British journalist Lindsey Hilsum is one of the most experienced conflict reporters assigned to the Ukraine war. Her biggest tool is something nearly all of us use: WhatsApp. News editors are taking full advantage of apps like WhatsApp to monitor reporters on the ground while obtaining real-time situational reports. Messaging apps help editors manage difficult decisions, and check in on the overall safety of their reporters at all times. And with end-to-end encryption, these conversations are safer than ever. Read full article here
Research
Improving media literacy could boost trust towards the news, IMPRESS report suggests
The UK media is regulated by the likes of IPSO and Ofcom. The report by press regulator IMPRESS highlights the link between low levels of media literacy and trust in the news. The study found that three quarters of those who did not know if journalists were regulated did not trust the news. It suggests that improving media literacy is one way to stem the erosion of trust, and shows that audiences have an appetite for information on news processes. Stakeholders need to collaborate in order to rebuild trust in the news, and independent media is well placed to do this. Read full article here
Merv
February 1, 2023
