Pushing Journalism Boundaries: Understanding The Evolving Identities, Roles, And Professional Challenges Of Interactive Journalists

Abstract

This dissertation seeks to understand the under-explored experiences and perspectives of the professionals driving interactive journalism. It bridges that gap by delving into the evolving identities, roles, and professional challenges faced by interactive journalists who stand at the forefront of this technically-laden format of visual storytelling. Through in-depth interviews with 24 interactive journalists and content analysis of 24 participants and 18 additional (total = 42) data journalism award winners' LinkedIn profiles, this research paints a vivid and nuanced portrait of the pioneers pushing the boundaries of journalistic innovation.The findings underscore the multidisciplinary nature of interactive journalism, highlighting the array of skills and perspectives required to create compelling interactive stories that resonate with modern audiences. The study also sheds light on the potential tensions such as inconsistent byline (attribution) policies and being treated like a "service desk" and power dynamics that can arise as these diverse actors seek to establish their place and assert their value within traditionally structured newsrooms. With rapid advancements in technology, and many finding its way into newsrooms, this dissertation argues that the experiences of interactive journalists offer a crucial window into the future of journalism in the digital age. It concludes with a taxonomy categorizing the different types of interactive journalists based on the different aspects analyzed in the study, providing valuable insights for scholars, educators, and news organizations. By examining the challenges and opportunities interactive journalists face, this research contributes to a more nuanced understanding of who really is in the contemporary newsroom today, what the evolving nature of journalistic practice is, and how we can help foster a more inclusive, equitable, and collaborative newsroom ecosystem.