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Academic Research

Crowd of men, women and a child with expressive, somber faces in a painting by Antonio Berni, titled Manifestación. A version of this artwork is featured on the cover of Fernando Ruiz’s book El periodismo y la fábrica de derechos en América Latina, which explores journalism's role in shaping democratic rights across the region.

How journalism helps build — or break — democracy

In a new book, Argentine professor and journalist Fernando Ruiz maps the life cycle of citizen rights. He argues in an interview with LJR that journalism can strengthen or erode them at every step.

Silhouette of person's head looking down with crumbled paper above it, on top of destroyed forest

Journalists deal with psychological impact of covering climate change in Latin America

Preliminary data from a global survey with climate journalists reveals 60% show symptoms of psychological stress. Meanwhile, journalists said newsrooms do not offer adequate support.

Gen Z holding smart phones using social media

Content creators and online video surpass traditional media in Latin America, new report finds

Across the region, audiences are turning to social platforms and influencers for news, while artificial intelligence may be disrupting how people access information.

Audience clapping

‘He was a visionary’: Journalism scholars reflect on legacy of Max McCombs at ISOJ research breakfast

The late Max McCombs, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin. pioneered the internationally-recognized theory on the agenda-setting role of media.

A pair of hands hold an open newspaper with a large red “no” symbol over it, suggesting misinformation or distrust in news sources. In the blurred background, people wearing masks participate in a voting process. (Photo: Biblioteca del Congreso Nacional de Chile, licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, Canva and screenshots)

Are legacy media outlets an effective shield against misinformation?

A study conducted as Chileans voted on a new constitution in 2022 found that false information – magnified by newspapers and TV programs – influenced the outcome of the referendum.

repressive laws, growth of influencers and adoption of AI:

Approval of repressive laws, growth of influencers and adoption of AI: 2025 predictions from Reuters Institute

Restrictive laws inspired by Russia and Hungary threaten independent journalism in Latin America, while the industry faces challenges from the economic crisis, influencers and advances in artificial intelligence.

Three electronic tablets displaying news media websites. (Photo: Screenshots and Canva)

Diversity in perspective and audience helps Latin American digital native media tackle polarization, according to researcher

Brazilian journalist Vanessa de Macedo Higgins Joyce focused on Argentina, Brazil and Colombia and found ways in which digital news media can build consensus in polarized societies.

(Map courtesy of Rutas del Conflicto)

Researchers find activism, transparency and democracy drive adoption of technology in Latin American data journalism

After interviewing 14 media directors and editors from the region and doing content analysis of 210 reporting specials, they found that data units are also implementing disruptive practices to collect information.

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Google’s support for news media in Latin America may lead to dependency, study finds

Researchers say Google’s Innovation Challenge fosters dependence of news organizations on tech companies. Organizations told LJR that participating in the program led to other types of financing.

a man looking at the Reuters Institute's Digital news report on his computer screen

Using Facebook for the news is in decline and concerns grow over AI's influence on misinformation: Reuters Institute report

LJR summarizes findings from the Reuters Institute's annual digital news report. These include: readjustments in the way audiences consume news, concerns about misinformation, caution in the use of AI in news, news avoidance at record levels and stagnant subscriptions.

hands holding up newspapers

UNESCO report confirms quality journalism essential for democracy, accountability and civic engagement

A new UNESCO report confirms what many journalists and researchers have thought: quality journalism is good for democracy, civic engagement and government accountability. Further, public investment in it improves trust from citizens, and promotes human rights and sustainable development.

Sign outside of workshop room

Journalism scholars present industry research and solutions at the 25th ISOJ amidst ongoing engagement and financial challenges

Journalism scholars discussed building a sustainable future for news and re-imagining connections with audiences during a research breakfast at the 25th International Symposium on Online Journalism (ISOJ) on April 13. Summarizing their research to an early Saturday morning crowd, presenters included Amy Ross Arguedas and Richard Fletcher of the Reuters Institute at the University of Oxford, Sue Robinson of […]