Watchblogs – ein überschätztes Instrument der Medienkritik

Watchblogs are from a theoretical perspective very suitable to play an important role in a system of media accountability. This requires, however, among other things, that Blogger take up that role on a steady base with a suitable self-understanding. The following article examines this self-understanding by using qualitative interviews of Watchbloggers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It turns out that most Watchbloggers do not view their role as a controlling force of the Media. Limited by lack of time and money it is not possible for them to guarantee a continuous media criticism on their Blog. Watchblogs are therefore classified according to the present analysis as a rather weak and subordinate instrument of media criticism.