The Impact of Digital Media on Urban Discourse

Abstract

The media plays a crucial role in disseminating public information. This holds particular significance in urban contexts where it is vital for citizens to be informed about local issues as an integral element of urban discourse in the public sphere. With the growth of digital media, concerns about the quality of media content are increasing. This study investigates media perspectives on the quality of urban discourse, drawing on interviews with 51 journalists across four countries (Ireland, Netherlands, Poland and the United Kingdom). The findings underscore the immense potential of local journalism in shaping interactions between local government and citizens. While digital media has led to an explosion of content availability, it also poses challenges in providing reliable information to citizens. The study reviews these challenges and proposes solutions to enhance the quality of urban discourse.