Journalism, politics and citizenship: Keys to a new relationship from Spain

Abstract

Introduction: Innovation has not only modified routines and professional profiles, but also raises questions about public legitimacy and the institutional character of journalism as a political actor with the emergence of new actors, such as digital platforms and their algorithms, and the reconfiguration of the communicative space. This article aims to present the foundations of the relationship between journalism and politics today, along with future trends. Methodology: It does so through a study developed in February 2020–February 2021 in Spain based on methodological triangulation that includes, in addition to the literature review, a survey of journalists, a survey of citizens and a panel of experts with researchers in the area. Discussion: The results confirm journalists as a filter between society and politics, although the citizens are critical. Conclusions: Some dangerous trends for democracy are revealed: the choice of media agenda items in political parties, low audience participation, the concealment of the importance of algorithms and digital platforms, and the high automation of information to influence public opinion and generate disinformation.