Kennedy Foundation’s Post

The journalism industry is currently navigating significant hurdles, with widespread layoffs and the closure of numerous news outlets. This downturn not only impacts media professionals but also poses a threat to the vitality of local news and the informed society it supports. As highlighted by "The Atlantic", the decline of local journalism leads to diminished governmental accountability and a less engaged public. Paul farhi a journalist for "The Atlantic"wrote "Is American Journalism Headed Toward an ‘Extinction-Level Event". Despite these challenges, journalists remain dedicated to their mission, with many expressing a strong commitment to their work Pew Research Center wrote "Journalists Sense Turmoil in Their Industry Amid Continued Passion for Their Work". However, the rise of misinformation and increasing concerns about press freedoms add complexity to an already tumultuous landscape Pew Research Center, "Journalists Highly Concerned About Misinformation, Future of Press Freedoms". In these times, it is crucial for both media professionals and the public to advocate for and support independent journalism. Upholding the principles of a free press is essential for maintaining an informed and engaged society.

From Watchdogs to Vigilantes of Truth The truth shall set you free, but first it must be told by those brave enough to reveal it. Journalism, often referred to as the fourth pillar of democracy, holds a position of immense responsibility. Journalists serve as the bridge between the people and those in power, breaking down barriers, unveiling truths, and ensuring transparency. Yet, the terminology used to describe their role, notably the term "watchdog," often fails to capture the respect and dignity this profession deserves. During a recent seminar, one of the speakers proposed an alternative—vigilant. This, he argued, is a more fitting word to describe the role of journalists in society. The term vigilant embodies careful observation, awareness, and a readiness to recognize potential dangers. Unlike the passive connotation of a watchdog, being vigilant speaks to active engagement in protecting democratic values. These words resonated deeply, reaffirming my choice to pursue journalism. The values, ethics, and depth of the profession are unmatched. The more I delved into its intricacies, the more I realized that journalism is not just about reporting events; it’s about shaping society’s consciousness by presenting the unfiltered truth. It is this responsibility that should make every journalist proud of their work, and the profession itself deserves to be honored accordingly. However, the landscape of journalism today has dramatically shifted. The rise of digital media, social networks, and independent content creators has diluted the standards that once defined the field. The internet’s free flow of information is a double-edged sword—on the one hand, it democratizes access to news, but on the other, it floods the public with unverified information, devoid of the filters of professional integrity. Anyone can present themselves as a journalist without undergoing rigorous training or adhering to ethical standards. This brings up an important question: Should journalism, like the other pillars of democracy, require accreditation or licensing, awarded only after completing formal training and education in journalism, ensuring that individuals are truly qualified and credible journalists?

Two thought-provoking audio discussions on the state of investigative journalism and the Post Office scandal came out last week – the BBC’s Media Show and Prospect’s Media Confidential podcast (links in first comment). Three stand out points for me: 🐢  It’s a long game – investigate journalism just like campaigning takes time - in the extreme years or decades. Private Eye editor Ian Hislop explained it very well on the Media Show. ‘We were consistent.. we did this story a lot..’ he said of their Post Office coverage adding that interest in their content went up down but it was ‘the repetition, the repetition, almost to the point of boredom’ that mattered. ‘You do it until something happens.’ A similar point was made in the Prospect podcast – the legendary late Sunday Times editor Harold Evans was cited as saying just as publishers were getting bored of their coverage on the topic was the time when readers started to notice it. Investigative work also often doesn’t result in a big bang gotcha article exposing everything – it’s a slow accumulation of evidence. 💰     It can benefit the bottom line – The hosts of the Prospect podcast – ex-editors Alan Rusbridger and Lionel Barber – stressed just how big an impact great investigative journalism can have on a brand, saying it can define them for decades. Think of the Washington Post and Watergate and the work by the Sunday Times in exposing the thalidomide scandal – work published decades ago we still remember now. There is clearly a drive from journalists to do the right thing and right injustices with this work but it’s good for business as well. 📺   More of this please – Prospect interviewed the producer and lead actor – Patrick Spence and Toby Jones - of Mr Bates Vs the Post Office. They both hoped the show could be a catalyst for more drama based or inspired by current events – rather than the formulaic diet of detective series and period dramas that dominates schedules. Spence referenced an upcoming production he’s developing with actor Michael Fassbender on the aforementioned Harry Evans which sounds very exciting – not least the potential of hacks/editors being played by not-unattractive a-list Hollywood actors/actresses in future dramas.

What is the "social function of journalism" I talk about in this piece from the The New York Times? The term was coined in the International Declaration on Information and Democracy from where our organization draws its mandate. Drafted by an international group of experts from various countries and under the leadership of our dearly missed Christophe Deloire, it states: "Journalism’s social function is that of a “trusted third party” for societies and individuals. It allows for the establishment of checks and balances and empowers people to fully participate in society. It aims to give account of reality, to reveal it in the broadest, deepest and most relevant manner possible, allowing for the exercise of the right to freedom of opinion. Journalism’s task is not just to portray events but also to explain complex situations and changes, being comprehensive and inclusive, allowing the public to distinguish the important from the trivial. It should reflect both positive and negative aspects of human activities and expose potential constructive solutions to important challenges." Preserving this function is a core element of our mandate. And it may not be too late (yet) for A New Deal for Journalism!

📢 Public-interest journalism is crucial for information integrity. We urge the Global Digital Compact to emphasise the crucial role of independent, free and pluralistic media as underscored by the UN Global Principles for Information Integrity by strengthening support for public-interest journalism in paragraphs 12, 30(a), and 66 and retaining reference to public-interest in paragraph 34(b). We further call for the clear inclusion of the media community as a key stakeholder in paragraphs 6, 8(k), 17(f), 27, 34(e), 64, and 65 as well as for explicit reference to the Global Principles for Information Integrity and its emphasis on the role of independent, free and pluralistic media. 📰 Journalist protection is fundamental to press freedom. We applaud Rev 3 of the Global Digital Compact for including support for journalists. We call on UN Member States to strengthen the protection of journalists, media workers and human rights defenders online and guarantee access to information in line with international human rights law and international humanitarian law. We advocate for such additional protections in the GDC, including in paragraphs 23(d), 30(d), 31(d), and 34(d). 🗃️ Access to data is key for public-interest journalism: paragraph 35(b) of the Global Digital Compact must include a call for social media platforms to grant journalists access to data. #MediaDev

Is journalism solely confined to the dissemination of objective truths to the public? No. Presently, journalism finds itself in a critical juncture, characterized by a pervasive lack of distinction between news and propaganda. Both the recipients of news content and the purveyors thereof seem to be grappling with a fundamental misunderstanding of these concepts. The consumers of such material are compelled by a sense that genuine news is eluding them, leading them to accept whatever information is presented, blurring the lines of discernment. This has resulted in a collective forgetfulness of the true essence of news. However, it is imperative to scrutinize the accountability of journalists and media outlets responsible for delivering the news. What justifications or constraints do they contend with? What compels them to contribute to this challenging landscape? Observing prominent and esteemed journalists endorsing content that masquerades as news, emerging journalists, as well as those striving to carve a niche for themselves, are increasingly inclined to view this phenomenon as representative of journalism. They, in turn, perpetuate this cycle by disseminating information that aligns with such misleading narratives. This disconcerting phase can only be remedied either through heightened awareness among consumers, prompting them to recognize propaganda and reject it in favor of genuine news, or by the conscientious commitment of those disseminating information to grasp the true essence of news, cease propagating misleading content, and earnestly fulfill their journalistic duties.

A timeless truth: Facts are complex and truth is not always self-evident. Journalism is not infallible. In a polarized world, too many can’t agree even on what is a fact and argue that truth is dead. That makes it all the more critical for both responsible journalists and the public to understand what constitutes trustworthy, evidence-based information. It is not simply a matter of delivering and consuming the news; it is about empowering people with the facts they need to navigate their world. As Rasmus Kleis Nielsen, outgoing director of the Reuters Institute wrote in 2018, “For both journalists and the public, the basic journalistic aspiration of finding truth and reporting it is of enduring importance, as are all the ways in which journalism can empower people by helping keeping them informed about, oriented in and engaged with the world around them.” The truth is, quality journalism in the public interest matters. Opinion articles are based on the author’s interpretations and judgments of facts, data and events. More details

"There’s an ocean of problems with journalism, but the idea that there’s just too damn much woke progressivism is utter delusion. U.S. journalism generally tilts center right on the political spectrum." This is a story about the founder of Politico creating a "teaching hospital for journalists" that appears to be in opposition to "wokeness". But it's also about much of the state of incumbent journalism, which is still grappling with the wave of much-needed social change that is inspiring movements around the world. "In the wake of Black Lives Matter and COVID there was some fleeting recommendations to the ivy league establishment media that we could perhaps take a slightly more well-rounded, inclusive approach to journalism. In response, the trust fund lords in charge of these establishment outlets lost their [...] minds, started crying incessantly about young journalists “needing safe spaces,” and decided to double down on all their worst impulses, having learned less than nothing along the way." Exactly. Asinine efforts like anti-woke journalism schools aren't what we need; we need better intersectional representation inside newsrooms, we need better representation of the real stories that need to be told across the country and across the world, and we need to dismantle institutional systems that have acted as gatekeepers for generations. All power to the outlets, independent journalists, and foundations that are truly trying to push for something better. The status quo is not - and has not been - worth preserving.

Movies often depict journalism as a powerful force capable of uncovering truth, exposing corruption, and catalyzing social change. Through various characters, plots, and settings, films have showcased the impact of journalism on individuals, communities, and even nations. Here are some movies that demonstrate the potency of journalism as a tool for uncovering truth, challenging authority, and inspiring societal transformation. All the President's Men (1976): This film follows the investigative reporting of Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, journalists for The Washington Post, as they uncover the Watergate scandal that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. It demonstrates how persistent and thorough journalism can expose corruption at the highest levels of government. Spotlight (2015): Based on true events, "Spotlight" tells the story of The Boston Globe's investigative team as they uncover the widespread child abuse scandal within the Catholic Church. The film highlights the importance of investigative journalism in holding powerful institutions accountable and giving a voice to the victims. Good Night, and Good Luck (2005): Directed by George Clooney, this film chronicles the conflict between news anchor Edward R. Murrow and Senator Joseph McCarthy during the height of the Red Scare in the 1950s. It emphasizes the role of journalism in challenging fear-mongering and defending freedom of speech and press.

"We need to take some time to reflect on why we think journalism is important and what role it plays in societies. Traditionally, we tend to think about the mission of journalism as informing the public about what is going on in their community, in their country, and across the world; to supply them with the information they need to make informed choices, for example about how they are going to vote in an election. Is that enough? Do we really believe that all journalism should aim to do is provide information to the public? I don’t think so. This belief risks confusing the production of content with mission accomplished. It suggests that the moment information is provided, our job is done. In this context, extreme user-centricity means acknowledging that information has value only if we help people use it to take action and inspire positive change. So how can we rethink, reconnect with, and update our mission? As journalists, we should care about the people we report for, right? Otherwise why bother? The problem is that empathy often is not required to do the journalism we currently produce. The system is not designed to reward empathy as a valuable skill. For that to change, we have to start thinking of journalism as a conversation and as a service based on listening, rather than as a mere exercise of content production." Via International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) https://lnkd.in/di_dwYmE