In recent months, against the backdrop of fake news, journalism has come under heavy scrutiny and the sacred fundament of trust is under threat. Today’s debate will focus on how the craft of journalism can win the public’s approval, focusing on the issue of trust.
“It’s utterly disturbing that the chosen word to characterize the climate for public discourse in the world these days is ‘post-truth’, said Torry Pedersen, Chairman of Schibsted’s Media Houses in Norway and former publisher of VG.
“We hope that this will be an inspiring event and a true celebration of great journalism – but also a day when we address the challenges we face in a world of fake news and distrust”, he added. “None of us have all the answers to the challenges, so we’re getting together with peers in our industry”.
Among the speakers are Emily Bell, Founding Director of the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia Journalism School, Jenna Pirog, Virtual-Reality Editor at The New York Times Magazine, Bill Adair, Creator of PolitiFact and Jari Bakken from Faktisk.no.
The event will be live cast on the Power of Journalism website.
Schibsted Journalism Awards
The organizers will also showcase the nominees for the Schibsted Journalism Awards – the very best, most engaging and strong cases from the past year. Each of Schibsted’s media houses can nominate three entries in one of the following categories: Best Storytelling, Best Innovative Entry and Best Scoop.
One nominated story is Aftenposten’s coverage of the Panama Papers, the largest data leak in history. Aftenposten was the only Norwegian newspaper to gain access to the Panama Papers, exposing criminal activities and providing the public with insight into how tax havens work. The Norwegian tax authorities are investigating 200 Norwegians based on Aftenposten’s disclosures.
Another poignant story is Svenska Dagbladet’s coverage of how Stockholm got a new, giant hospital for the price of two. The investigation reveals how the public health services fell victim to private actors lining their own pockets with taxpayers’ money on the pretext of business confidentiality. The investigation led to the county council’s senior politicians being replaced in November 2016.
Yet another story, by Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, shows how journalists can use non-traditional forms of information sharing to get out their reporting. It follows the most segregated subway line in Stockholm, the Red Line, exposing division in the city. By taking this digital journey, more than two million people learnt about the neighborhoods surrounding the subway stations – and met the people who live and work there.
The winners of Schibsted Journalism Awards will be announced in the evening of the Power of Journalism event.