Solidarity as Value in Journalism

Abstract

The paper is researching the value of solidarity in contemporary Russian journalism, actualized in its professional and civic aspects. The pandemic has contributed to the development of practices of solidarity and mutual aid, and a surge in discussions about this value. Journalism reflects the processes of the birth of new practices and the reincarnation of traditional ones, and takes part in the formation of solidarity, sharing its humanist and civic character. At the same time, solidarity in journalism is actualized as a professional value, allowing the media community to resist external pressure. The object of the study is civil and professional values in journalism; the subject of the study is the value of solidarity. Monitoring of posts and comments in social networks, primary and secondary data analysis, and case analysis were used as methods of research. The empirical material includes cases from contemporary journalistic solidarity practice.The author examines the circumstances that become the background for journalistic solidarity, its traditional and new actors. The fragmented and discrete nature of journalism also manifests itself in the interaction (or lack thereof) between the various actors of journalistic solidarity. The digital nature of the modern media environment makes its contribution: solidarity is being implemented in an online format and the role of the community manager is increasing. Other trends of journalistic solidarity are its publicity, its mediatization, and monetization. The palette of solidarity tools in journalism is constantly expanding, incorporating tools from other fields. Modern solidarity absorbs elements of social projection, taking the form of public campaigns and mobilization projects. Manifestations of journalistic solidarity are situational, often centered around a particular media outlet, an iconic or high-profile event, or a journalist in a particular short period of time. Publicity becomes the primary goal. Examples of extended solidarity are rare and forced to be informationally recalled, interest maintained and moderated. The author concludes that various solidarity practices in journalism are built on the actualized value of solidarity and offers an understanding of it.