Journalism is in a state of upheaval. Disinformation and polarisation are on the rise – as is the number of people who deeply distrust established media. Print circulations are falling, digital offerings are often not profitable, editorial offices are closing, public broadcasting is being criticised. How can journalism meet these challenges? What does it take for journalism to have a future – and why is that desirable? Communication scientists from the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences and the University of the Federal Armed Forces in Munich are now providing answers to these questions.
Eichstätt-Ingoldstadt/Germany, February 28, 2025. Prof. Dr Klaus Meier, holder of the Chair of Journalism Studies with a focus on innovation and transformation at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (KU), together with Maike Körner and Korbinian Klinghardt (both KU), Prof. Dr Michael Graßl (Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences) and Prof. Dr Jonas Schützeneder (University of the Federal Armed Forces Munich) outline key challenges, current trends and scenarios for the next decade in the new book ‘The Future of Journalism’. Firstly, however, the researchers explain why it is important to think about these issues in the first place: ‘A democracy cannot survive without journalism.’ If journalism comes under economic or political pressure, it cannot fulfil its task of providing appropriate information and the polarisation of society increases. The researchers cite orientation and education as the central tasks of journalism. This is why journalistic activities are suppressed in authoritarian states.
In Germany, the team of authors believes that journalism is currently characterised by both negative and positive trends. On the one hand, there is the flood of information in the digital media world, the problem of disinformation and the collapse in advertising revenue; on the other hand, at least national daily newspapers, for example, are now successful in the digital business. ‘We are in the middle of a turning point,’ explains Prof Dr Klaus Meier. ‘On the one hand, journalism is under pressure; on the other, many people have realised how important verified information is in the age of disinformation and digital propaganda. Journalism has never been more important than it is today.’ The researchers also vacillate between concern and confidence in their view of the future. ‘In the next decade, the viability of media companies and their editorial teams will depend on them understanding digital transformation holistically, especially as a cultural change.’ In their book, the researchers describe what this means in concrete terms on the basis of ten future trends.
According to them, constructive journalism will play an important role. People increasingly expect journalism to provide solutions and perspectives, not just to highlight problems and uncover scandals. According to the authors, constructive journalism has the potential to counteract the problem of deliberate avoidance of news: ‘The question “What’s next?” will be part of every good piece of research in the future.’
Artificial intelligence will also become increasingly important in research and storytelling. This does not mean that all journalists will have to be experts in programming and feeding AI in the future. ‘It will be crucial to be transparent about how AI is used, to check AI-generated content and to ensure the greatest possible diversity of perspectives,’ says Prof Dr Michael Graßl.
The authors also see potential in local journalism, even if not in the form of a daily printed newspaper: ‘We expect a kind of renaissance of the evening newspaper in the form of e-papers, newsletters, video blogs or audio streams.’ For the concept to work, it is important to actively involve local people and focus on ‘local only’, because ‘this is the only place where local journalism is exclusive, has added value and therefore a funding opportunity.’
With their book, the researchers specifically appeal to the public to value journalism, pay for it and defend it against attacks. The authors also believe that journalism itself has a duty to deliver: ‘Every editorial team must repeatedly convince citizens that it is indispensable and useful for society and for each individual. It is obvious that this can only be achieved with quality.’ Central criteria for high-quality journalism were clearly evident across the individual future trends: ‘Independence, diversity, fairness and transparency are the building blocks of the journalism of the future.’
For the book, the researchers drew on findings from the international research project ‘Innovations in Journalism in Democratic Societies’ (‘JoIn-DemoS’), which they successfully completed in 2023. ‘Our look into the crystal ball is based on the one hundred case studies conducted in five countries at the time as well as 40 additional background discussions with journalists and media experts,’ explains Prof Dr Jonas Schützeneder.
Originalpublikation:
„Die Zukunft des Journalismus“ ist in der Reihe „Medienwissen kompakt“ des Verlags Springer VS erschienen, die sich explizit an alle Interessierten ohne spezifische Fachkenntnisse und Studierende richtet.
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