The Challenges of Comparing Media Systems — An Interview with Daniel C. Hallin

Abstract

In this interview, Daniel C. Hallin offers hindsight concerning his collaborative project with Paolo Mancini — Comparing Media Systems — Three Models of Media and Politics (2004). Hallin discusses methodological difficulties with comparative media research, answers both praise and criticism of their work, and contemplates the development and state of the field. The field of comparative studies is still only in its adolescence, argues Hallin, and asserts theory development as well as empirical studies of media systems is still called for and indeed long overdue. He urges researchers to push beyond the frontier of the countries studied in Comparing Media Systems, and consequently further develop comparative media theory.