ABSTRACT
What constitutes the core of the institutional press, and how are institutional boundaries challenged and protected in a hybrid media environment? Studies, specifically those from the US, have indicated that the news institution is under pressure globally due to dramatic technological disruptions, financial struggles, and the proliferation of content producers, including alternative media that engage in ideological and political critique to undermine the authority of the press. In this study we investigate boundary-work processes from an institutional perspective in the context of the Norwegian media system characterized by strong press associations, strong consensus about professional ethical standards, and self-regulatory mechanisms guarding these principles. More specifically, the study explores what happened when two controversial editors of far-right alternative media, who are known for their outspoken, harsh media criticism and critical views on immigration, applied for membership in key professional organizations, including the Association of Editors and the Association of the Media Industries.
