The Jeremiad Over Journalism

orrowings.‖ 613 On the other hand, Kuisel reminds scholars that it is important not to mistake ―the
subplot for the main narrative.‖ 614
In the case of Americanization of Danish journalism, it is obvious that the United States is not the
only foreign influence affecting Danish journalistic practices. Sweden, Norway, Germany and
Britain have also played significant roles in inspiring Danish journalists. In a broader cultural
context, Sørensen and Petersen argue that, even though Denmark ―entered the American sphere in
politics and economics‖ between 1945 and 1960, the cultural input into Danish society during this
time primarily came from the United Kingdom. At the same time, America remained a distant
dream for most Danes due to dollar-shortages, strict governmental regulations on trade, and lack of
economic progress. 615
While an argument can be made that some of the impulses coming from Britain was simply
Americanization by ―secondary appropriation,‖ there was undoubtedly a strong connection to
Britain before Denmark entered NATO, and also in the early 1950‘s. The Danish membership in
F.I.E.J., the later World Association of Newspapers in 1948, is also a testament to an increased
international outlook which was initially led by Europeans.
Additionally, it must be noted that Danish undercover journalism seems to have been greatly
inspired by Walraff, while the policy on media subsidies has largely been inspired by Swedish,
Norwegian, Dutch and New Zealander examples. 616 Moreover, the same year as Døcker described
his trip to the United States to study technology, Danish journalists were shortly thereafter also
afforded the opportunity to be part of a study tour to Japan to look at new technology. The
November issue of Journalisten describes how journalists would have the opportunity to ―bring the
latest experiences regarding Japanese newspapers utilization of communication- and production
technology home.‖ 617
If one views Americanization of Danish journalism as a process of peaks and valleys, following
Schröter‘s example, then a high point would be placed in the early 1950‘s, when the USIA reported
613
Elteren, Americanism and Americanization: A Critical History of Domestic and Global Influence. Page 164.
614
Kuisel, "Debating Americanization: The Case of France." Page 100.
615
Petersen and Sørensen, "Ameri-Danes and Pro-American Anti-Americans." Page 139-140.
616
Lund and Sepstrup, "Udredning Af Den Fremtidige Offentlige Mediestøtte [A Report on the Future of State Media
Subsidies]." Page 104.
617
Journalisten, "Nordisk Studierejse Til Japans Nye Presseteknik [Nordic Study Tour to Japan's New Press
Technology]." My translation. Original text reads, ―hente de seneste erfaringer om japanske avisers udnyttelse af
moderne kommunikations- og produktionsteknik hjem..‖
227