Bringing a new function to journalism: Research project focuses on book clubs in journalism culture

In her research project, Mercedes de Luis Andrés explores how so-called BoJo Clubs, – book clubs within journalism culture – particularly in post-conflict societies, can contribute to a shift in how we relate to journalism and reading circles, providing practical insights for communities in challenging societal contexts. She recently received the CLS INFRA Transnational Access Fellowship for this work, providing her with an opportunity to conduct research at the University of Galway in Ireland.   

Your research focuses on book clubs, or more specifically BoJo Clubs. What is special about these clubs?

Unlike other reading circles, these BoJo Clubs differ in that they happen in journalistic communities. The participants themselves are not necessarily from the field of journalism, but are readers from all walks of life. Often, these reading circles select books in the journalism genre and have active moderation.

Do these types of reading circles still resonate with today’s world, where we consume journalistic content in tiny, bite-sized portions and at a very fast pace?

Yes, how we interpret information in this context is very different from scrolling through social media channels. I am keen to discover what happens to us when we approach reality with a slower, deeper and participatory approach like the BoJo Clubs. Reading together in a group suggests a social ritual that distances itself from the way we produce and consume so-called news. My hope is that this communication mode can have a positive effect on the well-being of readers and journalistic communities.

Why?

The BoJo Club can provide a safe space where we can think critically and share our impressions about the book. We don’t just read what our information bubbles pre-filter; instead, we engage in open conversation and critical reflection. This oasis fosters a sense of belonging to the community. I also see this as an important social function of journalism.

In this context, what role can a moderating journalist play?

The readers in such a group can benefit from the journalistic profession and experience. Adopting different perspectives, taking care that everyone’s voice is heard; these are all important skills that can support dialogue and empathy.

Where can BoJo Clubs be found?

We have collected a catalogue with samples from Europe and America, which will soon be digitalized as a library. In Austria, we looked into the reading community of Falter, for instance. How different cultural contexts produce different BoJo Clubs is very interesting. These communities also inform us about a society and its Zeitgeist.

Can you give some examples of recommended reading?

Another hot societal topic is under the spotlight in Madrid, namely sustainability. Readers there are mainly concerned with scientific and journalistic essays on the challenges posed by climate change,  such as for instance, “Breading Sweetgrass“ by Robin Wall Kimmerer.

You mentioned earlier that you predict that BoJo Clubs could increase the well-being of readers and journalists. Judging by public discourse, however, it seems as though many journalists are under ever-increasing pressure. How can these aspects be reconciled?

Speaking not only as a researcher but also as a journalist, I believe journalism is deeply rooted in artistic sensibility, similar to a craft. Its teaching is already exceptional, as it relies on a transdisciplinary curricular framework. By slowing down the writing process in hand-written notebooks, the craft emerges. Or, by participating in reading circles, as we are noticing already in the preliminary results, the pressure for immediacy is no longer necessary. Journalism safety, both physical and emotional, is fortunately an increasing theme in scientific research and public debate.

Have you had experiences like that yourself?

I had the opportunity to write a book in the narrative journalism genre. Although further research is needed to explain this shift, I certainly experienced how a writer’s perspective changes when setting aside the pressure of immediacy. Later, as a lecturer of Travel Journalism, we formed a ‘BoJo Club’ to integrate long-form journalistic narratives. This approach reshaped journalism studies while changing student participation in the learning process, with very interesting outcomes.

And now you’ve ended up in academia. How did that happen?

Journalism and science are complementary spheres, in my view at least. I combined research stays and consultancy projects at Nordic universities on and off when I was deep in cultural journalism in Denmark. It has always been interesting for me to wear both hats – that of science and that of journalism. I feel lucky to have the best of both worlds. Here, within the framework of a big project and my doctorate, I now have the opportunity to conduct a systematic analysis of the BoJo Clubs. It’s a wonderful challenge that I am wholeheartedly committed to.

About the person

Mercedes de Luis Andrés is a PhD student at the University of Klagenfurt and former Senior Scientist at the CMC of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. She completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the University of Madrid with a stay at the University of Copenhagen. Some of her past research and literary projects have been supported by the Spanish Ministry of Culture, Danish Film Directors Association and the Danish Arts Foundation. Her doctoral project is supervised by Rainer Winter (Department of Media and Communications at the University of Klagenfurt).