Economic journalists and men of finance: Fascination, ascendancy and professional illusion

Abstract

This article explores the impact that agents from the economic field and mainstream economists have on journalists' perspectives on the economy. From the analysis of more than 58 interviews with economic journalists from Brazil, we reveal how the main opinion makers’ positions affect journalists’ vision on the economy. Elaborating on Pierre Bourdieu's notion of illusion, we explore their involvement in their work: commitment from the notion of news coup; the means and sources to achieve more important covers; and shape journalists prospects of the economy. Among the results we find the idea of "moving the market" hierarchizes texts and authors. The most prestigious sources in reporting the economy have passed through governments, financial institutions and come from the financial field. Journalists acknowledge reciprocal relations with these prestigious sources, accessing to news coups and special interviews; realizing the illusion of the profession and accessing to key positions in economic journalism. The modes of learning and specialization in economics show the influence of these financial agents in the economic coverage.