Truth Corrupted: The Role of Fact-Based Journalism in a Post-Truth Society

Abstract

The Internet and particularly social media provide mechanisms that seem to circumvent institutionalised functions of journalism and impose new communication patterns. This essay discusses challenges journalism is facing in the context of disruptive news logics, distorted realities, and skewed facts. Journalistic ideals are being challenged by actors that aim at channelling predisposed information into the news economy. In a current post-truth scenario, parts of the audience are prone to arbitrary arguments, seemingly rejecting information and sources that oppose their worldview. Also, news outlets that carelessly vet sources and exhibit partisanship are part of an errant machinery of disinformation. Evidence-based and scientific journalistic approaches such as data journalism and related analytical practices now appear to be counterparts to shaping public opinion based on emotion and opinion.