The role of the Fourth Estate in democracies: how should the news and information ecosystem evolve to meet audience needs and strengthen democracy in a turbulent political, technological and commercial landscape?

The role of the Fourth Estate in democracies: how should the news and information ecosystem evolve to meet audience needs and strengthen democracy in a turbulent political, technological and commercial landscape?

This conference took place against the backdrop of an impending second Trump presidency, the annulment of the first round of presidential elections in Romania, and a strike to protest the sale of The Observer newspaper in the UK. Participants noted that today’s increasingly fragmented media landscape meant it was ever more important for news organisations to meet their audiences where they are, rather than the other way around. This might take the form of established broadcasters developing and migrating content onto social media platforms, or the process of “seeding” or “bundling” journalism into or alongside other content like sports or lifestyle, whether that be via podcasts, newsletters, or news influencers. The urgent need to rebuild public trust in media emerged as a recurring and central theme as audiences have increasingly turned towards alternative and often less conventional sources. Civic and local journalism were identified as vital mechanisms for restoring public trust, particularly in regions where national outlets fail to establish meaningful connections or provide necessary civic information.