The contexts of communication in a changing world: Internet, opportunities for participation and regional journalism

Authors

  • Ricardo Morais Universidade da Beira Interior / Laboratory of Online Communication
  • João Carlos Sousa Universidade da Beira Interior / Laboratory of Online Communication

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4013/fem.2012.142.03

Abstract

This work analyzes the hypothesis of Internet work as a platform capable of diversify and enhance the chances of a revitalization of civic participation. In this sense, we wonder to what extent the online versions of newspapers are of more democratic access and participation in relation to the paper versions. Then we develop a comparative study of participation opportunities provided by a set of sites of regional newspapers: “Grande Porto”, “Jornal da Bairrada”, “Jornal do Centro”, “Diário As Beiras”, “O Ribatejo”, “Região de Leiria”, “Jornal do Fundão” and “O Algarve”. One of the points of arrival of this analysis is to note that these are of more democratic access, but still have low visibility and consequent participation.

Key words: new technologies, civic participation, regional press.

Author Biographies

Ricardo Morais, Universidade da Beira Interior / Laboratory of Online Communication

Ricardo José Pinheiro Morais é investigador de Doutoramento em Ciências da Comunicação na Universidade da Beira Interior, onde realizou a Licenciatura e o Mestrado. Desenvolve
a sua investigação na análise das diferentes dimensões das oportunidades de participação oferecidas aos cidadãos pelos novos media. É Bolseiro de Investigação do projeto “Agenda dos Cidadãos: jornalismo e participação cívica nos media Portugueses” no Laboratory of Online Communication.

João Carlos Sousa, Universidade da Beira Interior / Laboratory of Online Communication

João Carlos Sousa é Licenciado em Sociologia pela Universidade da Beira Interior. É Bolseiro de Investigação do projeto “Agenda dos Cidadãos: jornalismo e participação cívica nos media Portugueses” no Laboratory of Online Communication.

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Published

2012-03-06

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 2 (2012): May/August

Section

Articles

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