Why the newsroom needs journalism research (and vice versa)
The disconnect between journalism theory and practice
Over the past few days, I’ve had the privilege of delving deep into the world of journalism studies research during an intensive study block as part of my Master’s programme at UCLan. It’s been an eye-opening experience, to say the least.
I’m struck by the apparent gap between journalism research and journalism practice. For far too long, these two worlds have existed in separate spheres, each seemingly unaware of the insights and potential solutions the other could offer.
What’s truly remarkable is the wealth of academic studies aimed at addressing real-world challenges. From Dr Valentyna Shapovalova’s exploration of gendered discourses in Russian propaganda to Hussein Melele’s work on the potential of social media in catalysing youth engagement in Tanzanian politics, the breadth and depth of research is staggering.
Their presentations underscored the rich landscape of academic research, inspiring me to do my little bit to help bridge the gap between theory and practice for a more dynamic future in journalism.
Yet, it’s disheartening to acknowledge that many journalists worldwide may go through their entire careers without ever tapping into the valuable research being conducted in our field. The disconnect between academia and industry not only stifles innovation but also hampers our collective ability to tackle pressing issues and adapt to evolving media landscapes.
We must actively foster greater collaboration and dialogue between researchers and practitioners, ensuring that insights from academic studies inform and enrich journalistic practice. Only through this concerted effort can we unlock the full potential of journalism as a catalyst for positive change in society.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to engage with these ideas and look forward to playing my part in building a more connected and dynamic journalism ecosystem.
I look forward to reading these insights from you :)