An Ethical Perspective on Transmedia Narrative Journalism

Abstract

Narrative (or storytelling) journalism has been proposed as an alternative for reconfiguring the information offered to audiences within the transmedia ecosystem, a product of the technological, economic, and cultural transformation of the media industries. The fact that the transmedia environment poses some ethical challenges for narrative journalists, however, warrants a thorough analysis of that situation. This study allows us to propose various standards, as a framework to guide journalistic practice in its commitment to question and reflect the reality of communities. From an applied ethics perspective, we utilize theories of Otherness and Moloney’s principles of transmedia journalism to achieve this goal and propose various axes of reflection and ethical standards to support journalistic practice committed to the narrative approach. Consequently, we outline how journalists can foster a more active relationship with their audiences, develop an empathetic relationship with the Other, and improve their ability to respect, recognize, and include while recognizing their diversity.