Cultural Journalism and Literary Studies: Synthesizing Contemporary Research on Media and Society

Abstract

This review article provides a comprehensive synthesis of contemporary scholarship situated at the intersection of cultural journalism and literary studies, emphasising the multifaceted ways in which media practices, journalistic norms, and digital transformations shape literary production, criticism, cultural representation, and broader societal discourses. In an era marked by rapid digitisation, social media proliferation, and evolving media landscapes, the review highlights how cultural journalism operates not merely as a medium for reporting arts and cultural events but as a dynamic space for cultural mediation, literary legitimation, critical engagement, and social commentary. Drawing on a wide array of empirical and theoretical studies from media studies, cultural studies, literary theory, and journalism research, the article examines key trends, including the rise of participatory literary criticism, the impact of computational and digital humanities tools, and the challenges posed by the commercialisation and commodification of culture in mainstream media. Methodological debates, such as the balance between depth and accessibility in cultural reporting and the representation of marginalised voices, are critically assessed. Furthermore, the review explores the transformative role of digital platforms in reshaping literary discourse, expanding audiences, and facilitating cross-cultural literary exchanges. By mapping existing scholarship, this article identifies gaps in research, particularly in underexplored regions, languages, and digital practices, and suggests future directions that may enhance the understanding of how media and literature co-construct cultural meaning, social identity, and collective imagination. Overall, this review underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in analysing the evolving relationship between media, literature, and society, advocating for research that bridges journalistic practice, cultural critique, and literary analysis to capture the complexities of contemporary cultural life.