Interactive Journalism

Abstract

This entry analyzes the meaning and impact of interactive journalism on journalistic content, as well as the main research perspectives and relevant findings. The concept of interactive journalism highlights the potential for the democratization of journalism by allowing the audience to play an active role in the process of newsmaking within the realm of professional journalism. Findings suggest both positive and negative implications of interactive journalism. The majority of users are not interested in producing content; and mainstream media attempt to control participation while adopting a market‐driven rather than a civic‐oriented approach to user‐generated content (UGC). Yet, recent evidence suggests that digital start‐ups, hyperlocal news media, and specific social groups are collaborating in the direction of a more pluralistic news agenda aiming to elevate public debate and deal with society's problems.

[Can’t] Delete: an intervention in mainstream news media representations of image-based sexual abuse

“…Allowing for user control is the key in creating a more collaborative experience where the reader can play an active role in the storytelling. This approach offers an alternative to the shortcomings of traditional reporting (Spyridou and Milioni, 2019), which in the case of reporting about sexual abuse can mean the circulation of rape myths and victim blaming attitudes. Interactives seek to add to public knowledge in new ways and to create experiences that support human action (Usher, 2016), which is interpreted here in two ways: the action the readers take to engage with the story and the action that societies will take to address IBSA due to greater awareness of the issue.…”

“…The literature on interactive journalism pursues two themes, according to Spyridou and Milioni (2019). One analyses the feature projects published by major news organisations and the tools used, such as polls, commenting spaces, and tools to submit text or images.…”

“…One analyses the feature projects published by major news organisations and the tools used, such as polls, commenting spaces, and tools to submit text or images. Overall, the research shows that digital start-ups have adopted more interactive tools than elite media, and the promise of interactive journalism remains largely unrealised (Spyridou and Milioni, 2019). The other branch of literature suggests journalists resist collaborative journalism because they prefer to maintain control of user participation with users as active recipients rather than active participants in the news (Spyridou and Milioni, 2019).…”

“…Overall, the research shows that digital start-ups have adopted more interactive tools than elite media, and the promise of interactive journalism remains largely unrealised (Spyridou and Milioni, 2019). The other branch of literature suggests journalists resist collaborative journalism because they prefer to maintain control of user participation with users as active recipients rather than active participants in the news (Spyridou and Milioni, 2019). The power of the active recipient should not be disregarded.…”