Fake News, Financial Uncertainty & A Lack of Trust - What Journalists Say About The Future Of Media

50% of journalists are concerned that the news media is no longer trusted as a reliable source of information, Mynewsdesk’s latest report reveals.

Over 3,000 journalists and PR professionals participated in the global survey to share their views on the media industry in 2017 and its future.

The study also found that 69% of journalists fear that independent news organizations will not be financially viable in the future and 70% worry about professional stability, the results of the global survey found. [Download Report].

"The current crisis of confidence in the media landscape means that credibility is now more important than ever before. With so many news sources available, it is essential that journalists thoroughly review their sources of information before publishing news stories. But in an industry with such tight deadlines and reduced resources, this is now more of a challenge than ever before” said Sofia Juhlin, Global Head of Marketing & Communications at Mynewsdesk.

The research also shows that journalists worry about the consolidation of power in giant social media companies - a concern that has become more apparent in 2017. Of the journalists we surveyed, 71% believe Facebook has too much power as a source of information. This strongly indicates that more and more people find and receive their news via algorithms, rather than going directly to a media outlet’s web property.

Social media’s role as a source of information has decreased, compared to last year, which is most likely due to the rise of fake news. Last year, 66% cited social media as a key source of information, while this year only 53% cite it – a 13% drop.

Mynewsdesk conducts a survey of journalists, annually, however, this is the first time that they’ve surveyed journalists and PRs together. This year over 3,000 participants shared their views on and predictions for the industry. The findings of the study have been published in a report entitled “Navigating Change.”

Mynewsdesk also interviewed 7 thought leaders and experts in their respective fields about the state and future of the media. From editors, journalists to PR professionals, the interviewees delivered their views on fake news, social media, technologies and channels. Together, they cover different points of view and identify the most important aspects affecting news reporting and the media as a whole.

The experts featured in this video are:

• Martin Schibbye, Chief Editor, Blank Spot Project
• Beki Winchel, Editor, PR Daily
• Stephen Waddington, Chief Engagement Officer, Ketchum
• Johanna Snickars, Communications Lead Sweden, Microsoft
• Stephen Lepitak, Editor, The Drum
• Hassan Butt, Journalist, Communicate Magazine
• Mattias Ronge, Chief Strategy Officer, Edelman Deportivo

Survey Methodology

Mynewsdesk conducted a quantitative survey in June 2017 of journalists, editors, freelancers and communicators from the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland,

Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Australia

and Canada. The survey gathered 3,175 responses across two major categories: journalists (65%); and communications, PR, marketing professionals (35%).