"Constructive journalism as a (news) philosophy and practice is gaining ground around the globe as both new journalistic ventures and legacy news media variously experiment with so-called ‘constructive’ approaches, and specialized (nonprofit) organizations and training programs have been establi
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shed. While scholarly interest in the subject has steadily grown accordingly, constructive journalism as a research field in its own right is arguably still in need of further development. Therefore, we set out to explore, advance, and shape a research agenda, and to build a theoretical and empirical foundation for constructive journalism, providing a 360° view by bringing together an international body of scholarship approaching the topic and the issues raised through different disciplinary, conceptual, and methodological lenses." (Abstract)
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"In this article, we explore how entrepreneurial journalists from a wide variety of national contexts present ‘impact’ as one of the aims in their work. By exploring the variety, incongruences, and strategic considerations in the discourse on impact of those at the forefront of journalistic inno
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vation, we provide a much-needed empirical account of the changing conceptualisation of what journalism is and what it is for. Our data show how impact becomes an ideologically as well as strategically driven endeavour as the entrepreneurs try to carve out their niche and position themselves both in relation to traditional counterparts and other startups. Ultimately, we provide empirical insight into a number of tensions that remain underlying in the discourse on constructive journalism, an increasingly popular conceptualisation that refers to a future-oriented, solution-driven, active form of journalism. We show how our interviewees marry different, commonly-deemed incompatible practices and values, thus challenging binary distinctions at the heart of conceptualisations of journalism, also perpetuated in the discourse on constructive journalism. As pioneers in the field, startups can be argued to inspire journalistic as well as social innovation, and furthermore push for a more inclusive understanding of the divergent conceptualisations and practices that together make up the amalgam that we call ‘journalism’." (Abstract)
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"Más de cincuenta años de conflicto armado en Colombia han marcado la forma en la que el periodismo le habla al país. Acostumbrados a leer y a recibir contenidos relacionados especialmente con los desastres y con el dolor que deja la guerra, la firma del acuerdo de paz en noviembre de 2016, trajo
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la posibilidad de revertir esta visión. El posacuerdo abre a los periodistas de las regiones y del territorio nacional una amplia reflexión acerca de cómo deberían narrar y qué enfoques deberían priorizar en su ejercicio de reportería. Todavía ver un noticiero en Colombia es un acto que seguramente traerá angustia y desesperanza, más que soluciones. Un cambio de chip supondría mirar medios de comunicación con periodistas que den cuenta de los cambios que desde el deporte, el arte y la cultura propone la gente de las comunidades en esta etapa de transición. Sí hay una nueva forma de contar el posacuerdo, con la mirada constructiva y con la apertura de darle voces a las personas que conociendo sus regiones y su situación, plantean respuestas. Consejo de Redacción, International Media Support y Constructive Institute de Dinamarca, le apuestan a esta metodología diferente que pretende oxigenar el periodismo en este camino de transición que vive el gremio durante el posacuerdo de paz. El Periodismo Constructivo busca dar luces en el camino de hacer memoria histórica y aportar hacia el futuro. Siete periodistas de Tumaco y Norte de Santander, dos regiones golpeadas por el crimen, el narcotráfico y el conflicto armado, cambiaron el chip. Hicieron tránsito desde un entrenamiento focalizado en el cubrimiento sensible al conflicto, hacia el periodismo constructivo que invita a reflexionar sobre el futuro a partir del pasado, de una forma contextualizada, no focalizada en lo negativo sino en propuestas. En esta guía buscamos recopilamos ejemplos y contamos como fue la experiencia de llevar estas metodologías en la región. El resultado final: siete historias, que van desde un formato audiovisual hasta crónicas escritas, en dónde se muestran experiencias que nacen del conflicto armado; iniciativas de procesos culturales y deportivos que propenden a alejar a jóvenes y a personas adultas de entornos violentos a partir de la confluencia de las voces de las víctimas y de los perpetradores, en un ejercicio de inclusión social y de contexto de vida." (Introducción)
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"This article begins by describing the recently created classifications of elements of constructive journalism and present examples of the media profession applying these elements. Constructive journalism draws on behavioural sciences, specifically positive psychology. From this, it is assumed that
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including constructive elements such as solution orientation, future orientation, depolarising techniques and seeking co-creation with the public contribute to the well-being of individuals as well as society. Following a public-oriented perspective, audience research is performed to understand how people value the incorporation of constructive elements in the news. Using an online survey, data were gathered from 3263 people in the Netherlands, aged 20–65. Results show an overall positive valuation, with some constructive elements appreciated more than others. Age, educational background and news interest seem to play a role in the nature of this valuation." (Abstract)
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"We propose to expand the boundaries of the news process by introducing and defining the interdisciplinary concept of constructive journalism — an emerging form of journalism that involves applying positive psychology techniques to news processes and production in an effort to create productive an
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d engaging coverage, while holding true to journalism’s core functions. First, we review the critical issues in journalism that highlight a need for this approach. Next, we define constructive journalism, discuss the history of news as it pertains to the development of constructive forms, and describe four branches of constructive journalism. Finally, we outline five techniques by which constructive journalism can be practiced, including the psychological frameworks supporting these applications." (Abstract)
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"The following report is an exploratory case study analysis of social accountability monitoring of the Eastern Cape Department of Education by the Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM) and mainstream media in the Eastern Cape. It provides in-depth analysis of the education programme’s work
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within PSAM and a study of newspaper coverage of education in the Eastern Cape. The argument made herein, is that for either civil society or the media to be effective in holding duty bearers to account, and to equip citizens to hold public officials to account, they have to work collaboratively in their efforts. What is required is a shift in the assumption that simply reporting on or highlighting events of maladministration or mismanagement of public resources is sufficient. Highlighting poor resource management is necessary but not sufficient to equate to social accountability. The current media coverage, while extensive and voluminous, does not provide citizens with the contextual knowledge they need to effectively hold duty bearers to account for poor service delivery. Rather, as a result of the formulaic reporting style, corruption and maladministration are further normalised. Fostering a more strategic, conscious and direct relationship between civil society and the media, will ensure a symbiotic relationship of effective society accountability resulting in better public resource management." (Executive summary)
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"The model of journalism we practice in Asia is an adversarial one driven by conflict reporting, a model we have borrowed from the West. This book is an outcome of a project implemented by the Faculty of Communication Arts of Chulalongkorn University and funded by the International Program for the D
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evelopment of Communications (IPDC) of UNESCO. The project incorporates Asian philosophical ideas and communication theories emanating from Buddhist, Hindu, and Confucius teachings for developing a curriculum to train Asian journalists. It is designed to frame a new paradigm of reporting tha could form a new approach to development communication. It covers areas such as realizing social harmony, protecting nature and environment, respecting cultural diversity, and encouraging sufficiency economic models. This book focuses on using such a path of communication to promote sustainable development." (Preface)
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"This study examines the potential of constructive journalism ideas and their implementation in Croatia, a country with a different social, cultural and historical background than that of Denmark or other Western European countries where constructive journalism is practised. Three Croatian linguists
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explain the potential hidden meanings of the word constructive for Croatians. Fifteen broadcast journalists and editors in Croatia have been interviewed in order to examine the potential opportunities and obstacles for the implementation of constructive journalism ideas in their newsrooms. Croatian journalists have a more active approach towards journalism and their overall impression of constructive journalism ideas is positive. Both linguists and journalists noticed potential ideological connotations of the word constructive, while journalists were careful about reporting on possible solutions and things that would work so as not to cross the line and be pulled into ideology. When it comes to implementation, most journalists point out differences in mindset, political influences and newsroom routines as main obstacles. A development of a specific strategy for Croatian newsrooms that moves away from adhering to ideas only is recommended, while the word constructive may be used only if it is clearly defined." (Abstract)
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"This paper examines the normative role of constructive journalism—also called “solutions journalism”—by analyzing metajournalistic discourse about solutions-focused journalism. The findings show that constructive and solutions journalism are defined similarly: they profess traditional Anglo
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-Saxon journalistic norms and practices, even as they shift focus from problems to solutions. The metajournalistic discourse indicates a tension over the normative roles of journalism. Constructive journalism justifies its existence by the intensified need to solve vexing social issues. At the same time, proponents of constructive journalism regularly distance themselves from advocating for social good and claim to objectively cover solutions without endorsing them. This strategic rhetoric signals an attempt to draw a sharp line between constructive journalism and advocacy, and to situate constructive journalism within the boundaries of a traditional monitorial role of journalism. Metadiscourse about constructive journalism reveals reluctance to acknowledge and articulate its normative constructive role that seeks to help society." (Abstract)
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"The various practices of constructive journalism have the common objective to achieve certain effects on the audience: on the micro-level, the users’ information and emotion, on the meso-level the loyalty towards a media company, and on the macro-level the progress of society. Taking a holistic d
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efinition of constructive journalism as a basis, the two experiments discussed in this article examined the audience responses to German-language news and features presented to readers and radio listeners in both constructive and non-constructive versions. The results are multifaceted. On the micro-level, constructive forms can counteract a negative view of the world because the audience recognises a solution-orientation and underlying spirit of hope. The increased willingness to share constructive stories indicates, on the macro-level, that constructive reporting can raise the perception of possible solutions and role models and hence encourage engagement and emulation. But the hopeful prospects should not be used to simply garnish a difficult problem at any price and maintaining a distance from positive examples is advisable—otherwise, the constructive story runs the risk of being perceived as a commercial or political influence." (Abstract)
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"This article describes how the social context of professional journalism has changed in the twenty-first century and why this has strengthened the need to redefine the function of journalism in this new era. Pivotal questions for journalism are: How to stay relevant for the public? How to redefine
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the public service function? How to deal with the increased competition? How to deal with a negative focus in the news that might offer people disillusion instead of hopeful perspectives? These questions are addressed within technological, social-cultural and economic developments that have a huge impact on the information supply. In this context, constructive journalism emerge. As a movement, it is indebted to civic journalism but takes it to the next level. Constructive journalism reconsiders the goals and values of professional journalism and cherishes a form of journalism that is public-oriented, solution-oriented, future-oriented and action-oriented, trying to avoid a bias towards negativity in the news. The break-through of the twenty-first century network model implies that journalism needs to move into a new direction, fostering cooperation, transparency and constructiveness." (Abstract)
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"This article argues that constructive journalism scholarship should look to service journalism and its subfields, cultural journalism and lifestyle journalism, to understand the key characteristics of this newer type of journalism. Though constructive journalism is typically associated with the rep
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orting of political and social issues, it is also seen to challenge the traditional ways of writing about such hard news topics due to its positive and solution-oriented approach. In this respect, constructive journalism seems to reuse some of the approaches known from service journalism, especially in terms of audience address and an expanded social role for journalists. However, service journalism emerged in the increasingly commercialized and globalized media landscape of the post-World War II period, whereas constructive journalism has emerged in the digital media landscape of the 2010s. These historical contexts provide particular circumstances for both types of journalism." (Abstract)
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"Der Aufsatz unterstreicht die Bedeutung des Konstruktiven Journalismus und stellt Ergebnisse einer qualitativen Studie vor, die Potentiale und Risiken konstruktiver Ansätze im (audiovisuellen) Magazinjournalismus untersucht. Viele Befragte zeigen Sehnsucht nach Inspiration, Hoffnung und Orientieru
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ng durch Lösungen und Alternativen in einer immer komplexeren Welt. Mit Blick auf die journalistische Beitragsgestaltung legen sie allerdings Wert auf eine ausbalancierte und wahrhaftige Berichterstattung. Eine aktive Haltung von Journalist_innen als „Schiedsrichter_innen“ oder „Mediator_innen“ wird unter dem Gesichtspunkt der Neutralität und Unparteilichkeit kritisch gesehen." (Abstract)
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"This revised second edtion on constructive news challenges the traditional concepts and thinking of the news media. It shows the consequences media negativity has on the audience, public discourse, the press and democracy as a whole. The book also explores ways to change old news habits and provide
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s hands-on guidelines on how to do so. Moreover, the book presents numerous examples from the author's ten-year tenure as executive director of news at the Danish Broadcasting Corporation where he led a successful paradigm shift in news production." (Back cover)
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"Journalismus heißt die Wahrheit erzählen. Es ist der Job von Journalisten, nach dem kaputten Zeug zu schauen. Aber die Schattenseite ist selten die ganze Wahrheit. Häufig gibt es die andere Seite und einen Ausweg, worauf Journalisten auch blicken sollten. Die Berichterstattung muss umfassend sei
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n, wenn Journalisten der Verantwortung gegenüber der Allgemeinheit nachkommen wollen. Wenn Journalisten immer nur Probleme beleuchten und die existenten Lösungen verschweigen, lassen sie die Leute im Dunkeln. Journalisten müssen also mehr tun und nach Auswegen Ausschau halten." (Veragsmeldung)
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"The four Pulitzer Center projects highlighted in this guidebook are powerful examples of solutions-oriented reporting—and proof that when done well, such projects get the traction they deserve. For Amy Maxmen, the topic was malaria, new thinking regarding an effective method of malaria prevention
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that may eventually lead to widespread drug resistance. For Chris Berdik, it was how scientists are mapping Tonle Sap, Cambodia’s largest and most threatened lake, so as to devise a plan that protects both jobs and environment. For Steve Sapienza, it was efforts to deliver clean water to the slums of Dhaka, Bangladesh, one of the world’s fastest growing cities. For Esha Chhabra, it was the eradication of polio in India, and the lessons from that experience for other public health challenges. Conventional wisdom says stories like this disappear, that in the chaotic din of contemporary journalism they sink without an audience. Our experience with these projects has been the opposite, with placements in outlets that range from The New York Times and The Atlantic to The Daily Beast, Nature, Forbes, and PBS NewsHour." (Pages 4-5)
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"China’s quest to improve its international image has increased exponentially in the last decade through cultural diplomacy and the media. However, the expansion of China’s state-led media has received mixed reactions and even stereotypes in Africa. By examining scholarly responses towards China
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’s media in Africa, this paper observes that the arguments seem fall from one side to the other and new perspective is needed for better understanding of China’s media in Africa. Therefore, based on the analyses of Challenges and stereotypes against the so-called ‘positive reporting’ of China's media in Africa, the paper proposes to revisit the journalism of China's media from the concept of constructive journalism to figure out what exactly makes the engagement of China’s media different from Western media in Africa. The paper concludes that it is indeed too simple labeling China’s media with positive reporting and constructive journalism helps to offer a new perspective to understand China’s media." (Abstract)
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"Connecting with communities is a map for journalists wishing to expand their coverage, add depth to their news perspective, and begin to write the kind of stories that could help transform communities into self-determining ones. The sourcebook also presents some pretty good arguments, through six c
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ases, why public journalism deserves to be undertaken and how it has been helping journalists reconnect with their communities." (Back cover)
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