Abstract

This study focuses on the perspectives of Flemish journalists towards the increasing phenomena of news avoidance and distrust toward traditional news media. As societal trust in media declines, accompanied by a rise in news avoidance, there is growing concern over the potential democratic implications and the business model of media organizations. Through interviews with 29 journalists from both mainstream and alternative media in Flanders, this research aims to understand whether news avoidance and distrust are seen as causes for concern among journalists and how they respond to criticism from the public who avoid or distrust the news. The study also investigates whether journalists believe they or other stakeholders can address these challenges, and if so, how.

The findings reveal that most journalists are indeed concerned about news avoidance and its implications for informed democratic participation and susceptibility to misinformation. While there is considerable empathy among journalists for those who avoid news due to its perceived negativity, distrust toward the media is more troubling for them, particularly in the context of increasing polarization and hostility toward journalists. The study identifies a tension between the traditional journalistic role as a watchdog and the emerging demand for more positive or constructive news. Despite recognizing the need for solutions, journalists also highlight significant obstacles, including commercial pressures and entrenched professional norms that favor negative news.

The research concludes that while journalists see opportunities to mitigate news avoidance through more balanced and constructive reporting, addressing distrust may require broader efforts, including greater transparency, diversity, and  attention to a broader range of perspectives. Even more important than such measures is interacting with those who tend not to be represented in news, and who believe consequently that news is not for people like them.

Keywords

Nieuwsmijden, Wantrouwen in de media, Vlaamse journalisten, Afkeer media, Traditionele nieuwsmedia

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