Research With(out) Values: Institutionalization and Impact of Media Accountability as an Academic Field

Research on media accountability regularly stresses the importance of free and responsible media for democratic societies. But how far can research itself contribute to holding the media accountable? The paper discusses the relevance of media accountability as an academic field and its impact on journalism practice, media self-regulation, and society. The analysis is based on a comparative evaluation of research infrastructures for media accountability in 14 European countries and a discussion of cases of bi-directional interplay between journalism and academia. The study enables a reflection of success factors for relevant media accountability research and develops perspectives for future studies.