Abstract
This study explores the challenges facing sustainable journalism practices in the post-truth era through interviews conducted with journalists in Northern Cyprus. Based on the perspectives of professionals in the field, the aim is to understand current issues related to the feasibility of ethical and sustainable journalism. The study indicates that challenges specific to the media field, compounded by the post-truth effect, relegate sustainable journalism practices to the sidelines. In this context, essential measures for the enduring success of media organizations include strategies like diversifying revenue sources, embracing digital subscription models, investigating alternative business models, enforcing transparent editorial policies, and actively involving readers. The study also reveals the effects of financial difficulties such as low salaries, limited budgets, and financial constraints on the professional practices of journalists through interviews. Furthermore, through interviews, it elucidates how technological changes, the rise of digital media, and the rapid dissemination of news affect journalists’ information control processes and knowledge management strategies. Finally, while contributing to our understanding of how journalists in Northern Cyprus confront challenges in the post-truth era, this study presents the factors that may have a negative impact on sustainable journalism practices through an example and offers insights into common problems that may be encountered in this regard.
Plain language summary
Sustainable Journalism is a journalistic approach that aims to address the economic, ecological, and social sustainability challenges of society while securing the future of journalism practice. It is a essential concept for journalists to adopt ethical and independent journalism practices. However, in the era of Post-Truth, where facts deviate from objectivity and emotions and beliefs take precedence, the media faces deepening crises in achieving the mission of sustainable journalism and implementing sustainable journalistic practices. This study examines the challenges faced by sustainable journalism in Northern Cyprus media within this context. Through interviews with journalists working in Northern Cyprus media, this study interprets the findings obtained. The research reveals that in Northern Cyprus, challenges to sustainable journalism jeopardize editorial independence, lead to ethical issues, and create insensitivity to values such as accuracy and neutrality. This also contributes to the emergence of instant journalism practice characterizing the Post-Truth era, non-functioning fact-checking mechanisms in news production processes, and resorting to revenue-generating models fueled by misleading content models. In this context, the study emphasizes the need for strategic measures, such as diversifying revenue sources, adopting digital subscription models, exploring alternative business strategies, embracing transparent editorial policies, and encouraging active reader engagement, for media organizations in Northern Cyprus to adopt sustainable journalistic practices by highlighting the existing challenges.
Introduction
As media and journalism in today’s world deal with complex global issues such as climate change, democracy, poverty, inequality and armed conflicts, it is becoming increasingly clear that society is dealing with a sustainability crisis and that journalism is simultaneously facing its own sustainability crisis (Tallert, 2021). 2030, the year declared by the United Nations as the year in which the sustainable development goals must be achieved worldwide, is approaching, and it is becoming increasingly important that this date is not symbolic for our world. In this context, overcoming the current crises and taking journalistic practices and media structures to a more sustainable level requires new approaches beyond the existing traditional understanding. Sustainable journalism argues that journalism should function on its own on the basis of sustainability, which includes long-term stability and environmental respect, and respond to the interconnected nature of these crises. Sustainable journalism is an approach to journalism that aims to contribute to the development of a sustainable society from economic, ecological, and social perspectives. While targeting today’s information needs, it also aims not to compromise on meeting the information needs of future generations of journalists. It encompasses delivering accurate information, adopting a solution-oriented approach, and engaging in participatory practices (Adjin-Tettey et al., 2021; Tallert, 2021).
Although sustainable journalism is still an emerging concept, there are many studies in the literature covering topics such as media innovation, media freedom, media criticism, and media education related to sustainable journalism (Adıyaman, 2021; Adjin-Tettey et al., 2021; Berglez et al., 2017; Çiğdem & Erdoğan, 2020; Demir, 2023; Ergün & Özay, 2022; Franklin, 2014; Goyanes et al., 2023; Hess & Waller, 2016; Jamil, 2020; McChesney, 2016; Myllylahti, 2020; Nel & Milburn-Curtis, 2021; Posetti, 2018; Strauß, 2022; Vukić, 2019; Weder et al., 2021).
Sustainable journalism can assume a significant role beyond merely conveying information, encompassing shaping societal perceptions, influencing discussions, and supporting social resilience. This perspective provides journalists with opportunities to explore innovative storytelling techniques, maintain a deep commitment to ethical journalism practices, and dedicate themselves to more comprehensive investigative journalism. These elements can contribute to the realization of a more sustainable media environment with societal impact. Sustainable journalism also aims to challenge the traditional view of journalism as immediate, negative, and prone to sensationalism (Tallert, 2021).
However, sustainable journalism faces the challenge of confronting an era known as Post-Truth in today’s increasingly complex media landscape Post-Truth refers to emerge a diminishing scrutiny of truth and a fading significance of truth, leading to the emergence of alternative facts In a media landscape where individuals and societies show less interest in objective truth, and emotions and biases become more effective in determining the truth (Keyes, 2004; Koliska et al., 2023; McIntyre, 2018; Waisbord, 2018), journalism faces challenges while maintaining its fundamental role in providing accurate and reliable information. In this context, the importance of scrutinizing the connection between questioning the truth and the production of information directly associated with sustainable journalism, which prioritizes public interest, verified and accurate information (Tallert, 2021), is growing steadily.
Starting from this point, sustainable journalism highlight that, in the impasses created by the information of the post-truth era, journalism goes beyond the mere function of disseminating information, underscoring its significant role in shaping societal perceptions, influencing discourse, and supporting social resilience. Such a perspective opens up opportunities to explore innovative storytelling techniques, a deep commitment to ethical journalistic practices (Tallert, 2021) and a more comprehensive dedication to ethical journalism. All of these contribute to the realization of a more sustainable media environment with a significant societal impact.
Approaching from this perspective, this study examines the challenges faced by sustainable journalism in the North Cyprus media in the post-truth era. Findings from in-depth interviews with ten journalists form the basis of this study. Thus, the study aims to understand the challenges and dynamics of ethical and sustainable journalism through the perspectives and practices of these journalists.
Facing issues such as the negative effects of the economic crisis resulting from the depreciation of the Turkish lira, the detrimental influence of media owners’ financial connections on editorial independence, the pressure of advertising and sponsorships on editorial content and decision-making processes, as well as the consequences of financial ties between media owners and politicians, (Reporters Sans Frontières, 2023) the media in Northern Cyprus increasingly requires sustainable journalism practices.
However, upon reviewing the literature related to the Northern Cyprus media, the lack of studies approaching the Northern Cyprus media from the perspective of sustainable journalism becomes apparent. The lack of studies on sustainable journalism practices and the challenges faced by the media in this context may result in disregarding the potential solutions and opportunities offered by sustainable journalism practices in Northern Cyprus. This study intends to fill an existing gap in the literature by providing a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges in sustainable journalism within the context of the Northern Cyprus media. Hence, the findings obtained at the end of the study also offers potential insights and suggestions on how the Northern Cyprus media can navigate what appears to be a challenging future for sustainable journalism. While this study focuses solely on the Northern Cyprus media, we believe that its findings can contribute to future studies on media landscapes facing similar challenges.
Background
The communication of scientific information confronts novel challenges. The notion that science serves as a suitable means to inform policy may not hold the same weight as it once did. This trend has been subject to commentary within both news media and academia and some have characterized this situation as an indication of the rise of the post-truth era (Gilchrist, 2016; Pavić & Šundalić, 2017). The Oxford English Dictionary recognized “Post-Truth” as the word of the year, defining it as “relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion or personal belief” (Oxford Languages, 2016).
The concept of Post-Truth was initially coined by American writer Steve Tesich in 1992. According to Tesich, events such as Watergate, the Iran-Contra Scandal, and the Gulf War deeply impacted the American public’s relationship with truth. These developments, as argued by Tesich, led people to equate truth with bad news and become hesitant about the authenticity of information. The term was later extensively explored by American author and academic Ralph Keyes in his 2004 book titled “The Post-Truth Era: Dishonesty and Deception in Contemporary Life.” Similar to Tesich, Keyes discussed how lies told by official authorities desensitize society morally. He emphasized that in contemporary times, lying has become commonplace, easier, and people have grown increasingly indifferent in the face of exposed falsehoods (Keyes, 2004; Schackmuth, 2018).
Despite the inherent limitations in the media’s capacity to present an absolute truth, it is plausible to assert that individuals grapple with a profound challenge in the post-truth era, characterized by the subjective determination of truth based on personal beliefs and emotions. McIntyre (2018) explains this situation as follows, especially in the dynamics of post-truth; the loss of meaning and significance of truth necessitates to not align cognitive practices with truth but rather conditioning the truth to be reproduced and organized in accordance with conditioned ideas, values, and beliefs. In other words, truth is not solely guided by ideas, values, and beliefs; some truths can be considered relatively more important and more preferable than others. Within this context, consumers of news may choose to dismiss or label as false any information that does not resonate with their individual convictions and emotions. Moreover, in an epoch where political rhetoric is deeply influenced by post-truth dynamics, journalists find themselves burdened with the substantial task of uncovering the truth, all the while contending with the impeding pressure of speed (Michailidou & Trenz, 2021). Moreover, in the new information environment frequently described as the post-truth era, where conspiracy theories and alternative facts abound, the traditional trust in the cognitive and rational abilities of individuals’ decision-making process is eroding (Koliska et al., 2023; Waisbord, 2018).
Navigating journalism within the post-truth era undeniably places the media in an intricate predicament. This epoch, characterized by emotions and expressions mirroring reality yet lacking a foundation in truth, presents an immense struggle for the media. Editors and media managers globally grapple with the dilemma of how to respond amidst prevalent distrust and inadequacy, striving to discern strategies that sustain their connection with the audience. Viewers overtly articulate their yearning for heightened transparency and increased engagement (Weissman, 2017, p. 46). It is noteworthy to acknowledge that this call for greater transparency and engagement emanates not solely from the entire viewership but predominantly from those well-versed in media intricacies. This audience, dedicated to the pursuit of “truth,” arguably constitutes the primary demographic that the media ideally should prioritize.
Evaluated in this context, Tallert (2021) addressing the prominent issues in journalism, defines the challenges faced by journalism as a “sustainability crisis in journalism” similar to the world’s sustainability issues such as the climate crisis, democracy, poverty, inequality, and wars. These challenges include the decline in journalistic revenues that we are familiar with in the post-truth era, the protection of the media by economic-political structures, the distrust that arises due to clickbait journalism and the resulting disinformation.
Sustainability, as Weder et al. (2021) put it, is the moral compass for individual, societal, as well as organizational and institutional action for a new, regenerative human-nature relationship. In this context, sustainable journalism is a journalistic philosophy that aims to provide information for the current generation without compromising the knowledge needs of the future generations of journalists (Adjin-Tettey et al., 2021). It means that sustainable journalism does not only deal with the immediate problems of the present generation, but also offers a guiding framework for facing the challenges that will arise for the future generations. Journalism, in this sense, should offer a broader and deeper perspective to the society on sustainability and democratic values, with an emphasis on achieving quality journalism along with substantial income (Budak, 2023, p. 247; Olaito, 2023).
In particular, digital media political economy is complicating journalists’ truth claims, reshaping journalistic routines, and redefining the field (Canella, 2023). In this respect, sustainable journalism becomes even more important in this period as it involves a fundamental concern, focusing not only on content production, but also on the transparency of the organizations that support journalistic activities. This journalism approach aims to overcome the challenges in the sector, to expand by encouraging cooperation and partnerships, and to create a structure based on social accountability. Sustainable journalism adopts the goals of conveying truth, serving the public, maintaining the principle of scientific accuracy, verifying the accuracy of information, supporting independent journalistic practices, creating a platform for social debate, effectively expressing important issues, and monitoring authorities with public responsibilities (Tallert, 2021).
Journalists are expected to play an encouraging role in influencing individuals and political authorities to make decisions and fulfill commitments for sustainability (Tallert, 2021). Hence, sustainable journalism takes on a mission in journalism that extends beyond mere “economic sustainability efforts” and embraces the social/democratic mission of professional journalism. This mission involves holding power accountable, informing citizens, and encouraging public participation in addressing current and future economic, social, and environmental challenges (Adjin-Tettey et al., 2021). In this respect, sustainable journalism not only seeks to accurately communicate ongoing developments to individuals but also strives to advocate for social and environmental justice. Both media companies and journalists hold a crucial role in promoting sustainability (Chironda, 2023). Therefore, sustainable journalism, with its attributes, represents not just a genre of journalism but a comprehensive, idealized understanding of journalism. In this context, sustainable journalism can be interpreted as an attempt to redefine journalism according to contemporary conditions, possessing the ability to view societal developments, and journalism through the lens of sustainability (Budak, 2023, p. 243).
Material and Method
The answers to the following questions are sought in this study.
What are the current challenges facing sustainable journalism practices, and how are they related to Post-Truth?
What are journalists’ predictions and experiences regarding the applicability of sustainable journalism?
Our research is based on in-depth semi-structured interviews with 10 journalists working in the media field in Northern Cyprus. Five of the participants were selected from journalists working exclusively in conventional media, such as television or radio, representing traditional media units. The remaining five participants were chosen from journalists working solely in digital media institutions. This selection allowed for a comprehensive examination of both common and distinct challenges faced by sustainable journalism in both traditional and digital media contexts.
In terms of ethical procedures, participants provided their informed consent by signing a document outlining the research objectives, potential risks and benefits, and the handling of their personal information. Participants had the freedom to terminate the interview at any point. Anonymity was maintained for all participants, and any details that could identify them, including references to their workplaces, were omitted to ensure confidentiality. All subjects gave their informed consent for inclusion before they participated in the study. The study was conducted with approval of the Near East University Ethics Committee of Social Sciences Ethics Committee (NEU/SS/2023/1609).
Consequently, when incorporating direct quotes from the interviews, participants will be identified by numerical codes (e.g., “Journalist 01”). The interviews were held face to face in the institutions where the journalists worked. Instant notes were kept during the interviews. At the same time, the interviews were audio recorded with the consent of the participants. Some interviews were conducted only by taking notes, as they did not allow audio recording. The interviews had an average duration ranging from 50 to 85 min. The data collected for this study were obtained between March 10, 2023, and April 21, 2023.
The analysis involved several steps, starting with becoming acquainted with the data, followed by coding the interviews using NVivo to identify themes and subthemes. Throughout the process, a check was maintained for any newly emerging themes, in accordance with the method outlined by Braun and Clarke (2012). In the study, an assessment was made among actively working journalists regarding the news organizations they work for. Purposeful sampling was employed, following the methodology outlined by Koerber and McMichael (2008). Specifically, this purposeful sampling was used to examine whether the inclinations of journalists working in digital media organizations toward sustainable journalism practices are more favorable than those in traditional media.
Thematic analysis, guided by grounded theory principles (Charmaz, 2014) and following Braun and Clarke (2012), was employed for the examination of all interviews (Denisova, 2023; Wahl-Jorgensen, 2023). This approach incorporates both deductive and inductive elements (Fereday & Muir-Cochrane, 2006). Initially, themes and topics were identified during the literature review, shaping the structure of the interviews. Throughout the data coding and analysis stages, additional themes and concepts emerged organically (Gibbs, 2007).
Analysis
Defining Sustainable Journalism in the Post-Truth Era
Initially, participating journalists were asked to articulate their definitions of sustainable journalism as part of the study. This approach aimed to provide a clearer perspective on how journalists approach the concept of sustainable journalism based on the principles and perspectives they employ. A common emphasis among all participating journalists when defining sustainable journalism was the notion that journalism is a practice rooted in accuracy, impartiality, and the forefront of journalistic ethics. For instance, Journalist 5 defines sustainable journalism as “making accurate and unbiased news to gain the trust of readers and viewers while also sustaining their activities by making revenues sustainable.” Similarly, Journalist 2 expresses sustainable journalism as “the ability in the journalism profession to be sustainable, by fulfilling its social responsibility through accurate and unbiased reporting, and simultaneously maintaining financial viability.”
Journalist 10, working in the digital media sector, defines sustainable journalism as “journalism that is conducted in a way that meets the needs of society and ensures a sustainable business structure for the future of the industry. Journalists can create a sustainable journalism profession by prioritizing accuracy and ethics, producing news that captures the interest of the community, and taking steps for the sustainability of the sector.” Based on these definitions, it can be concluded that the sustainable journalism model, from the perspective of journalists in the field, entails maintaining both accuracy and impartiality while establishing a sustainable business model.
As Journalist 8 also highlights, “(…) journalists ensure sustainability by obtaining information from reliable sources, verifying accuracy, and producing news that provides societal benefit.” Indeed, sustainable journalism is perceived as a journalistic practice that relies on producing accurate and unbiased news in the face of challenges such as disinformation and fake news.
Sustainable journalism, as articulated by participating journalists, involves upholding accuracy and impartiality while concurrently creating a sustainable business model. It is evident that sustainable journalism is particularly perceived as a practice grounded in the production of truthful and unbiased news, positioning itself against phenomena such as disinformation and false reporting.
With the advent of the post-truth era, the responsibility of the media for accuracy has become increasingly complex. As highlighted by Journalist 1, the proliferation of the internet has increased access to information but has simultaneously created a digital environment saturated with fake news and manipulative content. This situation has made it challenging to access accurate and reliable news. The influence of social media, as emphasized by Journalist 2, has heightened information pollution and facilitated the rapid spread of misleading news. Additionally, as noted by Journalist 4, increased competition and commercial pressures have driven media organizations to prioritize rapid news delivery, often overlooking accuracy in the process. In this environment, media outlets have struggled to resist political and economic pressures, compromising on principles of accuracy and impartiality. However, as Journalist 7 pointed out, media organizations are taking steps to address the issue by not only focusing on accurate reporting but also by informing and disclosing sources to their audience. The struggle for accuracy in the post-truth era has been shaped by a combination of factors such as information pollution, the influence of social media, competition, and commercial pressures, compelling media outlets to become more effective in accurate and trustworthy journalism.
Challenges to Sustainable Journalism in the Northern Cyprus Media
Barriers to Financial Sustainability
Currently, media organizations’ efforts to deal with material sustainability are becoming increasingly complex. Journalists’ insights shed light on our understanding of these challenges in the industry and finding solutions.
Advertising Revenue and Editorial Policies: The Danger of Independence?
In the contemporary media landscape, one of the most significant factors influencing the sustainability of media organizations is advertising revenue and its impact on the principle of independence. Perspectives gathered from journalists shed light on the complex relationship between advertising revenue and independence, and how media strives to strike a delicate balance in the post-truth atmosphere.
As emphasized by Journalist 2, “Pressure on advertising revenue can shape editorial policies in line with the interests of advertisers, sometimes requiring collaboration with them to ensure continued support. These collaborations can portray journalists as brand ambassadors.” This situation illustrates how media attempts to balance the principle of independence with financial sustainability. The expectations of advertisers not only economically strain media organizations but also create challenges in maintaining an independent stance in content creation. Concerns about jeopardizing independence reflect not only the media’s efforts to address financial sustainability issues but also its endeavors to maintain the ability to provide the public with an unbiased perspective. This situation is particularly crucial in the post-truth era, where the fine line between facts and emotional appeal complicates the media’s struggle for neutrality.
In this context, media organizations grappling with the pressure of advertising revenue under the influence of the post-truth phenomenon are not only trying to overcome financial challenges but also bear the responsibility of producing content consistent with truth. These efforts require the media to strengthen its position not only in terms of financial sustainability but also in maintaining robust journalistic integrity aligned with societal truth and reality. The complex relationship between advertising revenue, independence, and post-truth is compelling media organizations to be more prepared for future challenges and changes. Balancing these various elements necessitates efforts to enhance the media’s position not only in terms of financial sustainability but also in maintaining a strong journalistic integrity in harmony with societal trust and reality.
This situation may also lead to a perspective where journalists are not perceived objectively by readers and followers. As expressed by Journalist 5: The inability of readers to see journalists in an objective position regarding challenging situations and significant events is increasing, and we can observe this by examining emotional, economic, and biased content as part of the institution’s editorial policy. We particularly notice that journalists, especially those in front of the camera, produce news with more sensationalism to increase advertiser sustainability.
This predominantly underscores the potential of developing a journalism image driven by economic concerns in the post-truth era, which could overshadow objective journalism. This contradictory sustainability practice emphasizes the need for a more transparent sector and revenue sources that adhere to journalistic ethics.
Another critical dimension of financial sustainability is the low salaries in the journalism profession and its impact on the sector. As highlighted by Journalist 3, “The salaries of new-generation journalists are quite low, which diminishes the appeal of the journalism profession and makes it difficult for talented individuals to work in the sector. In other words, especially considering my own sector, there is no way to advance or earn more. Maybe I should open my own newspaper.” Low wages can lead to the loss of talented professionals in the sector and may drive qualified journalists to explore other industries. As expressed by Journalist 3, this situation may even contribute to the proliferation of small-scale new media organizations. However, the practical implementation of this scenario as a result of the desire for financial gain may not necessarily solve the existing problems in the sector but rather reproduce them.
In this context, the uncertainty or absence of advertising policies is another obstacle faced by small-scale media organizations. As stated by Journalist 10, “Our biggest disadvantage in terms of sustainability is the absence of an advertising policy, and we operate journalism like a small-scale start-up.” This situation highlights the necessity of developing effective financial strategies to diversify revenue sources, ensuring independence and long-term sustainability.
Staffing and Workload Challenges
In the process of addressing the challenges faced by media organizations, the theme of personnel and workload emerges as a crucial focal point, drawing insights directly from the perspectives shared by journalists. This study examines the nuanced aspects of this theme, offering a comprehensive analysis through direct quotes from participants and shedding light on the intricate dynamics exacerbated by the post-truth environment.
An impactful observation from a journalist succinctly summarizes the impact of budget constraints on personnel: “Due to the inadequacy of financial resources, the number of employed personnel is quite low, we are working with three people. However, in terms of task distribution, everyone shares the same responsibilities” (Journalist 9). This articulates the financial struggles that directly influence the composition of the workforce, prompting reflections on the structural integrity of media organizations. Furthermore, Journalist 9 adds: The significance of accuracy in the media has diminished. This is attributed to factors such as perception management, misinformation, and manipulation in the post-truth era. Additionally, elements like the rapid flow of news and the influence of social media make it challenging to find accurate information. Nevertheless, journalists’ endeavors to access accurate information and their methods for ensuring accuracy can be promising steps to overcome this issue. In the institution where I work, we often don’t have time to fact-check the news. We don’t produce the news ourselves; it comes from agencies or is compiled from social media. Since we usually don’t have the time to verify the news in the time it would take to input the news, this step is often skipped.
The consequences of staff shortages materialize in the form of an increased workload, a challenge eloquently emphasized by various journalists. As one participant astutely points out: “Staff shortages due to budget constraints and the resulting workload pose a significant problem” (Journalist 4). This reveals the dual impact of financial limitations, not only restricting personnel numbers but also intensifying the burden on the existing workforce. The consequences manifest in compromised story coverage and the ability to conduct in-depth research.
Interconnected with the heightened workload is the formidable challenge of conducting in-depth research. The statement, “In this situation, it is not possible to cover detailed news and conduct in-depth research on many topics” (Journalist 6), encapsulates the struggle to uphold journalistic standards under the strain of limited resources and increased workload. The inability to delve deeply into stories not only hinders the quality of reporting but also raises concerns about the accuracy and authenticity of the disseminated information.
The nexus between staffing challenges, workload dynamics, and the post-truth environment becomes glaringly apparent when considering the impact on journalistic integrity. In an era where speed sometimes precedes accuracy, the constraints outlined by the journalists contribute to an environment where information may be disseminated without the necessary scrutiny. This raises questions about the potential vulnerability of media organizations to perpetuate misinformation, whether inadvertently or due to the pressures imposed by limited resources.
Low Salaries for New-Generation Journalists
The sub-theme we examined within this framework highlights a significant concern emphasized by participants, which is the low salaries received by the new generation journalists. Journalist 3 succinctly expresses this issue, stating, “The salaries of the new generation journalists are quite low, diminishing the allure of the journalism profession and making it difficult for talented individuals to work in the sector.” This sheds light on how financial constraints impact the attractiveness of a career in journalism.
Journalist 5 emphasizes this point by stating, “In an era where emotions often override neutrality, the financial struggles of new generation journalists jeopardize the profession’s ability to provide a balanced and impartial narrative.” The interplay of financial constraints and the post-truth environment creates a delicate balance that media organizations must navigate to ensure the continuous relevance and integrity of journalism. Generational issues faced by journalists also gain additional significance. In a period where the media grapples with maintaining neutrality and addressing the influence of advertising, the struggles of new generation journalists may affect the diversity of perspectives offered by the media, raising concerns about the industry’s ability to provide comprehensive and unbiased views in the post-truth era.
Low salaries contribute to the declining professional attractiveness of the journalism profession. Journalist 3’s observation that the allure of the journalism profession is diminishing underscores how financial constraints can deter talented individuals from entering or continuing in the sector. This not only affects individual journalists but also has broader effects on the overall quality and diversity of voices in the media field. As stated by Journalist 9, “Due to the inadequacy of financial resources, the number of employed personnel is quite low. This leads to a decrease in production quality and an increase in the workload for journalists.” Here, financial difficulties not only impact salaries but also have extensive repercussions on the overall work environment and journalistic output. Journalist 6 provides a nuanced perspective, stating, Like many media organizations, we face staff shortages due to budget constraints and the resulting workload. I am not optimistic about any economic improvement in my profession in the foreseeable future. However, I am not sure how sustainable it is to continue ethical journalism under these circumstances.
The lack of stable income sources has led to a range of professional and institutional challenges, including the uncertainty of journalists’ working conditions and the jeopardizing of professional autonomy in the face of increasing political and commercial influences (Goyanes & Rodríguez-Castro, 2019). Particularly for newly-entered journalists, professional anxiety seems to outweigh sustainable ethical journalistic practices.
Loss of Objectivity and Impartiality
Media organizations, particularly as mentioned above, grapple with the influence of advertisers in their efforts to maintain neutrality and uphold principles of impartiality. Factors such as advertising revenues, click-driven content, and salary issues undermine the fundamental values of journalism, such as objectivity and impartiality.
Many participants have emphasized that pressure on advertising revenues can lead to the shaping of editorial policies in line with the interests of advertisers. Interviews also indicate that click-driven headlines and manipulative, sensationalized content can jeopardize the objectivity and impartiality of journalism. Journalist 5, earnestly highlighting the situation, defines it as follows: “I feel that I engage in emotional and biased journalism due to the lack of an editorial policy and a sustainable transparent revenue model.”
In a period where objectivity and impartiality are crucial, it should be noted that advertising pressure and internal issues can limit the media’s ability to provide a correct and balanced perspective. Furthermore, another important point emphasized by all participating journalists is that the guiding principle in the era of post-truth for journalism is sustainable journalism. For instance, Journalist 6 has stated: The post-truth era has brought forth the need to question the accuracy of digital media. Journalists should focus on providing accurate information to gain the trust of their readers. In this process, adherence to ethical principles such as using reliable sources, making efforts to cover all aspects of an event, and verifying the accuracy of information should be maintained.
Skepticism is another factor that emerges in this context. Because skepticism is a factor that increases the effects of post-truth in the age of speed and consumption. Especially in shaping through media skepticism, this situation poses a significant challenge for the pursuit of sustainable journalism. As highlighted in the study conducted by Goyanes et al. (2023), the frequency of users consuming news through social media is associated with their future behavior of paying for news. In this context, high levels of media skepticism significantly hinder readers’ inclination to pay for news, whereas those reporting low media skepticism are initially more prone to paying for news. Additionally, high levels of social media news consumption serve to largely overcome the gap in payment behavior between those with low and high media skepticism.
Similarly, Journalist 1 has used the following statements: In the post-truth era, many manipulations and deceptive news have replaced accuracy. This situation has prompted journalists to reconsider their practices. However, sustainable journalism models should be designed to allow the publication of accurate and reliable news. Therefore, there is a direct relationship between journalists’ practices and sustainable journalism models.
Clickbaiting and Profit
Especially during periods of social crisis, economic, and political structures compel the media to prioritize their own interests over the welfare of the public (Herman & Chomsky, 2010). However, this phenomenon is not limited to crisis periods but has permeated into everyday functioning. The prioritization of profit maximization over societal benefit by the media further exacerbates the mentioned crises and complicates its sustainability. The intense commercialization of the media negatively impacts the quality of journalism.
Journalist 4 asserts that they are obliged to engage in “soft” clickbait tactics in their workplace. They highlight that news agencies are entirely dependent on advertising revenues on their websites, and the number of clicks on news articles is reported monthly to advertisers. Thus, total site clicks are considered a criterion for advertisers to decide whether or not to place ads. Journalist 4 also expresses the following: With the post-truth era, it is undeniable that the importance of accuracy in the media has decreased. One reason for this is the rapid spread of news and the uncontrolled sharing, especially with the rise of social media. This makes verifying accuracy challenging. Most of the time, we do not fact-check. If a news story turns out to be fake or incomplete, we take it down from our site. However, often it has already received numerous clicks and shares by the time it is published. We know this is wrong. But if everyone is doing it (clickbait), we also have to do it to survive.
Commercialization has given rise to the persistence of clickbait journalism, presenting an unresolved challenge for the sustainability of journalism. To illustrate, in the United States, a substantial portion of advertising revenue, specifically one-tenth, amounting to 115 million dollars, is absorbed by news pages employing clickbait strategies (Nikoleychuk, 2022). This underscores the extent to which clickbait practices have infiltrated the media landscape, creating financial dependencies that hinder the pursuit of quality journalism. The unresolved nature of this issue raises concerns about the long-term viability of journalistic integrity in the face of commercial pressures.
Issues About the Audience-Centric Content Production
In the contemporary landscape of media, the significance of news content has experienced a notable decline, especially in the wake of the post-truth era. This era, characterized by a disregard for objective facts and an emphasis on personal beliefs and emotions (Keyes, 2004) has significantly impacted the way audiences engage with and perceive news. This shift is marked by a growing tendency among readers to eschew the pursuit of truth in news and instead gravitate toward content that aligns with their own interests, opinions, and convictions. According to Kakutani (2019, p. 105), communities that increasingly resemble each other in terms of politics, culture, geography, and lifestyle tend to transform into groups that gradually polarize as they follow similar thoughts, opinions, and ideas. And the reflections of this situation find a place in journalistic practices.
One prominent reason behind the diminished importance of truth-seeking in news consumption is the saturation of information in the digital age. The rapid dissemination of news through various online platforms and social media has created a deluge of information, making it challenging for readers to discern between reliable and unreliable sources. Faced with this overwhelming abundance, individuals may opt for news sources that confirm their existing beliefs, providing a sense of confirmation bias rather than an objective understanding of trust.
Moreover, the post-truth era has witnessed a decline in trust toward traditional journalistic practices. The skepticism toward mainstream media and the rise of alternative facts have contributed to a fragmented media landscape where readers select news outlets based on ideological preferences (Barrera et al., 2020). In such an environment, the pursuit of truth becomes secondary to reinforcing one’s preconceived notions, as individuals are more inclined to accept information that aligns with their worldview.
Another factor influencing the decreasing importance of truth in news consumption is the echo-chamber effect facilitated by social media algorithms. Online platforms tend to prioritize content that aligns with users’ preferences, creating personalized information bubbles. Within these bubbles, individuals are exposed to a limited range of perspectives, reinforcing their existing beliefs and reducing the likelihood of encountering diverse viewpoints. Consequently, the desire for objective truth is supplanted by the comfort of consuming information that reaffirms existing convictions (Greve et al., 2022).
Journalist 9, particularly regarding the dissemination of news through social media platforms: When sharing our news on social media, we strive to focus on reader needs. Relying on algorithms for content suggestions, although aimed at improving user experience, poses the risk of inadvertently contributing to polarization in information consumption. We are aware of this. These algorithms, while intended to enhance the user experience, may inadvertently contribute to polarization in information consumption. However, especially during the evening hours when our reader audience is more actively engaged with social media, we share news that could garner more clicks. This generates more clicks and interactions in a short period.
These statements reflect the need for media organizations to delicately balance audience focus and external influences. Also, Journalist 7, adopting a cautionary tone, asserts the following: “The risk lies in inadvertently reinforcing existing beliefs through personalized content, contributing to the echo-chamber effect. Striking a balance between personalization and diverse perspectives remains an ongoing challenge.” This underscores the delicate equilibrium that media organizations must preserve to ensure that personalized content does not jeopardize broader viewpoints and objective information.
The consequences of this trend are profound. Even though journalists may claim to engage in such practices for the sake of increased clicks, the situation may not be as innocent. Society becomes polarized, with individuals becoming less inclined to engage in constructive dialogue or consider alternative perspectives. The erosion of a shared reality and the proliferation of subjective truths make it more challenging to establish an informed and cohesive public. In this environment, the significance of news content is subjected to the reinforcement of individual biases, contributing to a fragmented and polarized society. Furthermore, from the perspective of sustainable journalism, it may erode ethical journalistic practices.
Challenges in the Efficiency of Technology Use
An another prevalent theme in the interviews revolves around the multifaceted challenges associated with the adoption and utilization of technology within media organizations. Journalist 6 encapsulates the sentiment, stating, “While technology offers incredible opportunities, the challenge lies in ensuring that it enhances rather than hinders productivity. Sometimes, the sheer volume of tools can be overwhelming.”
Journalist 3 adds a layer to this narrative by highlighting the human aspect, “There’s a learning curve associated with new technologies, and not everyone in the organization adapts at the same pace. This discrepancy in tech literacy can impede seamless integration and affect overall efficiency.”
In the post-truth era, where the dissemination of accurate information is crucial, the role of technology takes center stage. Journalist 8 notes, “While technology facilitates rapid content dissemination, it also amplifies the challenge of combating misinformation. The speed at which false narratives can spread is a concerning aspect.” The relationship between technology and the post-truth landscape is further emphasized by Journalist 4, who states, “In the digital realm, the line between credible information and misinformation can blur. Technological tools should not only enhance productivity but also serve as vigilant guardians against the spread of false narratives.”
Efficiency in the use of technology should also take into account ethical considerations, especially in an age of widespread misinformation. Journalist 1 states: “The pressure to be first with a story can sometimes jeopardise fact-checking processes. Striking a balance between speed and accuracy is an ongoing challenge, intensified by technological demands.” Journalist 7 takes a critical view: Where I work, I think technological opportunities are ignored because adapting to technological developments is seen as an extra expense. In addition, unfortunately, there is no training or specialization tool for employees to integrate technological developments into their journalistic style. Therefore, there is no valid reason to improve yourself technologically. In addition, we see that the news produced in the sector is produced with traditional forms of journalism, even in digital media. This is also an indicator of these.
The statements from Journalist 1 and Journalist 7 shed light on the intricate relationship between technology, journalistic practices, and ethical considerations. Journalist 1 underscores the tension between the urgency to break news quickly and the imperative for rigorous fact-checking, emphasizing the challenge of balancing speed and accuracy in the face of technological demands. On the other hand, Journalist 7 offers a critical perspective, highlighting an organizational resistance to embracing technological opportunities due to perceived additional expenses. The absence of training tools for employees to integrate technology into their journalistic style is identified as a hindrance to progress. Moreover, the observation that traditional forms of journalism persist in digital media suggests a lag in adapting to technological advancements within the industry. This divergence in viewpoints underscores the complex interplay between the imperative for swift information dissemination and the ethical responsibility to ensure accuracy and reliability in an era dominated by technological innovations.
Lack of Awareness About Environmentally Sustainable Journalism
The integration of environmentally sustainable technology and methodologies in the news production process holds paramount importance for the practice of sustainable journalism within media organizations. Recognizing the substantial energy consumption inherent in various facets of the digital realm becomes particularly crucial. The energy expended in the production, distribution, and consumption of news not only gives rise to numerous environmental challenges but also underscores the essential role of media performance in reporting on environmental developments. Observations gleaned from the field suggest a heightened interest among news organizations in environmental issues, with ecology consistently occupying a more prominent place in media agendas (Boykoff et al., 2023; Olaigbe, 2021).
The global deficiency in producing high-quality content focused on environmental issues grounded in scientific principles and maintaining a cadre of specialized environmental reporters persists, sustaining the existing media structure that hampers the comprehensive handling of environmental developments. The Covid-19 pandemic period has witnessed a noticeable reduction in the coverage of environmental issues, but it has also brought about a reevaluation of the dissemination of scientific information and a questioning of unethical journalistic practices (Boykoff et al., 2023; Dolunay et al., 2022; Miller & Bolles, 2021; Stoddart et al., 2023). However, the current media structure, along with deficiencies in economic-political structures, developmental perspectives, and press freedom, has adverse effects on environmental journalism, hindering the recruitment of specialized reporters, and impeding the in-depth scientific examination of environmental problems.
Throughout the responses examined under this theme, a consensus has emerged that there is a significant lack of awareness, particularly in the media sector, regarding sustainable journalism in the context of environmental sustainability. As articulated extensively by Journalist 10, obstacles exist in the development of awareness for sustainable journalism: Firstly, the news industry often focuses on a rapid news cycle, leading to the neglect of long-term issues. I observe that crucial matters like environmental sustainability tend to get trapped amidst daily events. Additionally, media companies typically concentrate on maintaining traditional business models and may be reluctant to allocate time and resources for implementing changes related to sustainability. This reluctance can result in environmental issues having a low priority among news agendas. Concerning environmentally sustainable technology and methodologies, the low awareness may stem from a lack of education or awareness in the industry. Without specialized training sessions or seminars explaining how new technologies and sustainable practices can be integrated into media production processes, there may be a lack of progress in this regard. I believe that environmental sustainability issues often compete with political, economic, and social subjects. This competition can hinder journalists from focusing more on environmental topics and creating awareness in this area. Perhaps increasing the coverage of environmental issues and exposing readers to them more frequently could enhance awareness levels.
During interviews, a frequently noted factor has been journalists’ minor emphasis on environmental sustainability practices. Sustainable journalism cannot be conducted without sustainable environmental practices. However, it is not surprising that journalists initially perceive sustainable journalism as implying a correction to existing processes. One of the factors contributing to this perception, as expressed by Journalist 10, may be the lack of training provided by civil society organizations or journalism associations on sustainability. The absence of such training could lead journalists in the industry to prioritize environmental sustainability issues lower due to poor working conditions, as highlighted by Journalist 10. In this section of the study, suggestions from participating journalists will be incorporated, addressing these concerns.
At the end of this section, the solution proposals obtained from interviews with journalists are presented below: These solution proposals reveal journalists’ perspectives on the feasibility of sustainable journalism.
Solution Proposals From Journalists for Sustainable Journalism
Diversified Revenue Sources and Business Models
Numerous studies conducted over decades have consistently emphasized the critical role of the financial health of news organizations in upholding unbiased journalism. The lack thereof could endanger the watchdog role that journalists should play, preventing them from adequately informing the public and critically scrutinizing and holding those in power accountable (Peters & Broersma, 2016; Wahl-Jorgensen et al., 2016).
Journalist 1 underscores the importance of diversifying financial resources and developing new business models, stating: “Diversified revenue sources and business models can enhance the sustainability of media organizations. However, the impact of this solution on the journalism profession should encompass the adherence of new business models to ethical principles and the responsibility for preserving content quality.”
Diversified revenue sources can aid in maintaining the independence of media organizations. However, for this method to be effective, it is crucial that new business models align with ethical values. Additionally, this proposed solution implies an increased responsibility for journalists to preserve originality and quality in content creation.
Accurate, Unbiased, and Ethical Journalism
Journalist 1 and Journalist 3 posit that accurate, unbiased, and ethical journalism is a fundamental strategy in combating the post-truth era: “Accurate, unbiased, and ethical journalism can enhance sustainability. However, the impact of this strategy on the journalism profession involves challenges in resisting the fast-paced culture of consumption and maintaining content quality.” Accurate and ethical journalism stands as a cornerstone of sustainability, establishing a trustworthy reputation that fosters reader loyalty for long-term success. However, it should be acknowledged that this approach is time-consuming, and challenges arise in immediately achieving high click-through rates.
Digital Subscription and Content Diversification
Journalist 5 recommends that media organizations consider digital subscriptions among various revenue sources for sustainability: “Digital subscription and content diversification can increase revenue streams for media organizations. However, the impact of this model on the journalism profession requires a commitment to high-quality content production and a responsive approach to reader needs.” Digital subscription serves as a direct means of generating income from readers, while content diversification aims to attract a broader audience. The impact of these methods on the journalism profession emphasizes the necessity for high-quality content production and responsiveness to reader needs.
Transparent Publishing Policies and Reader Communication
Journalist 8 proposes that media organizations adopt transparent publishing policies and engage in communication with readers: “Transparent publishing policies and reader communication can enhance the credibility of media organizations. However, the impact of this strategy on the journalism profession involves processes of establishing open communication and building trust over time.” Transparent publishing policies foster reader trust, but the effectiveness of this strategy relies on maintaining sincerity and honesty. Moreover, reader communication aids media organizations in understanding reader expectations and involving them in the content creation process. The proposed solutions highlight the critical significance of financial independence, ethical journalism, diversified revenue streams, and transparent communication with readers for media sustainability. The impact of these strategies on the journalism profession necessitates a nuanced understanding, considering factors such as ethical considerations, content quality, and responsiveness to evolving reader needs.
As emphasized by Journalist 1, diversified revenue sources and new business models are critically important for media organizations in terms of sustainability. This can assist media organizations in maintaining their financial independence. However, to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of this solution on the journalism profession, it is emphasized that the alignment of new business models with ethical principles and the preservation of content quality should be highlighted. Another proposed solution, as highlighted by Journalist 1 and Journalist 3, is the concept of accurate, unbiased, and ethical journalism, which can contribute to sustainability. However, it should be noted that the impact of this strategy on the journalism profession is time-consuming and involves challenges in resisting the fast-paced culture of consumption.
Digital subscription and content diversification represent another solution that can potentially increase revenue streams for media organizations, as suggested by Journalist 5. The digital subscription model provides a pathway for directly generating income from readers. However, it is emphasized that the impact of this model on the journalism profession requires a commitment to high-quality content production and a responsive approach to reader needs. Transparent publishing policies and reader communication, proposed by Journalist 8, stand out as another significant solution to enhance the credibility of media organizations. A transparent publishing policy can foster trust from readers. However, the impact of this strategy on the journalism profession involves processes of establishing open communication and building trust over time.
Discussion
Tallert (2021) emphasizes the role of journalism in building a sustainable society, stating, “A sustainable society—economically, ecologically, and socially—requires journalism that addresses sustainability challenges facing society, and the sustainable future of journalism as a practice and business depends on its ability to do precisely that.” This also underscores the necessity of a form of journalism that effectively tackles challenges related to economic, ecological, and social sustainability. As highlighted by Tallert, journalists, with a conscientious understanding of various issues and awareness of their responsibilities toward their societies, play a crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals. However, sustainable journalism faces its own set of crises, including challenges such as declining revenues in the media sector, media capture, disinformation, clickbait journalism, and diminishing trust in the media (Tallert, 2021). In an environment where objective facts are perceived or determined based on emotional and personal beliefs, as seen in the Post-Truth era, emotional reactions and biases become more effective in determining and disseminating the truth. The relationship between truth and emotional or personal beliefs has weakened or become insignificant (Harsin, 2015; Higgins, 2016; Keyes, 2004).
Moreover, in a post-truth environment where trust in the media often diminishes parallel to the challenges faced by sustainable journalism, and the role of spreading misleading information increases, confidence and importance in objective truths and ethical concerns have decreased. In this context, with the rise of clickbait practices and the rapid spread of disinformation and misinformation (Barton, 2019; Fink, 2019; Keyes, 2004; Rodríguez-Ferrándiz, 2023; Rousseau, 2021), the crises of sustainable journalism are further deepening. The findings obtained from our study also support this assertion. Therefore, our study, in revealing the challenges faced by the media in North Cyprus in adopting and implementing sustainable journalism missions, also highlights the need for a journalistic environment that prioritizes sustainable journalism practices.
The findings of this study revealed that the issues faced by the Northern Cyprus media deepen further when confronted with the post-truth era; this situation creates significant obstacles to the implementation of sustainable journalism practices. Despite a high awareness among journalists in Northern Cyprus regarding sustainable journalism and ethical issues, they encounter various difficulties such as low salaries, heavy workloads, and advertising relationships. Particularly, journalists working in news organizations with limited staff experience low wages and intense workloads, leading to editorial independence issues related to pressures from advertisers. The pressure on advertising revenues complicates the production of ethical and verified news content. Formats such as click-bait and sensational journalism are employed by journalists. In their work environments, journalists struggle to find a balance between the ethical use of technology, the pressure to rapidly disseminate news and environmental sustainability.
The Northern Cyprus media needs new revenue models free from advertiser pressure. As revealed by the interviews, advertisers in Northern Cyprus media have editorial influence, and the vested interests of news platform owners challenge journalists’ ethical journalistic practices. Additionally, the media’s dependence on news is another influential factor. Factors such as a shortage of staff and high workloads increase news dependence, simultaneously ignoring the verification of information used in news. Advertising revenues relying on instant journalism and clickbait negatively impact the development of ethical sustainable revenue models in Northern Cyprus media. Despite the high awareness of sustainable journalism among the participating journalists, it is observed that they do not implement or cannot implement these practices. To translate this awareness into action, there is a need for the activities of civil society organizations and independent journalism organizations. Despite being a relatively small media, Northern Cyprus media strives to survive with advertising revenues. Especially digital media platforms fed by a small advertising pool attempt to increase clickbait revenues by employing manipulative, misleading, and sensational forms of reporting.
In this regard, considering sustainable journalism as the starting point for resolving the internal problems of North Cyprus media, although paradoxical, remains the most realistic solution, as suggested by journalists presenting their own solutions. The findings of the study support this claim. The dependence of North Cyprus media on advertising revenues, problems brought about by instant journalism, low salaries, high workforce demand, and emerging editorial policies intertwined with ethical issues pose a threat to the principles of accuracy and impartiality in ethical journalism in the post-truth era, hindering the formation of sustainable journalism concepts.
Our study, emphasize the importance of North Cyprus media adopting sustainable journalism practices as a exit strategy in the face of challenges related to financial sustainability, technological adaptation, and ethical journalism practices. The solution to this crisis lies within the media itself, and our study, by examining the proposed solutions from journalists’ statements and drawing conclusions from the study findings, underscores the need for new strategies.
Conclusion
This study aimed to examine the challenges faced by the media in Northern Cyprus in the context of sustainable journalism practices. The findings obtained from in-depth interviews with journalists working in Northern Cyprus revealed that the media in Northern Cyprus is problematic in terms of sustainable journalism practices.
The findings of the study reveal that dependence on advertising revenue makes it difficult for journalists to maintain an independent stance in the news reporting process. The findings show that dependence on advertising revenue leads to unethical problems of editorial independence and values such as accuracy and impartiality are often ignored. Advertisers’ expectations have not only put economic strain on media organizations, but have also created challenges related to impartiality, compromising independence in the news production process.
Additionally, the study indicates that constraints like limited resources and insufficient staffing have adverse effects on news coverage, leading to the neglect of practices such as in-depth research, fact checking, and the adoption of various storytelling approaches. The inclination of small-scale news platforms toward methods like clickbait, driven by advertising concerns rather than factual reporting based on verified information, diminishes journalism’s ability to combat fake news, and post-truth narratives.
In addition, a lack of technological innovation, low salaries, a lack of interactive forms of publishing and a low prioritization of environmental sustainability diversify the challenges facing various aspects of the media in Northern Cyprus. These challenges faced by journalists lead them to deviate from the principles of impartiality and accuracy. At the same time, these challenges are compounded by challenges such as producing original news and fact-checking, which undermine the fundamental values of the journalism profession. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration and awareness-raising among journalists, news organizations, and relevant stakeholders. Sustainable journalism is for the healthy functioning of democratic societies and in this context, it is of great importance for the media in Northern Cyprus to address these challenges.
Nevertheless, it must be emphasized that these outlined challenges not only affect journalistic practices but also have the potential to impact the thorough information of society and participation in democratic processes. In this context, compliance with principles of sustainable journalism and the resolution of structural issues within the media sector are of paramount importance in establishing a more dependable and ethical journalistic environment. Discovering effective solutions to these challenges can play an important role in fortifying the credibility of news sources and enhancing participation in democratic processes for both media professionals and the broader society.
This study addressing the challenges of sustainable journalism in the media in Northern Cyprus, we believe that this study will contribute to the development of a discussion environment and provide perspectives for media organizations and journalists to develop strategies to overcome the challenges faced and to protect the principles of sustainable journalism. The findings presented in this study are limited to the media landscape of Northern Cyprus, but it is also considered that they can contribute to sustainable journalism efforts, along with studies on other media landscapes facing similar challenges as the media in Northern Cyprus in the context of sustainable journalism.
In this regard, for the improvement of the feasibility of sustainable journalism missions and addressing the encountered challenges, the following recommendations should be considered:
Realistic and Impartial News Production: Journalists should adhere to the principles of impartiality and accuracy in news production, ensuring a realistic and unbiased portrayal of events. To bolster reader confidence, it is imperative to regulate the working environment and rights of journalists. This involves establishing ethical guidelines that prioritize factual reporting over sensationalism, contributing to a more trustworthy media landscape.
Awareness Campaigns: Media literacy campaigns should be expanded to include a focus on the dangers inherent in the post-truth environment. Collaborative efforts with civil society organizations can amplify the reach of these campaigns, emphasizing the societal impact of misinformation. Raising awareness among media consumers about the significance of accessing accurate information fosters a more discerning audience, capable of critically evaluating news sources.
Establishing and Regulating Union and NGO’s Mechanisms to Monitor the Incomes of Journalists and Entry-Level Journalists: The establishment of mechanisms overseen by unions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to monitor journalists’ incomes, especially entry-level professionals, is crucial. Transparent monitoring, enhancement, and regulation of salaries contribute to the economic well-being of journalists. Such measures not only protect journalists’ rights but also promote a fair and sustainable journalism sector.
Providing State Incentives for Sustainable Journalism Models: Providing state incentives for sustainable journalism models is essential for the financial health of media organizations. These incentives could take various forms, including tax breaks, grants, or subsidies, supporting independent journalistic practices that prioritize accuracy and transparency. This governmental support ensures the continued existence of diverse and credible media outlets.
Digital Literacy Training: Regular workshops conducted by NGOs and journalism entities are vital for enhancing journalists’ digital literacy. Given the dynamic nature of social media, journalists need to stay abreast of technological developments to address transparency and truth issues effectively. Training programs should focus on navigating digital platforms, fact-checking in the online space, and understanding the nuances of digital storytelling.
Giving Importance to Social Media Interaction: Emphasizing the importance of social media interaction, media organizations should actively engage with their audience. Responding openly to questions, criticisms, and concerns on social media platforms fosters transparency and builds trust. Workshops for working journalists on the evolving dynamics of social media can minimize insensitivity to technological changes, ensuring that media professionals are adept at utilizing these platforms responsibly.
Expert Analysis and Commentaries: Media outlets in Northern Cyprus should prioritize content featuring expert analyses and commentaries alongside regular news coverage. Journalists dedicated to confirmation and verification act as auditors, contributing to an elevated standard of reporting. Expert opinions provide readers with a deeper understanding of events, offering valuable context and enhancing the overall quality of journalism.
Commitment to Transparency and Truth Principles: Media organizations can reinforce their credibility by increasing transparency throughout the news production process. Clearly specifying news sources, fact-checking procedures, and editorial decision-making enhances transparency. This commitment to truth principles establishes a foundation of trust between media organizations and their readership.
Benefiting from Global Best Practice Models: The Northern Cyprus media can draw upon the experiences of media organizations globally successful in sustainable journalism. By examining best practice models, it is possible to develop solutions tailored to local conditions.
Footnotes
Declaration of Conflicting Interests
The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Funding
The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Data Availability Statement
Data sharing not applicable to this article as no datasets were generated or analyzed during the current study.