Fabian Prochazka
Biographic Data
| ID | 6715286 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Fabian Prochazka |
| GIVEN NAMES | Fabian |
| FAMILY NAME | Prochazka |
| SIGNATURE | PROCHAZKA F |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of Erfurt |
| ORCID | 0000-0001-8678-101X |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 15 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 56 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 15 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2014 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 3 |
Communicating scientific uncertainty: Exploring science journalists’ understandings, challenges, and strategies
Science journalists are central intermediaries in communicating the uncertainties of science to the public. Socio-scientific issues like COVID-19 and climate change highlight the importance of addressing uncertainties to support informed decision-making while underscoring the complexities involved. Based on 13 semi-structured interviews with science journalists, this study links their conceptual understanding of scientific uncertainty to the stra…
Projection in journalists’ perceptions of public opinion
Journalists’ perceptions of public opinion influence their reporting. Yet, the factors driving these public opinion perceptions are not well understood. This study examines one such potential factor, namely the impact of journalists’ own policy opinions on their estimations of public opinion. Concretely, we identify which journalists are more susceptible to such so-called social projection . Moreover, we investigate which factors moderate the rel…
Adolescents’ Trust in News Media: A Typology of (Un)reflected Trust and the Role of Socialization
We examine what types of news media trust can be identified among adolescents based on their trust levels and the degree of elaboration about media. Moreover, we investigate the role of socialization contexts (family, peers, and schools) in the development of adolescents’ media trust and ability to elaborate. Through qualitative interviews with 50 German adolescents aged 14 to 19, we find 5 types, with only a minority of adolescents showing highl…
The Audience Feedback Dilemma: How Online Feedback Shapes Local Journalists’ Audience Perceptions
We examine how audience feedback online shapes regional and local journalists’ perceptions of their audiences. Using semi-structured interviews with 15 journalists from Thuringia, Germany, we explore three questions: (1) what type and amount of audience feedback journalists perceive both online and offline; (2) how much significance journalists place on said feedback; and (3) how it influences journalists’ audience perceptions. Findings reveal th…
Self-effects of online commenting in different opinion environments
We investigate how commenting on policy-relevant posts in social media affects the opinions of the commenters themselves (“self-effects”). Specifically, we examine whether writing comments affects the valence and strength of preexisting opinions, and how commenting in congruent or incongruent opinion environments influences these self-effects. An online survey experiment shows that writing comments reinforces prior opinions. Self-effects were str…
How News Audiences Allocate Trust in the Digital Age: A Figuration Perspective
The article enriches the understanding of trust in news at a time when mass and interpersonal communication have merged in the digital sphere. We propose disentangling individual-level patterns of trust allocation (i.e., trust figurations) across journalistic media, social media, and peers to reflect the multiplicity among modern news audiences. A latent class analysis of a representative survey among German young adults revealed four figurations…
Comparing Frame Repertoires of Mainstream and Right-Wing Alternative Media
Under the premise that the use of alternative news frames is a key characteristic of alternative media, this study examines frame repertoires of alleged mainstream media and right-wing alternative media (RAM) in Germany. This endeavor is based on quantitative content analyses of eighteen news websites, including seven RAM, on two issues: immigration and the coalition talks following the German federal elections 2017. In multidimensional scaling m…
Trust through Transparency? How Journalistic Reactions to Media-Critical User Comments Affect Quality Perceptions and Behavior Intentions
User comments to digital news often contain media criticism, detrimentally affecting how others perceive the quality of news and possibly lowering media trust. It remains an open question, however, how journalistic reactions can mitigate these effects. Based on premises of engagement moderation, accountability, and transparency in digital journalism, we conducted an online experiment investigating how critical user comments and journalistic react…
How do Covid-19 conspiracy beliefs, exposure to alternative sources and social media correlate in Germany
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, conspiracy beliefs about the virus spread quickly. Using an online-representative survey in Germany, this study examines the relationship between such conspiracy beliefs and media use with special regard to alternative media and influencers as well as social media. Instead of aggregating different social media platforms, this study identifies differences between them. The results show that COVID-19 conspiracy bel…
Concepts, causes and consequences of trust in news media – a literature review and framework
Research on trust in media is on the rise. However, communication scholars have addressed related concepts (e.g. media credibility) for decades, and these concepts have often been used interchangeably with that of trust. This practice has resulted in a confusing field of research, with studies using different labels and drawing on various theoretical backgrounds. This article aims to improve conceptual clarity. On the basis of a literature review…
Public knowledge of alternative media in times of algorithmically personalized news
Citizens are likely to encounter various types of alternative media online, especially on algorithmically personalized news channels (APNC) like social network sites or search engines. It is unclear, however, to what degree they are aware of these outlets and familiar with the concept of alternative media. This study investigates the relation between exposure to alternative media and knowledge of them, taking the role of APNC into account. Analyz…
How to Measure Generalized Trust in News Media? An Adaptation and Test of Scales
In many countries, studies show declining levels of trust in news media at large. However, there still is no valid and accepted measure of generalized trust in news media. To establish and test a suitable measure, we chose two elaborate scales of related concepts: the scale on trust in media coverage of a specific topic by Kohring and Matthes and a credibility scale by Yale, Jensen, Carcioppolo, Sun, and Liu. We adapted both to measure generalize…
Medienkritik online: Was kommentierende Nutzer am Journalismus kritisieren
News media currently face unparalleled criticism from their audiences. Especially in comment sections on news websites and social networks, users voice their discontent with the media. To better understand these allegations and to consider possible effects, this study investigates how users assess the news media in their comments, which allegations they put forward and how they substantiate them. The study employed a quantitative content analysis…
Effects of Civility and Reasoning in User Comments on Perceived Journalistic Quality
Journalists are increasingly concerned that offensive and banal user comments on news websites might alienate readers and damage quality perceptions. To explore such presumed effects, we investigated the impact of civility and reasoning (and lack thereof) in user comments on perceptions of journalistic quality. An experiment revealed that unreasoned comments decrease an article’s perceived informational quality, but only in unknown news brands. I…
Benjamin Krämer (2013): Mediensozialisation. Theorie und Empirie zum Erwerb medienbezogener Dispositionen. Wiesbaden: Springer VS
Medien & Kommunikationswissenschaft provides a forum for discussion of media and communications related issues as well as for analyses of current media developments from various perspectives that are directed to all kinds of media. The journal reflects the latest trends in research and public discussion of media. Medien & Kommunikationswissenschaft primarily addresses scholars, journalists, media organisations, the press, radio and tv broadcaster…
Effects of Civility and Reasoning in User Comments on Perceived Journalistic Quality
Journalists are increasingly concerned that offensive and banal user comments on news websites might alienate readers and damage quality perceptions. To explore such presumed effects, we investigated the impact of civility and reasoning (and lack thereof) in user comments on perceptions of journalistic quality. An experiment revealed that unreasoned comments decrease an article’s perceived informational quality, but only in unknown news brands. I…
How to Measure Generalized Trust in News Media? An Adaptation and Test of Scales
In many countries, studies show declining levels of trust in news media at large. However, there still is no valid and accepted measure of generalized trust in news media. To establish and test a suitable measure, we chose two elaborate scales of related concepts: the scale on trust in media coverage of a specific topic by Kohring and Matthes and a credibility scale by Yale, Jensen, Carcioppolo, Sun, and Liu. We adapted both to measure generalize…
Public knowledge of alternative media in times of algorithmically personalized news
Citizens are likely to encounter various types of alternative media online, especially on algorithmically personalized news channels (APNC) like social network sites or search engines. It is unclear, however, to what degree they are aware of these outlets and familiar with the concept of alternative media. This study investigates the relation between exposure to alternative media and knowledge of them, taking the role of APNC into account. Analyz…
How do Covid-19 conspiracy beliefs, exposure to alternative sources and social media correlate in Germany
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, conspiracy beliefs about the virus spread quickly. Using an online-representative survey in Germany, this study examines the relationship between such conspiracy beliefs and media use with special regard to alternative media and influencers as well as social media. Instead of aggregating different social media platforms, this study identifies differences between them. The results show that COVID-19 conspiracy bel…
Medienkritik online: Was kommentierende Nutzer am Journalismus kritisieren
News media currently face unparalleled criticism from their audiences. Especially in comment sections on news websites and social networks, users voice their discontent with the media. To better understand these allegations and to consider possible effects, this study investigates how users assess the news media in their comments, which allegations they put forward and how they substantiate them. The study employed a quantitative content analysis…
Benjamin Krämer (2013): Mediensozialisation. Theorie und Empirie zum Erwerb medienbezogener Dispositionen. Wiesbaden: Springer VS
Medien & Kommunikationswissenschaft provides a forum for discussion of media and communications related issues as well as for analyses of current media developments from various perspectives that are directed to all kinds of media. The journal reflects the latest trends in research and public discussion of media. Medien & Kommunikationswissenschaft primarily addresses scholars, journalists, media organisations, the press, radio and tv broadcaster…
Medienkritik online: Was kommentierende Nutzer am Journalismus kritisieren
News media currently face unparalleled criticism from their audiences. Especially in comment sections on news websites and social networks, users voice their discontent with the media. To better understand these allegations and to consider possible effects, this study investigates how users assess the news media in their comments, which allegations they put forward and how they substantiate them. The study employed a quantitative content analysis…
Effects of Civility and Reasoning in User Comments on Perceived Journalistic Quality
Journalists are increasingly concerned that offensive and banal user comments on news websites might alienate readers and damage quality perceptions. To explore such presumed effects, we investigated the impact of civility and reasoning (and lack thereof) in user comments on perceptions of journalistic quality. An experiment revealed that unreasoned comments decrease an article’s perceived informational quality, but only in unknown news brands. I…
How to Measure Generalized Trust in News Media? An Adaptation and Test of Scales
In many countries, studies show declining levels of trust in news media at large. However, there still is no valid and accepted measure of generalized trust in news media. To establish and test a suitable measure, we chose two elaborate scales of related concepts: the scale on trust in media coverage of a specific topic by Kohring and Matthes and a credibility scale by Yale, Jensen, Carcioppolo, Sun, and Liu. We adapted both to measure generalize…
Concepts, causes and consequences of trust in news media – a literature review and framework
Research on trust in media is on the rise. However, communication scholars have addressed related concepts (e.g. media credibility) for decades, and these concepts have often been used interchangeably with that of trust. This practice has resulted in a confusing field of research, with studies using different labels and drawing on various theoretical backgrounds. This article aims to improve conceptual clarity. On the basis of a literature review…
Public knowledge of alternative media in times of algorithmically personalized news
Citizens are likely to encounter various types of alternative media online, especially on algorithmically personalized news channels (APNC) like social network sites or search engines. It is unclear, however, to what degree they are aware of these outlets and familiar with the concept of alternative media. This study investigates the relation between exposure to alternative media and knowledge of them, taking the role of APNC into account. Analyz…
Comparing Frame Repertoires of Mainstream and Right-Wing Alternative Media
Under the premise that the use of alternative news frames is a key characteristic of alternative media, this study examines frame repertoires of alleged mainstream media and right-wing alternative media (RAM) in Germany. This endeavor is based on quantitative content analyses of eighteen news websites, including seven RAM, on two issues: immigration and the coalition talks following the German federal elections 2017. In multidimensional scaling m…
Trust through Transparency? How Journalistic Reactions to Media-Critical User Comments Affect Quality Perceptions and Behavior Intentions
User comments to digital news often contain media criticism, detrimentally affecting how others perceive the quality of news and possibly lowering media trust. It remains an open question, however, how journalistic reactions can mitigate these effects. Based on premises of engagement moderation, accountability, and transparency in digital journalism, we conducted an online experiment investigating how critical user comments and journalistic react…
How do Covid-19 conspiracy beliefs, exposure to alternative sources and social media correlate in Germany
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, conspiracy beliefs about the virus spread quickly. Using an online-representative survey in Germany, this study examines the relationship between such conspiracy beliefs and media use with special regard to alternative media and influencers as well as social media. Instead of aggregating different social media platforms, this study identifies differences between them. The results show that COVID-19 conspiracy bel…
How News Audiences Allocate Trust in the Digital Age: A Figuration Perspective
The article enriches the understanding of trust in news at a time when mass and interpersonal communication have merged in the digital sphere. We propose disentangling individual-level patterns of trust allocation (i.e., trust figurations) across journalistic media, social media, and peers to reflect the multiplicity among modern news audiences. A latent class analysis of a representative survey among German young adults revealed four figurations…
Self-effects of online commenting in different opinion environments
We investigate how commenting on policy-relevant posts in social media affects the opinions of the commenters themselves (“self-effects”). Specifically, we examine whether writing comments affects the valence and strength of preexisting opinions, and how commenting in congruent or incongruent opinion environments influences these self-effects. An online survey experiment shows that writing comments reinforces prior opinions. Self-effects were str…
Communicating scientific uncertainty: Exploring science journalists’ understandings, challenges, and strategies
Science journalists are central intermediaries in communicating the uncertainties of science to the public. Socio-scientific issues like COVID-19 and climate change highlight the importance of addressing uncertainties to support informed decision-making while underscoring the complexities involved. Based on 13 semi-structured interviews with science journalists, this study links their conceptual understanding of scientific uncertainty to the stra…
Projection in journalists’ perceptions of public opinion
Journalists’ perceptions of public opinion influence their reporting. Yet, the factors driving these public opinion perceptions are not well understood. This study examines one such potential factor, namely the impact of journalists’ own policy opinions on their estimations of public opinion. Concretely, we identify which journalists are more susceptible to such so-called social projection . Moreover, we investigate which factors moderate the rel…
Adolescents’ Trust in News Media: A Typology of (Un)reflected Trust and the Role of Socialization
We examine what types of news media trust can be identified among adolescents based on their trust levels and the degree of elaboration about media. Moreover, we investigate the role of socialization contexts (family, peers, and schools) in the development of adolescents’ media trust and ability to elaborate. Through qualitative interviews with 50 German adolescents aged 14 to 19, we find 5 types, with only a minority of adolescents showing highl…
The Audience Feedback Dilemma: How Online Feedback Shapes Local Journalists’ Audience Perceptions
We examine how audience feedback online shapes regional and local journalists’ perceptions of their audiences. Using semi-structured interviews with 15 journalists from Thuringia, Germany, we explore three questions: (1) what type and amount of audience feedback journalists perceive both online and offline; (2) how much significance journalists place on said feedback; and (3) how it influences journalists’ audience perceptions. Findings reveal th…
Social Media and Politics (12 works) · Political science (10 works) · Sociology (9 works) · Computer Science (7 works) · Media studies (7 works) · Media Studies and Communication (7 works) · Misinformation and Its Impacts (7 works) · Psychology (7 works) · Social Psychology (6 works) · Advertising (5 works)