Alternative Media in European Contexts: Theoretical Cornerstones, Methodological Challenges, and Systemic Conditions

Bringing together leading scholars in the field, this open access book presents novel theoretical perspectives, methodological approaches, ethical reflections and comparative frameworks to inform research on production, content, dissemination and use of alternative media. Over the last decade, falling levels of media and political trust and sweeping populist election victories have coincided with a wave of new alternative media. Seeking to challenge mainstream news media and established politics, these alternative media have attracted extensive political, media and scholarly attention. Building on in-depth insights from different countries across Europe, it represents a key reference for alternative media research in Europe and beyond. This book demonstrates how we are now entering a third stage of alternative media research, characterized by more cross-theoretical fertilization, methodological innovation and focus on contextual conditions.