I-POLHYS - Investigating POLarization in HYbrid Media Systems

PRIN 2017

Local Coordinator: Augusto Valeriani

Scientific Coordinator: Laura Iannelli (University of Sassari)

This project analyses political polarization through a political communication lens. It develops a multimedia and multi-actor research framework to study the forms that political polarization can take within contemporary hybrid media systems – wherein multiple actors, older and newer media platforms, formats, and logics converge and compete– as well as its implications for democratic systems.

Its proposed approach is applied to and tested through the investigation of the Italian case, which is analysed through an innovative and multi-method approach to study, first independently and then in conjunction:

  • mass polarization;
  • elite polarization;
  • the relationships between professional journalism and political polarization.

Other members: 

Elena Pavan (University of Trento)

Sergio Splendore (University of Milan)