekeeping in a digital era: Principles, practices and technological platforms. Journalism Practice, 9(1), 92–105. https://doi.org/10.1080/17512786.2014.928468 BroP. WallbergF. 2015 Gatekeeping in a digital era: Principles, practices and technological platforms Journalism Practice 9 1 92 105 https://doi.org/10.1080/17512786.2014.928468 Search in Google Scholar

Canter, L. (2013). The misconception of online comment threads: Content and control on local newspaper websites. Journalism Practice, 7(5), 604–619. https://doi.org/10.1080/17512786.2012.740172 CanterL. 2013 The misconception of online comment threads: Content and control on local newspaper websites Journalism Practice 7 5 604 619 https://doi.org/10.1080/17512786.2012.740172 Search in Google Scholar

Chambers, S. (2003). Deliberative democratic theory. Annual Review of Political Science, 6(1), 307–326. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.polisci.6.121901.085538 ChambersS. 2003 Deliberative democratic theory Annual Review of Political Science 6 1 307 326 https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.polisci.6.121901.085538 Search in Google Scholar

Cohen, J. (2002). Deliberation and democratic legitimacy. In D. Matravers, & J. E. Pike (Eds.), Debates in contemporary political philosophy (pp. 342–360). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203986820 CohenJ. 2002 Deliberation and democratic legitimacy In MatraversD. PikeJ. E. (Eds.), Debates in contemporary political philosophy 342 360 Routledge https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203986820 Search in Google Scholar

Council for Mass Media in Finland. (2011, September 5). Journalistic guidelines. https://jsn.fi/en/council-for-mass-media/ Council for Mass Media in Finland 2011 September 5 Journalistic guidelines https://jsn.fi/en/council-for-mass-media/ Search in Google Scholar

Dahl, R. A. (1989). Democracy and its critics. Yale University Press. DahlR. A. 1989 Democracy and its critics Yale University Press Search in Google Scholar

Deuze, M., Bruns, A., & Neuberger, C. (2007). Preparing for an age of participatory news. Journalism Practice, 1(3), 322–338. https://doi.org/10.1080/17512780701504864 DeuzeM. BrunsA. NeubergerC. 2007 Preparing for an age of participatory news Journalism Practice 1 3 322 338 https://doi.org/10.1080/17512780701504864 Search in Google Scholar

European Commission. (2022, July 28). Digital economy and society index (DESI) 2022: Finland. https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/dae/redirection/document/88700 European Commission 2022 July 28 Digital economy and society index (DESI) 2022: Finland https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/dae/redirection/document/88700 Search in Google Scholar

Finnish Broadcasting Company. (n.d.). Guidelines for discussion. https://yle.fi/aihe/s/discussion-policy Finnish Broadcasting Company (n.d.) Guidelines for discussion https://yle.fi/aihe/s/discussion-policy Search in Google Scholar

Fishkin, J. S. (2011). When the people speak: Deliberative democracy and public consultation. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199604432.001.0001 FishkinJ. S. 2011 When the people speak: Deliberative democracy and public consultation Oxford University Press https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199604432.001.0001 Search in Google Scholar

Gutmann, A., & Thompson, D. F. (2004). Why deliberative democracy? Princeton University Press. GutmannA. ThompsonD. F. 2004 Why deliberative democracy? Princeton University Press Search in Google Scholar

Habermas, J. (1986). The theory of communicative action: Reason and the rationalization of society (Vol. 1). Wiley. HabermasJ. 1986 The theory of communicative action: Reason and the rationalization of society 1 Wiley Search in Google Scholar

Heinonen, A. (2011). The journalist’s relationship with users: New dimensions to conventional roles. In J. B. Singer, D. Domingo, A. Heinonen, A. Hermida, S. Paulussen, T. Quandt, Z. Reich, & M. Vujnovic (Eds.), Participatory journalism: Guarding open gates at online newspapers (pp. 34–55). Wiley-Blackwell. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/9781444340747 HeinonenA. 2011 The journalist’s relationship with users: New dimensions to conventional roles In SingerJ. B. DomingoD. HeinonenA. HermidaA. PaulussenS. QuandtT. ReichZ. VujnovicM. (Eds.), Participatory journalism: Guarding open gates at online newspapers 34 55 Wiley-Blackwell http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/9781444340747 Search in Google Scholar

Kohvakka, R., & Saarenmaa, K. (2022, March 3). Verkkomedian seuraaminen yleistyi erityisesti pandemian alussa – toisena vuotena muutokset pienempiä [Following digital media became common especially in the beginning of the pandemic – smaller changes in the second year]. Statistics Finland. https://www.stat.fi/tietotrendit/artikkelit/2022/verkkomedian-seuraaminen-yleistyi-erityisesti-pandemian-alussa-toisena-vuotena-muutokset-pienempia/ KohvakkaR. SaarenmaaK. 2022 March 3 Verkkomedian seuraaminen yleistyi erityisesti pandemian alussa – toisena vuotena muutokset pienempiä [Following digital media became common especially in the beginning of the pandemic – smaller changes in the second year] Statistics Finland https://www.stat.fi/tietotrendit/artikkelit/2022/verkkomedian-seuraaminen-yleistyi-erityisesti-pandemian-alussa-toisena-vuotena-muutokset-pienempia/ Search in Google Scholar

Kovach, B., & Rosenstiel, T. (2021). The elements of journalism: What newspeople should know and the public should expect (4th ed.). Random House. KovachB. RosenstielT. 2021 The elements of journalism: What newspeople should know and the public should expect 4th ed. Random House Search in Google Scholar

Kreiss, D., & Brennen, J. (2016). Normative models of digital journalism. In T. Witschge, C. W. Anderson, D. Domingo, & A. Hermida (Eds.), The Sage handbook of digital journalism (pp. 299–314). Sage. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781473957909 KreissD. BrennenJ. 2016 Normative models of digital journalism In WitschgeT. AndersonC. W. DomingoD. HermidaA. (Eds.), The Sage handbook of digital journalism 299 314 Sage https://doi.org/10.4135/9781473957909 Search in Google Scholar

Liu, J., & McLeod, D. M. (2021). Pathways to news commenting and the removal of the comment system on news websites. Journalism, 22(4), 867–881. https://doi.org/10.1177/1464884919849954 LiuJ. McLeodD. M. 2021 Pathways to news commenting and the removal of the comment system on news websites Journalism 22 4 867 881 https://doi.org/10.1177/1464884919849954 Search in Google Scholar

MacDonald, J. B., Saliba, A. J., Hodgins, G., & Ovington, L.A. (2016). Burnout in journalists: A systematic literature review. Burnout Research, 3(2), 34–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burn.2016.03.001 MacDonaldJ. B. SalibaA. J. HodginsG. OvingtonL.A. 2016 Burnout in journalists: A systematic literature review Burnout Research 3 2 34 44 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burn.2016.03.001 Search in Google Scholar

Marchionni, D. M. (2013). Journalism-as-a-conversation: A concept explication. Communication Theory, 23(2), 131–147. https://doi.org/10.1111/comt.12007 MarchionniD. M. 2013 Journalism-as-a-conversation: A concept explication Communication Theory 23 2 131 147 https://doi.org/10.1111/comt.12007 Search in Google Scholar

Masullo, G. M., Riedl, M. J., & Huang, Q. E. (2022). Engagement moderation: What journalists should say to improve online discussions. Journalism Practice, 16(4), 738–754. https://doi.org/10.1080/17512786.2020.1808858 MasulloG. M. RiedlM. J. HuangQ. E. 2022 Engagement moderation: What journalists should say to improve online discussions Journalism Practice 16 4 738 754 https://doi.org/10.1080/17512786.2020.1808858 Search in Google Scholar

Masullo Chen, G., & Pain, P. (2017). Normalizing online comments. Journalism Practice, 11(7), 876–892. https://doi.org/10.1080/17512786.2016.1205954 Masullo ChenG. PainP. 2017 Normalizing online comments Journalism Practice 11 7 876 892 https://doi.org/10.1080/17512786.2016.1205954 Search in Google Scholar

Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldana, J. (2019). Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook (4th ed.). Sage. MilesM. B. HubermanA. M. SaldanaJ. 2019 Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook 4th ed. Sage Search in Google Scholar

Morrison, J. (2017). Finishing the “unfinished” story: Online newspaper discussion threads as journalistic texts. Digital Journalism, 5(2), 213–232. https://doi.org/10.1080/21670811.2016.1165129 MorrisonJ. 2017 Finishing the “unfinished” story: Online newspaper discussion threads as journalistic texts Digital Journalism 5 2 213 232 https://doi.org/10.1080/21670811.2016.1165129 Search in Google Scholar

Nelson, M. N., Ksiazek, T. B., & Springer, N. (2021). Killing the comments: Why do news organizations remove user commentary functions? Journalism and Media, 2(4), 572–583. https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia2040034 NelsonM. N. KsiazekT. B. SpringerN. 2021 Killing the comments: Why do news organizations remove user commentary functions? Journalism and Media 2 4 572 583 https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia2040034 Search in Google Scholar

Newman, N. (2022). Executive summary and key findings. In N. Newman, R. Fletcher, C. T. Robertson, K. Eddy, & R. K. Nielsen (Eds.), Reuters Institute digital news report 2022 (pp. 9–32). Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, University of Oxford. https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2022 NewmanN. 2022 Executive summary and key findings In NewmanN. FletcherR. RobertsonC. T. EddyK. NielsenR. K. (Eds.), Reuters Institute digital news report 2022 9 32 Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, University of Oxford https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2022 Search in Google Scholar

Nip, J. Y. (2006). Exploring the second phase of public journalism. Journalism Studies, 7(2), 212–236. https://doi.org/10.1080/14616700500533528 NipJ. Y. 2006 Exploring the second phase of public journalism Journalism Studies 7 2 212 236 https://doi.org/10.1080/14616700500533528 Search in Google Scholar

Park, S., & Kim, Y. (2022). A metaverse: Taxonomy, components, applications, and open challenges. IEEE Access, 10, 4209–4251. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3140175 ParkS. KimY. 2022 A metaverse: Taxonomy, components, applications, and open challenges IEEE Access 10 4209 4251 https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3140175 Search in Google Scholar

Peters, C., & Witschge. T. (2015). From grand narratives of democracy to small expectations of participation. Journalism Practice, 9(1), 19–34. https://doi.org/10.1080/17512786.2014.928455 PetersC. WitschgeT. 2015 From grand narratives of democracy to small expectations of participation Journalism Practice 9 1 19 34 https://doi.org/10.1080/17512786.2014.928455 Search in Google Scholar

Quandt, T. (2018). Dark participation. Media and Communication, 6(4), 36–48. https://doi.org/10.17645/mac.v6i4.1519 QuandtT. 2018 Dark participation Media and Communication 6 4 36 48 https://doi.org/10.17645/mac.v6i4.1519 Search in Google Scholar

Reporters Without Borders. (n.d.). Finland. https://rsf.org/en/country/finland Reporters Without Borders (n.d.) Finland https://rsf.org/en/country/finland Search in Google Scholar

Robinson, S. (2010). Traditionalists vs. convergers: Textual privilege, boundary work, and the journalist–audience relationship in the commenting policies of online news sites. Convergence, 16(1), 125–143. https://doi.org/10.1177/1354856509347719 RobinsonS. 2010 Traditionalists vs. convergers: Textual privilege, boundary work, and the journalist–audience relationship in the commenting policies of online news sites Convergence 16 1 125 143 https://doi.org/10.1177/1354856509347719 Search in Google Scholar

Salonen, M., & Laaksonen, S. (2023). Post-publication gatekeeping practices. Exploring conversational and visual gatekeeping on Finnish newspapers’ Instagram accounts. Nordicom Review, 44(2), 253–278. https://doi.org/10.2478/nor-2023-0014 SalonenM. LaaksonenS. 2023 Post-publication gatekeeping practices. Exploring conversational and visual gatekeeping on Finnish newspapers’ Instagram accounts Nordicom Review 44 2 253 278 https://doi.org/10.2478/nor-2023-0014 Search in Google Scholar

Salonen, M., Olbertz-Siitonen M., Uskali, T., & Laaksonen, S. (2023). Conversational gatekeeping – Social interactional practices of post-publication gatekeeping on newspapers’ Facebook pages. Journalism Practice, 17(9), 2053–2077. https://doi.org/10.1080/17512786.2022.2034520 SalonenM. Olbertz-SiitonenM. UskaliT. LaaksonenS. 2023 Conversational gatekeeping – Social interactional practices of post-publication gatekeeping on newspapers’ Facebook pages Journalism Practice 17 9 2053 2077 https://doi.org/10.1080/17512786.2022.2034520 Search in Google Scholar

Santana, A. D. (2011). Online readers’ comments represent new opinion pipeline. Newspaper Research Journal, 32(3), 66–81. https://doi.org/10.1177/073953291103200306 SantanaA. D. 2011 Online readers’ comments represent new opinion pipeline Newspaper Research Journal 32 3 66 81 https://doi.org/10.1177/073953291103200306 Search in Google Scholar

Schultz, T. (1999). Interactive options in online journalism: A content analysis of 100 U.S. newspapers. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 5(1), JCMC513. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1083-6101.1999.tb00331.x SchultzT. 1999 Interactive options in online journalism: A content analysis of 100 U.S. newspapers Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication 5 1 JCMC513 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1083-6101.1999.tb00331.x Search in Google Scholar

Singer, J. B., & Ashman, I. (2009). “Comment is free, but facts are sacred”: User-generated content and ethical constructs at the Guardian. Journal of Mass Media Ethics, 24(1), 3–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/08900520802644345 SingerJ. B. AshmanI. 2009 “Comment is free, but facts are sacred”: User-generated content and ethical constructs at the Guardian Journal of Mass Media Ethics 24 1 3 21 https://doi.org/10.1080/08900520802644345 Search in Google Scholar

Strandberg, K., Himmelroos, S., & Grönlund, K. (2019). Do discussions in like-minded groups necessarily lead to more extreme opinions? Deliberative democracy and group polarization. International Political Science Review, 40(1), 41–57. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192512117692136 StrandbergK. HimmelroosS. GrönlundK. 2019 Do discussions in like-minded groups necessarily lead to more extreme opinions? Deliberative democracy and group polarization International Political Science Review 40 1 41 57 https://doi.org/10.1177/0192512117692136 Search in Google Scholar

Stroud, N. J., Scacco, J. M., Muddiman, A., & Curry, A. L. (2015). Changing deliberative norms on news organizations’ Facebook sites. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 20(2), 188–203. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcc4.12104 StroudN. J. ScaccoJ. M. MuddimanA. CurryA. L. 2015 Changing deliberative norms on news organizations’ Facebook sites Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication 20 2 188 203 https://doi.org/10.1111/jcc4.12104 Search in Google Scholar

Strömbäck, J. (2005). In search of a standard: Four models of democracy and their normative implications for journalism. Journalism Studies, 6(3), 331–345. https://doi.org/10.1080/14616700500131950 StrömbäckJ. 2005 In search of a standard: Four models of democracy and their normative implications for journalism Journalism Studies 6 3 331 345 https://doi.org/10.1080/14616700500131950 Search in Google Scholar

Syvertsen, T., Enli, G., Mjøs, O. J., & Moe, H. (2014). The media welfare state: Nordic media in the digital era. University of Michigan Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv65swsg SyvertsenT. EnliG. MjøsO. J. MoeH. 2014 The media welfare state: Nordic media in the digital era University of Michigan Press https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv65swsg Search in Google Scholar

Thomas, R. J. (2022). The welcome persistence of “we write, you read” journalism. In V. J. E. Manninen, M. K. Niemi, & A. Ridge-Newman (Eds.), Futures of journalism: Technology-stimulated evolution in the audience-news media relationship (pp. 143–158). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-95073-6_10 ThomasR. J. 2022 The welcome persistence of “we write, you read” journalism In ManninenV. J. E. NiemiM. K. Ridge-NewmanA. (Eds.), Futures of journalism: Technology-stimulated evolution in the audience-news media relationship 143 158 Palgrave Macmillan https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-95073-6_10 Search in Google Scholar

Wolfgang, J. D. (2016). Pursuing the ideal: How news website commenting policies structure public discourse. Digital Journalism, 4(6), 764–783. https://doi.org/10.1080/21670811.2015.1090882 WolfgangJ. D. 2016 Pursuing the ideal: How news website commenting policies structure public discourse Digital Journalism 4 6 764 783 https://doi.org/10.1080/21670811.2015.1090882 Search in Google Scholar

Wolfgang, J. D., McConnell, S., & Blackburn, H. (2020). Commenters as a threat to journalism? How comment moderators perceive the role of the audience. Digital Journalism, 8(7), 925–944. https://doi.org/10.1080/21670811.2020.1802319 WolfgangJ. D. McConnellS. BlackburnH. 2020 Commenters as a threat to journalism? How comment moderators perceive the role of the audience Digital Journalism 8 7 925 944 https://doi.org/10.1080/21670811.2020.1802319 Search in Google Scholar

Zamith, R., & Lewis, S. C. (2014). From public spaces to public sphere: Rethinking systems for reader comments on online news sites. Digital Journalism, 2(4), 558–574. https://doi.org/10.1080/21670811.2014.882066 ZamithR. LewisS. C. 2014 From public spaces to public sphere: Rethinking systems for reader comments on online news sites Digital Journalism 2 4 558 574 https://doi.org/10.1080/21670811.2014.882066 Search in Google Scholar

Ziegele, M., & Jost, P. B. (2020). Not funny? The effects of factual versus sarcastic journalistic responses to uncivil user comments. Communication Research, 47(6), 891–920. https://doi.org/10.1177/0093650216671854 ZiegeleM. JostP. B. 2020 Not funny? The effects of factual versus sarcastic journalistic responses to uncivil user comments Communication Research 47 6 891 920 https://doi.org/10.1177/0093650216671854 Search in Google Scholar