As the print media landscape shifts globally, esteemed professor and author at Panteion University, Nikos Bakounakis, offers insights into the future of print journalism. He observes a certain equilibrium reached in the industry despite a rapid global decline, hinting at its continued existence due to the resilience and adaptability of mainstream media institutions in Europe and America.
With technological advancements, artificial intelligence (AI) has begun creating content and synthesizing information. Contrary to concerns, according to Bakounakis, AI is not a threat but a valuable new tool for journalists, enhancing their capabilities rather than usurping their roles. He maintains that the essence of quality journalism, which uncovers new truths and reports on current, unfolding events, remains untouched by these tools.
Addressing the regional press in Greece, Antonis Skamnakis, professor at the School of Journalism and Mass Communications of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, shared his concerns about the survival struggles of local newspapers, especially after the ’90s boom. He highlighted the crucial role of these outlets in maintaining a balanced media landscape and countering the trends of media concentration that threaten democratic values and pluralism.
In search of financial relief, Antonis Skamnakis pointed towards programs like the European Union’s Recovery Fund and the so-called ‘Venizelos law’, which, despite available funding, have been underutilized and could potentially aid the struggling regional press.
Furthermore, journalism professor and journalist Giota Antonopoulou questioned whether today’s media truly represent societal constructs or rather operate within their isolated sphere of influence, often intertwined with power. She advocates for a return to journalism’s roots—serving society—and emphasizes the significance of introspection within the journalistic profession for maintaining high ethical standards.
Lastly, assistant professor Dimitris Paitaridis from the Hellenic Military Academy revealed a study that highlighted the moderate participation of journalists in training programs, with time constraints and lack of information being major obstacles. Reinforcing the need for employer support, journalists seek improvement through peer interaction, stressing the importance of continual skill development in the media industry.
Major Challenges in Greek Journalism:
Greek journalism faces several challenges similar to those found in journalism globally, with some that are particularly unique to the region:
1. Economic hardships exacerbated by the financial crisis in Greece, affecting the financial sustainability of media outlets.
2. Media concentration and ownership transparency issues, sometimes leading to concerns about pluralism and editorial independence.
3. The digital transition and need for media literacy among both journalists and the general public.
4. Political influence and pressure, which can affect journalistic standards and media content.
5. Decline in public trust in media, as in many parts of the world, partly due to disinformation and ‘fake news’.
Key Controversies:
Media concentration and ownership are key controversies in Greek journalism. There is often a fear that increased concentration can lead to a homogenization of viewpoints and a decrease in the diversity of information, which is crucial for a healthy democracy. Efforts to combat these trends, such as the implementation of laws to promote media diversity, can be controversial and difficult to enforce.
Advantages:
– Technological advancements offer opportunities for innovation in content creation and distribution.
– AI and digital tools can enhance journalistic research and fact-checking capabilities.
– Diverse media outlets can contribute to a richer public discourse and more informed citizenry.
Disadvantages:
– Transitioning to digital platforms requires resources that some smaller or regional outlets may lack.
– There is a risk of job losses in the journalism sector as AI and automation become more prevalent.
– Digital disinformation campaigns can undermine trust in all forms of media, including reputable outlets.
Related Links:
For further exploration of the topic, here are links to the main domains (without specific subpages) of relevant organizations and resources concerning Greek journalism and media studies:
– UNESCO: Offers insights on global press freedom and the state of journalism worldwide.
– European Journalism Centre: Focuses on the future of journalism in Europe.
– Reporters Without Borders: An organization that tracks press freedom and journalist rights worldwide.
These organizations may have specific resources and research regarding Greek journalism, press freedom in Greece, and European media policies that affect the Greek media landscape.
The source of the article is from the blog publicsectortravel.org.uk