Being open about why you’re covering a particular story can help journalists gain trust of the public
In this article, Joy Mayer, director of TrustingNews.org, says that people think journalists operate on their own agenda and therefore are not trustworthy. But, explaining to people why you’re interested in reporting can counter prejudices and get them on side.
A study by the American Press Institute found that 62 per cent of people in the USA believe that getting attention is a major motivation for journalists, whereas only 3 per cent believe a desire to help solve problems in society is what drives news.
Mayer gives advice and examples on building ‘trusting news’ strategies and share newsrooms’ motivations to preempt backlash and encourage public engagement with the news.
“Too many people think journalism is motivated primarily by personal agendas and a desire to make money,” writes Mayer.
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