Journalism, Technology, and Democracy: Challenges and Paths Toward a Sustainable Ecosystem
Photo by Luana Tayze
By Maia Fortes*
In a rapidly evolving information technology landscape, the journalistic ecosystem faces a dilemma: while technological advances have amplified the plurality of voices, diversified formats, fostered greater innovation, and enabled increased interaction with audiences, ensuring that the integrity of information has become an urgent priority, guaranteeing that technological evolution serves the public interest and democracy is an essential task for the future of journalism and society.
The Brazilian Digital Journalism Association (AJOR) remerged precisely from this dynamic and challenging context. The rise of independent and digital-native journalistic initiatives demanded the creation of an organization to represent and advocate for their interests. Today, AJOR brings together more than 150 journalism organizations from all regions of Brazil. This territorial and editorial diversity is one of our greatest assets — not only for its geographic and audience reach but, more importantly, for incorporating multiple journalistic approaches essential to keeping the practice vibrant, innovative, and aligned with the needs of both the public and society. We believe that the journalism of today and the future is built on diversity, collaboration, and a commitment to the public interest.
This connection with audiences and commitment to the public interest are fundamental in addressing the structural crisis affecting traditional journalism — exacerbated, in part, by the rise of new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence. In Brazil, as in many other countries, media concentration and resistance to regulatory measures, among other factors, have led to a decline in public trust in journalism, which is not widely recognized as a public good. We have a long way to go in reaffirming its essential role in combating disinformation and strengthening not only those who produce journalism but also media literacy initiatives aligned with efforts to defend democracy.
In this context, AJOR recently partnered with Momentum: Journalism and Tech Task Force and the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM), with support from Luminate, to organize the CTRL+J LATAM Conference. This event is part of a series of gatherings in different regions of the Global South aimed at sharing responses and strategies to address the asymmetries and pressures imposed by technological transformations on journalism — factors that directly impact journalistic viability and independence.
Organizing this event underscored the need for journalism to take an active and vigilant role in discussions about transparency and the accountability of corporations and governments in the ethical use of technology. Beyond simply adapting to changes, journalism must also exert influence in these debates. This gives new momentum to the media’s social responsibility in two complementary directions: while technology shapes journalism’s structure, it is also crucial for news organizations to retain their independence and lead discussions on these issues. This dual dynamic highlights both the power and the vulnerability of the sector today.
This context reinforces the urgency of structural transformation within the sector. Journalism must not only seize technological opportunities to innovate and rebuild public trust but also rethink its business models. The current structure—often driven by algorithms that prioritize virality over quality—jeopardizes the sustainability of journalistic activities. Overcoming this challenge requires time, resources, and a shift in mindset—elements that are increasingly scarce but indispensable to ensuring the continued production of quality information.
AJOR’s work is therefore based on two key pillars: fostering spaces for reflection and collective strategy-building, and strengthening the development of public and private policies that enable both access to and the advancement of technologies, as well as the production of public-interest journalism. This commitment involves bridging journalism with society and fostering collaborations with other key sectors, such as education and culture, which are also recognized as public goods. Additionally, this approach includes the production of analyses, research, and applied knowledge — fundamental elements in shaping a robust framework to support journalism, aligned with the sector's needs and the dynamics of the broader information ecosystem.
AJOR's recent engagement in debates on Artificial Intelligence and information integrity — topics that gained prominence during Brazil’s G20 presidency — along with the approval of Bill 2338 by the Federal Senate, reinforce our conviction that journalism must engage with other strategic actors in discussions on information production. Sitting at the table alongside artists, authors, scientists, content creators, and other professionals is essential to fostering a healthier and more sustainable information ecosystem.
Moreover, the intersection between information and technology highlights a crucial aspect of contemporary societies: the need to ensure increasingly democratic debate spaces, where productive discussions can flourish, grounded in respect for plural perspectives and diverse viewpoints. This is the backdrop that guides our daily work, directing our actions to strengthen journalism as an essential element to tackle the challenges of today.
*Maia Fortes is Executive Director of AJOR, social scientist with over twelve years of experience in management roles focused on projects, products, and operations within journalistic organizations.
This article was written for issue 159 of the WBO newsletter, dated March 28, 2025. To subscribe and receive free weekly news and analysis like this, simply enter your email in the field provided.
