Editor’s Note, Winter 2022, (Newspaper Research Journal)

Abstract

I am pleased (and to be honest, quite intimidated) to assume the role of editor for the Newspaper Research Journal. For more than 40 years now, this journal has been a mainstay in the field of journalism-related research, and I look forward to its continued success. Before moving forward, I would like to thank outgoing editor Dane Claussen for his efforts to strengthen the journal’s reputation internationally that will benefit the journal for many years to come. I have big shoes to fill, and I commit to do my best. This journal has an important role to play as the journalism industry continues to face an uncertain and sometimes unsettling future. Like most everything else in the world, the news industry has grappled with the effects caused by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic—from wide sweeping layoffs, the demise of some print newspapers, and a loss of revenue. But there is also much to be hopeful for as we look to the future. In its 2021 Digital News Report (Newman, 2021), The Reuters Institute found that this crisis has put a spotlight on the value of accurate and reliable information. For instance, according to the report, trust in the news has grown in the midst of the pandemic, with 44% of respondents saying they trust most of the news most of the time. The highest levels of trust (65%) were found in Finland, while the United States had the lowest level of trust (29%). Some of the more interesting findings from this report include: