The challenges of current journalism in the face of technological changes and the avalanche of information

Michoacan

Jun 19, 2023, 1:36 p.m.

By Juan Bustos / The Voice of Michoacán

Morelia, Michoacan. Today’s journalism faces numerous challenges due to technological changes and the overwhelming amount of information available. It is essential to adapt to the evolving journalistic genres and ensure the quality of information. Professionalization plays a crucial role in this process, as it guarantees credibility and serves as a defense against the spread of “Fake News”.

On the occasion of this Publishing House’s anniversary, specialists reflect on the training of journalists and communicators in light of the growth of alternative platforms and forms of information.

In an exclusive interview with Marivel Ortega Arreola, the director of the Bachelor of Communication Sciences at the Universidad Latina de América (UNLA), she discussed the challenges faced by communicators and journalists in today’s technologically-driven society, where information is generated at an unprecedented rate.

The specialist emphasized the importance of professionalization and the role of credible media in today’s society.

From an academic perspective, Ortega highlighted the crucial role of communication specialists as translators of information and content. Their work involves ethical and transparent accountability, supported by in-depth research and verifiable data.

She reiterated the significance of responsibility in the field of journalism, emphasizing the need for accurate and reliable information generation and dissemination.

Ortega Arreola mentioned that the current scenario demands that journalism institutions not only master traditional journalistic narrative but also adapt to new technological challenges and changing landscapes.

The specialist indicated that communicators and journalists are now required to fulfill multiple roles, such as generating digital content, conducting interviews, taking photos, and even live broadcasting in some cases.

The director highlighted the need for comprehensive and holistic communication that reflects various perspectives on social, political, economic, and natural phenomena. Transmediality becomes a reality, combining different resources and elements to achieve effective and coherent communication.

In relation to the explosion of social networks and the abundance of information, Ortega Arreola recognized the need for serious and reliable media. She emphasized that serious media must focus on building a new culture of communication, in contrast to those who have not adapted to technological changes.

The director pointed out that embracing this new culture requires establishing alliances with responsible citizens and promoting information verification before sharing it, thus preventing the spread of false news and rumors.

Regarding the survival of print newspapers in the digital age, Ortega stressed that there is still a public that values tangible contact with paper. While acknowledging the challenges faced by traditional print newspapers, she believes that their complete disappearance is not imminent.

Adapting to new needs and audiences, both print and digital, is essential for the future of newspapers,” she acknowledged.

Edgar Ávila Gonzalez, a professor at the Universidad Michoacana’s Faculty of Letters, highlighted the challenges faced by current journalism in the context of technological changes and the overwhelming amount of information in our society.

The researcher emphasized the
This content discusses the challenges faced by journalism in the digital age. Despite the availability of fake news detection tools, the field of journalism is still adapting to the changing landscape. The article emphasizes the importance of promoting responsibility and verifying information. It also highlights the role of professionalization in ensuring credibility and combating the spread of fake news. The article includes an exclusive interview with the director of the Bachelor of Communication Sciences at the Universidad Latina de América, who discusses the challenges faced by communicators and journalists in today’s technologically-driven society. The interviewee emphasizes the importance of professionalization, accountability, and generating accurate and reliable information. The article also mentions the need for journalists to adapt to new technological challenges and fulfill multiple roles in the digital age.

What role does professionalization play in ensuring the credibility of journalism in the digital age?

In the digital age, where information spreads rapidly and easily, professionalization plays a crucial role in ensuring the credibility of journalism. Here are some key aspects:

1. Ethical standards: Professionalization sets ethical standards that journalists must adhere to, such as honesty, accuracy, objectivity, and fairness. These standards help build trust and credibility with the audience.

2. Fact-checking and verification: A key aspect of professional journalism is fact-checking and verifying information before publishing it. In the era of misinformation and fake news, professional journalists have the skills and resources to verify sources, cross-reference information, and validate the accuracy of their reporting.

3. Transparency and accountability: Professional journalists are accountable for their work. They are expected to disclose conflicts of interest, provide transparency regarding sources and methodologies, and issue corrections when errors are made. This level of accountability helps maintain credibility.

4. Specialized knowledge and expertise: With professionalization, journalists acquire specialized knowledge and expertise in their field, enabling them to provide insightful and comprehensive reporting. In an era of information overload, professional journalists can navigate complex topics, provide context, and deliver accurate analysis to the audience.

5. Media literacy: Journalists play a role in promoting media literacy among the public. By adhering to professional standards, they set an example for responsible journalism, helping the audience distinguish between credible and unreliable sources.

6. Gatekeeping function: With the vast amount of information available online, professional journalists act as gatekeepers who curate, analyze, and filter news stories. Their role is to select, prioritize, and present reliable information, helping the audience navigate the digital noise.

7. Adaptation to digital platforms: Professional journalists need to adapt to digital platforms and technologies while maintaining their core values. They should use digital tools for research, fact-checking, and storytelling to deliver accurate and engaging content in the digital age.

Overall, professionalization in journalism plays a pivotal role in upholding credibility and trust amidst the challenges posed by the digital age’s fast-paced and fragmented information landscape.