Economic Growth in Mainstream and Alternative Media in Czechia and Slovakia

Economic growth has long been regarded as a cornerstone of modern societies, shaping public policy, economic planning, and media narratives. However, its role in the context of sustainable development has been increasingly contested, raising questions about how it is framed and legitimized in different types of media. This study examined the representation of economic growth in mainstream and alternative media in Czechia and Slovakia, with the objective of assessing whether growth was consistently portrayed as positive and how critical perspectives entered the public discourse. A qualitative design was employed, combining content analysis of media texts with interviews with journalists. Media representations were analyzed in terms of sentiment—positive, neutral, or negative—and the linguistic strategies used to construct these meanings were identified. Interviews provided insights into professional attitudes that complemented textual analysis. The findings indicated that mainstream media largely reinforced positive or neutral portrayals of growth, linking it to employment, prosperity, and social stability. Alternative outlets, by contrast, placed greater emphasis on ecological and social costs, highlighting issues such as inequality, debt, and unsustainability. Nonetheless, outright rejection of growth was rare, and critical narratives often reframed it as “sustainable” or “green growth.” Interviews revealed a spectrum of positions among journalists, ranging from strong supporters to moderate voices and outspoken critics. The study concluded that while economic growth remained hegemonically represented as beneficial, its dominance was maintained through adaptation to ecological and social critique. These findings implied that spaces for contestation were present and may influence future discourse and policy debates.