The establishment of a News Futures Forum, which brings together news producers, distributors, policymakers, and other stakeholders, is essential to address the crisis affecting trustworthy public-interest news in the UK, according to new research led by the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) Media Innovation Studio.
Traditional models of public-interest news are under immense pressure from new technologies, changing audience behaviours, political turmoil, and economic upheaval. This initiative aims to provide stakeholders from inside and alongside the sector with a clear, inclusive process for tackling the complex challenges facing the provision and distribution of trustworthy public-interest news over the next decade, and beyond.
The recommendation, along with a clear definition of public-interest news, emerges from the 18-month News Futures 2035 project.
"At a time characterised by the rapid spread of information and rising misinformation, the importance of trustworthy public-interest news cannot be overstated."
— Dr François Nel, Reader in Media Innovation and Entrepreneurship at UCLan
The results will be unveiled at the Newsrewired journalism conference in London on 22 May 2024 at a panel chaired by FT Strategies EMEA Director Lisa MacLeod.
The panellists are: The Sun Global Managing Editor Helen Philpot, Public Interest News Foundation Executive Director Jonathan Heawood, former Google Head of News Ecosystem Development Madhav Chinappa and University of Central Lancashire Associate Professor François Nel.
The research consortium led by Dr Nel, Reader in Media Innovation and Entrepreneurship at UCLan, with Dr Kamila Rymajdo as the Post-doctoral Researcher, was supported by the Google News Initiative and Research UK.
Dr Nel said: “At a time characterised by the rapid spread of information and rising misinformation, the importance of trustworthy public-interest news cannot be overstated. If we – the news industry, tech companies, policymakers, civil society, and academia – believe it is vital for the health of the information ecosystems on which the well-being of communities, markets, and democracies depend, then this is an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ moment for us.
“We can either continue to work independently and hope for better outcomes, or we can come together in a structured, inclusive way to address the critical issues facing this essential service.”
"The public must have the news and digital literacy skills necessary to understand and assess the relevance and benefits of the news for themselves and for others. "
— Dr François Nel, Reader in Media Innovation and Entrepreneurship at UCLan
Securing the sustainable supply and distribution of such fact-based news and information is essential, but it is only one side of the issue, Nel said. “Of equal importance is the need to ensure that high-quality information is accessible to all. The public must have the news and digital literacy skills necessary to understand and assess the relevance and benefits of the news for themselves and for others. As such, comprehensive, continuous news literacy education in schools and the wider community is crucial, too.”
The report outlines that the News Futures Forum would be a structured process convened under the Chatham House Rule to achieve three main objectives:
- To foster a deeper understanding amongst news industry leaders, activists, journalists, academics, and regulators of the affecting public-interest news production, distribution and consumption amongst news industry leaders, activists, journalists, academics, and regulators.
- Ensure timely policy and regulation that are highly enabling, not constraining.
- To inspire and support innovation across the sector to ensure trustworthy public-interest news is highly relevant to news consumers, news producers and distributors, news workers and society at large.
"The strategic planning methodology used in the News Futures 2035 project is vital for understanding the key factors shaping the future of the media industry. "
— Post-doctoral Researcher Dr Kamila Rymajdo
The News Futures 2035 project is the first-ever opportunity in the UK for news industry stakeholders to collaborate on the future of public-interest news. Over 18 months, the project involved over 300 thought leaders from media, policy, regulation, civil society, and academia, who contributed through expert interviews, surveys, workshops, and multiple consultations.
Dr Kamila Rymajdo commented: “The strategic planning methodology used in the News Futures 2035 project is vital for understanding the key factors shaping the future of the media industry. By gathering expert insights and conducting thorough analysis, this approach helps us stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape, ensuring the continued importance of public-interest news in the UK.
“Furthermore, this method can be adapted for use in other journalistic settings and countries. By customising the approach to examine local issues and uncertainties, media organisations around the world can better handle their unique challenges, strengthening the impact and relevance of public-interest journalism globally.”
"Throughout my career, I’ve wasted a lot of time arguing over small differences with people who also care about journalism, when we could have been working together. "
— Jonathan Heawood, Executive Director of the Public Interest News Foundation
Jeremy Clifford, co-author of the News Futures 2035 discussion paper and member of the project steering board, added: “Our best chance to identify a sustainable future for the provision of trustworthy public-interest news is for all stakeholders in the media industry, including publishers, tech platforms, academia, industry and regulatory bodies, and those with a vested interest to come together in an environment where they can collaborate and work constructively, setting aside their differences.”
The research highlighted several challenges, including:
- The need to rebuild trust in news media and combat news avoidance.
- Unequal access to technology necessary for the public to stay informed.
- The need for improved media literacy among news producers, public servants, and the general public.
- Inadequate funding for public-interest news.
- The concentration of news media ownership.
- A lack of diversity among journalists.
- The role of news producers and distributors both as contributors to climate change and as crucial players in addressing it.
Media industry experts have welcomed plans for a News Futures Forum.
Jonathan Heawood, Executive Director of the Public Interest News Foundation, said: “I’ve spent the last 20 years fighting for journalism, whether that’s campaigning against censorship, trying to rebuild public trust, or developing new business models. Throughout my career, I’ve wasted a lot of time arguing over small differences with people who also care about journalism, when we could have been working together.
"That’s why I’m so excited about the vision for the News Futures Forum, which creates a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to resolve our differences and find shared priorities.”
"News Futures 2035 has paved the way for advancing common interests in the media ecosystem among diverse stakeholders - academics, industry leaders, infrastructure groups, and civil society. "
— Lexie Kirkconnell-Kawana, Chief Executive of Impress
Lexie Kirkconnell-Kawana, Chief Executive of Impress, who participated in the research, noted: “News Futures 2035 has paved the way for advancing common interests in the media ecosystem among diverse stakeholders - academics, industry leaders, infrastructure groups, and civil society. It's not just about imagining the future; it's about actively co-creating it – starting with common baselines and definitions.”
For more information about News Futures 2035 and to download the final report and other materials, visit the Media Innovation Studio website.
For updates on News Futures 2035, follow the University of Central Lancashire’s Media Innovation Studio on LinkedIn or sign up for email updates.