Mark Blach-Ørsten

Mark Blach-Ørsten is a Professor in the Department of Communication and Humanities at Roskilde University, Denmark. He holds a prominent position within the Journalism and Democracy Center and the Center for News Research, where he leads significant investigations into media systems, journalistic practices, and democratic processes. His institutional presence extends to the Center for Digital Citizenship, reflecting his comprehensive engagement with contemporary media challenges.

Professor Blach-Ørsten's research spans critical areas including media framing, political journalism, journalism ethics, environmental journalism, and the complex relationship between democracy and media. His work systematically examines how media coverage shapes public understanding of political issues, with particular attention to political scandals, social media dynamics, and transnational governance. He has established himself as a leading expert on media credibility in the digital age and the evolving challenges facing news media systems across diverse political contexts.

His recent publications demonstrate a concentrated focus on the economic sustainability of news media, particularly analyzing the relationship between public service and private news organizations. Blach-Ørsten's research reveals how public service media can positively influence the broader media ecosystem through what he terms a 'race to the top' or 'crowding in' effect. His methodological approach combines theoretical frameworks like institutional theory with practical applications for media organizations navigating digital transformation and changing audience behaviors.

• RUC's research dissemination prize (2019)

Professor Blach-Ørsten directs and participates in numerous significant research initiatives, most notably the long-running 'Danes' use of news media' project (ongoing since 2015) and the 'Who Makes the Climate News?' project (2024-2027). He has successfully secured funding from the Danish Ministry of Culture for media research and maintains active collaborations with international organizations including the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. His advisory work encompasses media policy development and strategic guidance for news industry challenges.

As a core member of Roskilde University's Center for News Research, he contributes to comprehensive studies examining news media consumption patterns, quality metrics, and economic models. The center maintains close working relationships with Danish and international media organizations to understand evolving news practices and audience behaviors in the rapidly changing digital media environment. His extensive media presence, with nearly 900 press/media mentions, demonstrates his significant influence on public discourse about media and democracy in Denmark.