Journalism in a time of Crisis and Crisis in Journalism
Anna-Kynthia Bousdoukou
On Thursday, 18 January 2018, the SNF hosted the third event of the new monthly Dialogues series, entitled: "Journalism in a time of Crisis and Crisis in Journalism". The event was held at the Lighthouse of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.
Why is the credibility of the news constantly being challenged? Why do most of us prefer social media platforms as a news source, and what are the potential threats or possibilities associated with this choice?
Journalists Sofia Papaioannou, Aris Chatzistefanou and Kostas Zafeiropoulos, drawing from their own experience, spoke about the dynamic nature and diversity of journalism, the challenges that it faces in view of the broader sociopolitical, economic and technological changes, as well as the opportunities that may ultimately arise. Associate Professor of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Nikos Panagiotou, elaborated on how contemporary trends in news consumption, given the omnipresence of the Internet, determine the future of the media. Valentinos Tzekas, student at the Department of Applied Informatics at the University of Macedonia, presented an algorithm he developed, in order to contribute to the detection of fake news, as well as to the prevention of its spreading online.
The role of the Internet was brought to the forefront of the discussion, in an attempt to understand and evaluate the influence that the digital space has on the content and the practices of modern journalism. The speakers examined the potential dual nature of the Internet, as, on the one hand, a space that favors fast, “unverified” information and instantaneous news and, on the other hand, a fertile platform for responsible, valid and independent journalism, which can potentially assist in the democratization of information and access.
The first SNF Fellows at the Columbia Journalism School in New York, who participated in intensive courses in journalism this summer, with a scholarship from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, also shared their experiences and thoughts on the future prospects of journalism.
The SNF Scholarship Program, which is now running for the second year, offers the opportunity to both young and experienced journalists from Greece to participate in specialized programs in Columbia University’s internationally renowned School of Journalism, in New York. Specifically, each year, the SNF offers the opportunity to up to 18 participants, for a period of at least three years, to attend specialized training courses in video production, investigative and data journalism, acquire experience and obtain the relevant certification.
In Brief
The SNF Dialogues are curated and moderated by Anna-Kynthia Bousdoukou.
*The opinions expressed by the SNF Dialogues participants, whether representing officially institutions and organizations or themselves, are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) or iMEdD. Speakers’ remarks are made freely, without prior guidance or intervention from the team.