Relationship between journalism and audience(s)

Interactivity, Participation and Communication Difficulties in Portuguese Media

Authors

  • Aldina Margato Centro de Investigação e Estudos de Sociologia (CIES), ISCTE — Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Lisboa — PortugalInstituto Superior Miguel Torga (ISMT), Coimbra — Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8908-1975
  • Jorge Vieira CIES-Iscte Centro de Investigação e Estudos de Sociologia Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa Edifício 4, Sala 125 Av. das Forças Armadas, nº40 1649-026 Lisboa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1130-3731

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14195/2183-5462_47_2

Keywords:

Jornalismo e públicos, interatividade no jornalismo, participação no jornalismo, participação

Abstract

This article, using a mixed methodology, analyses the relational dynamics between journalism and audiences through elements indicating interactivity observed across 10 Portuguese news platforms and six interviews with journalists from outlets demonstrating the highest number of connection mechanisms. The investigation, conducted during 2024, indicates that most websites offer limited conditions for communication, with a notable presence on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where the majority use newsletters and half utilise TikTok and WhatsApp. Observador and Público provide the highest interactivity; however, even these journalists underutilise the channels, avoiding direct engagement, which suggests a foundational issue in participation due to professionals’ availability. Internal guidelines lacking encouragement for dialogue and the fear of encountering hostile discourse further contribute to inhibiting factors in the relationship.

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Author Biographies

Aldina Margato, Centro de Investigação e Estudos de Sociologia (CIES), ISCTE — Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Lisboa — PortugalInstituto Superior Miguel Torga (ISMT), Coimbra — Portugal

Aldina Maria da Silva Margato, Master in Journalism and Communication from the University of Coimbra and PhD candidate in Communication Sciences at ISCTE-IUL. She is a research assistant at CIES and a professor at Instituto Superior Miguel Torga

Jorge Vieira, CIES-Iscte Centro de Investigação e Estudos de Sociologia Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa Edifício 4, Sala 125 Av. das Forças Armadas, nº40 1649-026 Lisboa

Jorge Samuel Pinto Vieira is an Assistant Professor at Iscte – University Institute of Lisbon. Holding a PhD in Sociology, he is a member of the board of the Master's program in Communication, Culture and Information Technologies, as well as of LIA-Iscte – Laboratory for Innovation in Academia.

 

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Published

2025-12-17

How to Cite

Margato, A. ., & Vieira, J. (2025). Relationship between journalism and audience(s): Interactivity, Participation and Communication Difficulties in Portuguese Media. Media & Jornalismo, 25(47), e4702. https://doi.org/10.14195/2183-5462_47_2

Issue

Vol. 25 No. 47 (2025)

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Articles

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