Introduction: Innovations, Transformations and the Future of Journalism

Abstract

The articles in this special issue comprise a selection from the seventh biannual “Future of Journalism” conference that was hosted by the School of Journalism, Media and Culture (JOMEC) at Cardiff University in September 2019. Focusing on the theme “Innovations, Transitions and Transformations”, the conference took as a starting point the transformative power of technological development as both an enabler and a challenge for journalistic practice. The wide scope of the conference theme is reflected on the articles included in this special issue, diverse in their research questions, methodologies and geographical context. Despite their wide variety, however, these articles address two main questions, central in the discussions about technology and journalism. First, they explore the evolution of journalistic practices enabled by technological innovation in a variety of ways. Second, they question how technological developments and their transformative potential have affected the ideology, self-perception and boundary work of journalism as a profession. Overall, they paint a picture for the future of journalism as one of continuous evolution and adaptation rather than technological revolution.