Separation or integration of journalistic and business responsibilities? Corporate responsibility in Finnish media companies

Abstract

Not only do media organisations serve a societal role, they also influence societies through their behaviour as businesses. Therefore, the full range of the responsibilities of media organisations extends to include issues of both journalism ethics and business ethics. This article examines sector-based corporate responsibility as a way to integrate journalistic and business responsibilities. Empirically, the article examines how journalistic and business responsibilities unfold in large Finnish media companies. The analysis shows that “dual thinkers” narrow corporate responsibility only to environmental issues and, consequently, fail to address large areas of social responsibility, whereas “integrative forerunners” make meaningful connections between journalistic and business responsibilities. For media managers, the article offers insights into how sector-based corporate responsibility can weave industry-specific responsibilities into general corporate responsibility issues.