Epistemologies of digital journalism and the study of misinformation

Abstract

Journalists’ epistemological activities—presumed to provide factual and reliable public information—have made journalism one of the most influential knowledge-producing institutions in society. However, changes—both slow and sudden—related to the digitization of news media and the diffusion of misinformation are challenging the social role and authority of journalism. This special issue advances research in two emerging sub-fields: (1) epistemologies of digital journalism and (2) the study of misinformation. This editorial presents an introduction to the sub-fields and a summary of the nine papers included in the special issue.