Comparative Analysis of Journalism Models in Different Information and Geographical Environments

Master 2025/2026

Category 'Best Course for Career Development'

Category 'Best Course for Broadening Horizons and Diversity of Knowledge and Skills'

Category 'Best Course for New Knowledge and Skills'

Type: Elective course (Contemporary Journalism)

Delivered by: Institute of Media

Where: Faculty of Creative Industries

When: 2 year, 3 module

Open to: students of all HSE University campuses

Language: English

ECTS credits: 3

Contact hours: 24

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Abstract

This discipline provides a comprehensive understanding of the comparative analysis of journalism models in various informational and geographical environments. Students will gain a general understanding of key approaches to the study of journalistic systems, their structure, functioning, and impact on society in both global and local contexts. The course will address differences in the normative, economic, cultural, and technological aspects of journalism in different countries and regions. Special attention will be given to methods of comparative analysis, as well as the influence of globalization, digital technologies, and media policy on modern journalism models.

Learning Objectives

To introduce students to theoretical frameworks for the comparative study of journalism and media systems.
To examine the defining features of journalism models across major world regions: Western, post-Soviet, Asian, and the Global South.
To develop skills in structured case analysis of newsrooms and media systems.
To train students in formulating editorial policy recommendations grounded in regional professional and audience contexts.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Identifies and compares theoretical frameworks used in comparative journalism studies.
Analyses the structural, political, and cultural factors that shape journalism models in different regional contexts.
Conducts structured case analysis of specific newsrooms and media systems using comparative criteria.
Evaluates editorial policies in relation to regional professional norms and audience expectations.
Develops and presents evidence-based editorial policy recommendations adapted to a defined regional context.

Course Contents

Frameworks for Comparative Journalism Studies
Western Journalism Models: Pluralism, Polarisation, and Platform Pressures
Post-Soviet Journalism Models
Asian Journalism Models: Diversity Within the Region
Global South Journalism Models: Colonial Legacies, Resource Constraints, and Local Innovation
Final Group Project Presentations

Assessment Elements

Participation in seminar activities
Individual written assignment
Group project

Interim Assessment

2025/2026 3rd module
0.15 * Participation in seminar activities + 0.56 * Group project + 0.29 * Individual written assignment

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Comparing media systems : three models of media and politics, Hallin, D. C., 2004
DOVBYSH, O., & MUKHAMETOV, O. (2020). State Information Contracts: The Economic Leverage of Regional Media Control in Russia. Demokratizatsiya, 28(3), 367–392.

Recommended Additional Bibliography

Mass communication. Vol.2: Media systems, economy, governance and globalisation, , 2007
Toepfl, F. (2013). Why do pluralistic media systems emerge? Comparing media change in the Czech Republic and in Russia after the collapse of Communism. LSE Research Online Documents on Economics. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsrep&AN=edsrep.p.ehl.lserod.53148

Course Syllabus