Journalism in the ‘hipermodern’ times: civic consequences of a soft identity (and some options for recovering)

Abstract

The overproduction of message release in the Information Society seems to draw a parallel with the threat of extinction for journalism. The sectarian and very emotionalapproach on political matters, besides the abuse of trivia and sensationalist contents are dominant in the present mass media coverage. The empire of emotions causes a swinging choice in the news angles between aesthetic appealing and moralistic complaining for any ad hoc victims. But the scarcity of strictness in the critical depictions of issues deprives to citizens from the genuine function of journalism: to check public matters under a thorough and independent inspection, which should be autonomous of any particular interest or personal aff ection. The blurring of a well defined professional identity undermines the self-sufficient capacity of journalists and blends journalism with a great array of public relations practices and infotainment. Th erefore, only a demanding reflection about the requirements of an unadulterated professionalism will give back to the newsmedia organizations the lost credibility, returning to the society the salience and thorough information that democratic participation needs.