Media and integration

Abstract

Abstract This paper contributes to the research project titled ‘Integrative and disintegrative processes of the Hungarian Society’ by providing the theoretical and methodological foundations for an empirical study on the integrative and disintegrative capacities of the media sphere in Hungary. First, we critically review the literature on the question whether there is a mainstream media or distinctively separate blocs of media outlets have emerged to create ideological ‘bubbles’ in different societies. Then, we introduce our issue-centred case study approach to comprehend whether mass communication integrate or divide us 25 years after the collapse of the communist regime. For a test, we propose to explore the media networks of issues that enjoy media storm-type of coverage in the year 2014 in the Hungarian media sphere. To compare the interaction patterns of the media outlets we also define five ideal typical network macrostructures. The ideal typical network macrostructures will tell us whether the networks of the Hungarian media can be considered as integrated or disintegrated formations. Keywords: media, integration, interaction, network analysis, Hungary.