Permanences and Mutations in the Frenc and German Media Systems during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed journalistic practices and media roles in France and Germany. Analysis: As part of the Journalistic Role Performanc Project (JRP), 9,438 articl s published in France and Germany in 2020 were analyzed to determine trends in journalistic sources and the presence of six professional roles (watchdog, loyal facilitator, interventionist disseminator, service, infotainment, and civic) in n ws coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions and implications: Professional roles in French and German media production ar similar despit the countries having distinct media systems. However, notable differences exist in terms of journalistic practices. German media are characterized by the use of sources to justify institutional decisions. In contrast, French journalistic content is less politicized with a focus on "health" soures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]