Becoming a journalist : journalism education in the Nordic countries

Journalism education came to most of the Nordic countries in the 1960"s. It was introduced within media systems known as "the Nordic model". Since then, journalism education has developed in close cooperation between universities and institutes in the Nordic countries. In bi-annual conferences journalism educators from all five Nordic countries (and Greenland) meet to discuss journalism and pedagogical development. This anthology gives a broad picture of Nordic journalism education. In 19 chapters, researchers and educators write about this development and how challenges in contemporary journalism is met in courses and teaching. One point of departure is the large survey to students in 30 Nordic journalism educations accomplished in 2005-2012. The relation between journalism education and the media industry is another area discussed from different perspectives, including how students meet the field in internships. Also globalization brings new challenges to journalism education that traditionally has been nationally oriented. The Nordic model of journalism education has developed in the tension between academy and industry, between critical reflection and vocational skills. The anthology gives many examples of how journalism educators in the Nordic countries handle these tensions - and perhaps how they can contribute to a creative development in journalism.