Is journalism relevant in the post-truth society?

Despair about journalism's relevance in the post-truth society is common. Concerned voices worry about whether journalism matters amid epistemological rifts, widespread false information, and brazen disinformation campaigns. Three processes help us understand why journalism lacks sufficient power to reach, stand out and persuade the public: platformed communication, challenges to social expertise, and illiberalism. Altogether, these trends challenge journalism’s ability to be relevant by gaining attention, trust, and influence. Despite constant efforts by news organizations to adapt to these conditions, journalism’s relevance is dwindling. Yet, several indicators suggest that journalism is still relevant, in more targeted yet significant ways than in the past. Audience metrics, volume of funding, and other market indicators of public relevance are imperfect, at best, to assess why and who journalism matters. Research directions are suggested for understanding journalism's relevance.

Professor Silvio Waisbord is professor of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University and was president of the International Communications Association (ICA) for 2024-2025. He will also be holding a drop-in session for PhD Students to speak with them about their work or about the ICA which will take place before the talk from 2pm - 3:30pm in room 2.04 Edinburgh Futures Institute.

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