EVOLVING BOUNDARIES OF JOURNALISM: NAVIGATING CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE DIGITAL ERA

Abstract

This study examines journalism's changing limits, practices, and theoretical frameworks in the digital age by integrating ideas from several current academic research. Once seen as a stable and homogeneous profession, journalism is recognized today as a dynamic and context-sensitive activity influenced by technological progress, ethical dilemmas, and audience interactions. The data for this study were obtained from peer-reviewed research papers, books, and research projects published from 2020 to 2025. The sample used purposive sampling to identify highly cited and thematically relevant research papers. Data was analyzed by using a thematic analysis framework. This paper provides insights into how new media reshapes journalism and offers recommendations for adapting to the evolving media environment. This research analyzes the transformative dynamics of journalism in the digital era, focusing on the evolving boundaries, practices, and theoretical frameworks that define the industry today. Employing contemporary research, it examines how technological developments, such as social media and artificial intelligence, have disrupted traditional journalism, altering the processes of news generation, delivery, and consumption. The emergence of new journalistic forms, specifically slow journalism, constructive journalism, and citizen journalism, reflects a response to the fast-paced and ethical challenges of modern news contexts. While these advancements provide opportunities for improved audience engagement and varied perspectives, they also present challenges related to misinformation, audience trust, and professional integrity. The study underscores the need for robust theoretical frameworks to address these transformations and preserve journalism's significance in a fragmented media landscape. This study integrates concepts from prior research to clarify the challenges and opportunities facing media in its quest for truth and responsibility in an evolving digital environment.