New Project Aims to Rebuild Trust in Journalism Through Citizen Involvement
A new study and project aim to bolster trust in media and journalism. The study, 'From Lügenpresse to Out-of-Touch Elites', suggests journalists should adopt a more constructive and less polarising approach. Launching in April 2025, 'Citizens Doing Journalism' will bridge the gap between citizens and journalists, funded by the Volkswagen Foundation.
The study, conducted by Judith Kretzschmar, Markus Beiler, Uwe Krüger, and Florian Döring, found that accusations of 'Lügenpresse' often stem from perceived moral pressure in media and political debates. Many interviewees struggled to distinguish between today's liberal democracy and a one-party dictatorship with a state-controlled press. The research also revealed that people either distrust both media and politics or trust both, reflecting broader societal dissatisfaction.
To address these issues, the study recommends increased media literacy, civic education, and citizen journalism. The upcoming 'Citizens Doing Journalism' project, based at the University of Leipzig's Center for Journalism and Democracy, will work towards these goals.
The study and project highlight the need for journalists to report more constructively and for citizens to be more engaged in journalism. By fostering media literacy and citizen involvement, 'Citizens Doing Journalism' aims to rebuild trust in journalism and strengthen democracy.
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