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Homogenisation or Differentiation?

This paper considers the effects of consolidation on the content of regional newspapers in Norway. A case study investigates how the Norwegian media company Schibsted influences the content of its four regional newspapers Aftenposten, Fædrelandsvennen, Stavanger Aftenblad and Bergens Tidende. The aim is to establish the extent to which levels of pluralism are reducing as a result of consolidation strategies. Schibsted's cost-cutting measures initiated in 2012 include staff reductions, content syndication and centralisation of core services. This trend towards shrinking newsrooms, digital specialisation, and centralised layout and editing is recognised internationally, particularly in chain newspapers. In this study, Schibsted's regional print and online news outlets are subjected to a comparative content analysis aiming to establish levels of homogenisation between the titles. Findings indicate differentiation strategies remain central to regional operations, reflecting the presence of community bonds in local newspaper markets.