Critical Muslim 56

Is journalism dead? This age-old question followed the emergence of the internet and 24-hour broadcast news, both threatening to change the game entirely. Yet nothing compares to the changes we have experienced since the mid- 2010s. Money is always a concern in terms of distribution, ratings and influence. Issues of bias and quality remain pressing, as we wonder, what is ‘good journalism’ in a post-truth world? Are facts really impossible to pin down while inundated with social media conspiracies, fake news, influencers and information overload? This issue of Critical Muslim asks what happened to the integrity of trusted newspapers and broadcasts; what billionaire owners of media outlets actually want; whether citizen journalism will come to the rescue, or whether social media will rule the world. Can there even be journalistic ethics to govern this new era? Or is the Fourth Estate no longer fit to print, broadcast, post, like, share or comment in our turbulent times?

About Critical Muslim: A quarterly publication of ideas and issues showcasing groundbreaking thinking on Islam and what it means to be a Muslim in a rapidly changing, interconnected world. Each edition centers on a discrete theme, and contributions include reportage, academic analysis, cultural commentary, photography, poetry, and book reviews.