About the lecture

In this module, we look at technological change and journalism. In particular, we will focus on: (i) why social media and technological change are dominant trends, impacting journalism and society; (ii) why and how journalists' response to technology follows a pattern of skepticism, adapting over time; (iii) how concerns include speed over accuracy, open platforms affecting credibility, and sensationalism; (iv) how new technologies become normalised and integral to journalism's routine; (v) how social media platforms like Twitter were met with skepticism but are now embraced by journalists; (vi) how Twitter has become integral to journalism, but it poses challenges like time consumption and bias; (vii) how social media challenges journalists' objectivity and impartiality due to personal expression; (viii) how journalists face online abuse, threats, and harassment on social media platforms; (ix) how misinformation and disinformation spread on social media platforms, challenging credibility; and (x) how AI and machine learning impact journalism.

About the lecturer

Jane Singer is Professor Emerita of Journalism Innovation in the Department of Journalism at City, University of London. She specialises in the impact of digital media on journalists' roles, norms, practices and products. With this in mind, she has published widely, including Participatory Journalism: Guarding open gates at online newspapers (2011) and Online Journalism Ethics: Traditions and transitions (2007).