Innovation in Journalistic Practices: Combining Depth, Quality, and Publication in Real Time

Abstract

ABSTRACT In journalism, innovation can be achieved by integrating various factors of change. This article reports the results of an investigation carried out in 2020; the study sample comprised journalists who participated as social researchers in a longitudinal study focused on citizens’ perceptions of the Mexican electoral process in 2018. Journalistic innovation was promoted by the development of a novel methodology that combined existing journalistic resources and the use of qualitative social research methodologies. This combination provided depth to the journalistic coverage, optimized reporting, editing, design, and publication processes, improved access to more complete and diverse information in real time, and enhanced the capabilities of journalists. The latter transformed, through differential behaviors, their way of thinking about and valuing the profession by reconceptualizing and re-evaluating journalistic practices in which they were involved, resulting in an improvement in journalistic quality.