Changes in journalism and its impact on professional autonomy: evidence from The Worlds of Journalism study in seven Latin American countries

Abstract

The debates on the future of journalism have led to a great deal of research on its changes in the new hyper-digitalized context. However, its impact on press freedom, specifically on editorial autonomy, is unknown. Using data from the last The Worlds of Journalism Study (2012-2016), this article explores the perception of 2,789 journalists in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Mexico on this phenomena. Applying SEM covariance analysis, we identified five factors of change perceived by these professionals: interactive digital communication, professional certification, the social importance of journalism, economic pressures, and training and regulatory considerations. We found that autonomy increases when the perception of the social relevance of journalism and time for research is strengthened and decreases when lucrative pressures increase. The results reaffirm the importance of not losing sight of the core values or qualities of journalism, such as autonomy, social responsibility, and professionalism, which must be maintained in these times of strong changes mediated by new information and communications technologies. © 2023 Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile. All rights reserved.