ABSTRACT
In Sweden, early examples of institutionalized media criticism were in place in 1916 and the self-regulatory system is now adapting to the challenges of the current media landscape. Broadcasters have joined forces with print and digital news organizations and a new Media Council and media ombudsman have replaced the Press Council and the press ombudsman. The dominant media accountability instruments in Sweden are maintained within the media arena, where professionals are engaged in self-regulation, media journalism (journalism about journalism), and responding to media criticism. During recent years, social media has also emerged as an important arena for the critique and discussion of media and journalism. Efforts to develop media and information literacy (MIL) and online source criticism are major accountability initiatives – and media research, both in the social sciences and the humanities, emerges as an accountability actor with a potential impact.
