What the study found
The study finds that journalists’ responses to the far right in Germany often contributed to the far right becoming more mainstream. The article says these responses were shaped by a mix of self-imposed pressure, external pressure from the far right, and institutional constraints.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the study helps explain the challenges and opportunities journalists face when responding to the far right in liberal democracies. It also adds to understanding of how media responses can range from accommodation to a media cordon sanitaire, meaning a deliberate effort to keep a political group at a distance.
What the researchers tested
The article develops a framework to analyze why journalists respond to the far right in different ways. It then applies this framework to Germany using semi-structured interviews with editors-in-chief, political editors, and journalists reporting on the far right from different media outlets and regions.
What worked and what didn't
According to the findings, a combination of self-imposed pressure, pressure from the far right, and institutional constraints pushed journalists toward responses that supported mainstreaming. The abstract does not describe any responses that successfully prevented this outcome.
What to keep in mind
The study is based on interviews in Germany, so its empirical scope is limited to that setting. The abstract does not describe additional limitations.
Key points
- The study says journalists’ responses to the far right in Germany contributed to its mainstreaming.
- The authors identify self-imposed pressure, external pressure from the far right, and institutional constraints as key influences.
- The article uses semi-structured interviews with editors-in-chief, political editors, and journalists.
- The framework covers responses ranging from accommodation to a media cordon sanitaire.
- The abstract does not report a response that clearly prevented mainstreaming.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Journalists’ responses helped mainstream the far right in Germany
- Authors:
- Teresa Völker
- Institutions:
- WZB Berlin Social Science Center
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-15
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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