What Makes a Media Entrepreneur? Factors Influencing Entrepreneurial Intention of Mass Communication Students

Abstract

Entrepreneurship and new venture creation are seen as important drivers of media industry’s change and renewal. However, whether newly founded companies will emerge in the future depends to a large extent on entrepreneurial individuals. Through a survey of students from 47 German universities ( N = 720), this study identifies critical factors that explain the entrepreneurial intention of today’s mass communication students, who are likely to be among the future start-up founders in journalism and media industry. Conclusions drawn indicate possibilities for the early identification of potential media entrepreneurs and their ongoing encouragement by journalism and mass communication educators.