Increased action research would benefit both the scholars and practitioners of digital journalism, writes Stephanie Grubenmann of University of St.Gallen. The author uses an interventive action study, performed at a Swiss newsroom, as an example of how action studies can benefit both parties.

Grubenmann, with colleagues, interviewed journalists working for a Swiss newspaper about developing digital convergence in that newsroom. Based on the interviews, the researchers arranged workshops called ‘ateliers’, which aimed to increase the journalists’ knowledge, skills and motivation to produce digital content. According to Grubenmann the months-long experiment was well received by the collaborating newsroom, and it had a lasting effects on the newsroom’s production.

In terms of academic interest, the experiment produced rich and varied research material, and expanded the researchers’ understanding of the journalistic work. According to the author having “one foot in practice” was not only beneficial to the present study, but also highly conducive to future research.

The article, Action research, was published by the journal Digital Journalism. It is available online (abstract free).

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