In an era defined by an information deluge, rapidly advancing technology, and the decentralization of media, how society perceives news and journalism has become increasingly complex. Addressing this crucial issue, the Center for News, Technology & Innovation (CNTI) has launched the “Defining News Initiative.” Amy S. Mitchell, CNTI’s founding Executive Director, recently joined E&P Reports to delve into the initiative’s insights and discuss the challenges facing journalism’s evolving definition.
A timely exploration into journalism’s identity crisis
The Defining News Initiative examines what defines journalism and who qualifies as a journalist on a global scale. In an initial research phase, CNTI conducted focus groups across four countries— the U.S., Australia, South Africa and Brazil. These discussions revealed a broad, cross-cultural consensus on what constitutes news: recent, factual and relevant information. Yet, the waters became murkier when participants were asked to distinguish news from journalism. Mitchell noted, “There’s a clear sense of journalism as something distinct from mere news reporting, with people recognizing it as mission-driven and holistic in its approach to informing the public.”
CNTI’s study uncovers the public’s nuanced understanding of journalism. While many believe journalism serves a critical societal role, they also question who should be entitled to the label “journalist.” This debate is especially relevant today as technological advancements and social media platforms enable virtually anyone to share news with large audiences. Mitchell emphasized that the study aimed to reflect a modern news landscape in which distinctions around journalism's scope are increasingly blurred.
Who counts as a journalist?
One of the initiative's main objectives is to explore public perceptions of journalistic identity. Mitchell discussed the influence of technology on these perceptions, noting, “The days when journalists were clearly identifiable by their press cards and bulky cameras are gone. Today, anyone with a smartphone can potentially play the role of a journalist.” However, CNTI’s study found that while many citizens support the idea of “citizen journalism,” they still value journalistic credibility and often associate it with a sense of duty, rigorous research and accountability.
In focus groups, participants expressed that they view journalists as figures with a dedicated mission to inform the public, even if they are not formally associated with established news organizations. The findings reflect an evolving public sentiment that journalism does not necessarily require institutional backing but rather a commitment to truthful reporting. Yet, as Mitchell explained, some of the public remains wary of this democratized approach, associating traditional media outlets with greater accountability.
Defining news, navigating policy and tackling global differences
Mitchell acknowledged that the global nature of CNTI’s research exposed interesting regional differences. While the definition of “news” was largely consistent across the four countries, the U.S. stood out in terms of political polarization. “In the U.S., where political tensions run high, public trust in news sources varies significantly across the political spectrum,” she observed. This division influences where individuals source their information and what types of news they choose to consume or even avoid.
The study also sheds light on challenges that arise when journalism is legally defined. Mitchell highlighted concerns from policymakers and journalists alike, especially in regions where legislation is used to control media. “In some areas, strict definitions of journalism have led to problematic outcomes, such as journalists facing imprisonment or harassment,” she said, emphasizing the need for cautious, well-considered policy decisions that support, rather than stifle, a free press.
Seeking verifiable news in an age of overload
As news inundates digital feeds, readers express a desire for verifiable, reliable information. The study found that a news story's accuracy determines its trustworthiness for many. Yet, verifying facts often remains a task left to the individual reader, who may perform “comparison shopping” by checking multiple sources before settling on a version they trust. Mitchell noted, “There’s an expectation for verification, but today’s consumers feel more responsibility for filtering the information themselves.”
Mitchell underscored the role technology has played in shaping these dynamics. With algorithm-driven feeds and endless scrolling, readers create personalized news ecosystems that cater to their biases and information preferences. While this curation process enables quick access to relevant information, it also fosters echo chambers and intensifies distrust. For journalists, the message is clear: audiences seek accuracy, transparency and reliability from those who present themselves as news purveyors.
The future of CNTI’s work and implications for the industry
CNTI aims to extend its research to include comprehensive surveys and studies on various facets of journalism and media. Mitchell shared plans for upcoming surveys of journalists and the general public and policy analyses on media legislation worldwide. “Our goal is to provide the data and evidence necessary for informed discussions about the future of journalism,” Mitchell said.
CNTI’s findings will serve as a vital resource for media professionals and policymakers, informing industry practices and shaping news evolution in an increasingly digital world. As Mitchell pointed out, “Creating a sustainable, vibrant news ecosystem that upholds journalistic standards is essential not just for the industry but for society as a whole.”
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