Examining national culture and journalistic autonomy

Abstract

This study used data from 52 countries to examine newspaper journalists’ perceptions of their professional autonomy and whether autonomy is improving. Results suggest that nearly three-quarters of newspaper journalists enjoy some degree of professional autonomy. Journalists in individualistic cultures and high uncertainty avoidance cultures reported higher levels of autonomy. A healthy democracy also predicted journalistic autonomy. Overall, results suggest journalistic freedom is declining. Interestingly, stronger human development was associated with perceived declines in autonomy.