Professional profiles in local political journalism in times of social networking websites

Abstract

Introduction: This article analyzes the development of new genres of newsworkers that the local media are hiring in a digital ecosystem in which platforms like Google and Facebook have the control of distribution. Methodology: The object of study, within the framework of political journalism, is comprised of 12 Catalan local media selected according to criteria of media diversity and geographical distribution. Semi-structured in-depth interviews with 24 professionals were conducted, from editors to journalists to social media managers. Results: Companies incorporate new job roles in political journalism. Nine new professional profiles are listed, although only three of them are profiles that the newsrooms are currently hiring. Conclusions: The skills related to marketing job roles are being adopted by journalists.