Following recent studies on “field theory†and “new institutionalismâ€
in journalism studies (Benson 2004, 2006), the starting premise of
this article is that the press maintains linkages with three external
fields: states, markets and civic society. Linkages are shaped by
structural relations as well as by newsmaking practices. Structural
factors such as ownership, financing, and legislation determine
the connections of news organizations with states, business, and
civic actors. The processes of news production and consumption
involving newsrooms, sources, and audiences also affect the
intensity of the relations between the press and external fields.
