ABSTRACT
The relatively new concept in journalism studies and practice called constructive journalism has been developed to produce journalism that is less focused on negative stories and conflicts and more grounded in empowering audiences to engage in finding solutions to local problems. Unni From and Alberte Borne present a detailed case study of this type of journalism practiced through a series of live journalism events that take food as their focus. The chapter describes how the regional public Danish broadcaster TV2 FYN produced journalism focused on “Smoked cheese,” a traditional food of Funen whose waning popularity is negatively impacting the regional economy, culture and traditions. Based on interviews with TV2 FYN journalists, analyses of the live journalism events they produced, and coverage of smoked cheese, the authors explain how TV2 FYN facilitated innovative, engaging interactive live/constructive journalism, and how food plays a central role in live journalism even when the issues being covered have little to do with food (like elections). Extending scholarly debate on constructive journalism, live journalism, and food journalism, From and Borne argue that food as a specific sub-beat can facilitate engagement and community building and become “valuable news” in a local context.
