Reimagining News: Constructive Journalism as a Theoretical Framework for Transitional Media

Session

Journalism, Media and Communication

Description

This paper explores constructive journalism as a theoretical framework for transitional media, addressing the challenges of reporting in contexts marked by political polarization, post-conflict dynamics, and fragile institutional trust. Drawing on peace journalism and solutions journalism, it conceptualizes constructive journalism as an approach aimed at fostering engagement, dialogue, and socially responsible reporting. The study employs conceptual analysis to clarify the core principles and definitions of constructive journalism, and a literature-based theoretical synthesis to integrate interdisciplinary scholarship on media ethics, audience engagement, and normative communication practices. Applying constructive journalism is particularly important in transitional societies where negative news is often treated as “good news” perpetuating conflict-oriented narratives. The paper further discusses how this framework can inform newsroom practices and media policies, highlighting both opportunities and structural constraints. By articulating its theoretical foundations and practical relevance, the study provides a roadmap for future research and reimagining news toward inclusive, constructive, and future-oriented public discourse.

Keywords:

Constructive journalism, transitional media, newsroom practices, media ethics, journalism innovation

Proceedings Editor

Edmond Hajrizi

ISBN

978-9951-982-41-2

Location

UBT Lipjan, Kosovo

Start Date

25-10-2025 9:00 AM

End Date

26-10-2025 6:00 PM

DOI

10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.222

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Oct 25th, 9:00 AM Oct 26th, 6:00 PM

Reimagining News: Constructive Journalism as a Theoretical Framework for Transitional Media

UBT Lipjan, Kosovo

This paper explores constructive journalism as a theoretical framework for transitional media, addressing the challenges of reporting in contexts marked by political polarization, post-conflict dynamics, and fragile institutional trust. Drawing on peace journalism and solutions journalism, it conceptualizes constructive journalism as an approach aimed at fostering engagement, dialogue, and socially responsible reporting. The study employs conceptual analysis to clarify the core principles and definitions of constructive journalism, and a literature-based theoretical synthesis to integrate interdisciplinary scholarship on media ethics, audience engagement, and normative communication practices. Applying constructive journalism is particularly important in transitional societies where negative news is often treated as “good news” perpetuating conflict-oriented narratives. The paper further discusses how this framework can inform newsroom practices and media policies, highlighting both opportunities and structural constraints. By articulating its theoretical foundations and practical relevance, the study provides a roadmap for future research and reimagining news toward inclusive, constructive, and future-oriented public discourse.