Threats to public interest journalism: A call to action to public health

Abstract

Abstract Public interest journalism is an important determinant of health, due to its roles in accountability and holding power to account, empowering communities, and contributing to health literacy. The capacity of public interest journalism to contribute to planetary health and health equity, as well as healthier people, societies, and systems of governance is under attack. Reasons include the collapse of the underpinning business model, the market power of digital platforms, neoliberalism, the rise of authoritarianism, and attacks on press freedom and safety. This paper presents an ecological analysis of the upstream determinants of a healthy and sustainable public interest journalism sector, which is informed by Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing, and a decolonising methodology. It also presents a case study of innovation in health-related public interest journalism in Australia, and includes clear calls to action for public health practitioners, researchers and advocates, as well as wider policy making. Key messages Public interest journalism is an important determinant of health. Threats to public interest journalism are a threat to public health. Collaborations strengthen public interest journalism: this presentation provides an example.