Frequently Asked Questions
“[In younger generations] there’s an ethos and an orientation towards converting information into action, and the Solutions Journalism promise aligns more effectively with where the younger audience is.”
Seth Geiger, SmithGeiger/Solutions Journalism Network
Now that you have a clear understanding of what Solutions Journalism is about, it’s time to clarify some frequent doubts: What is Solutions Journalism a solution to? Does it work in every context? And, does it help with audience engagement?
Helpful links
Solutions Journalism Imposters (Solutions Journalism Network, 5 minutes)
What makes this approach different from public relations and its call for "positive" news that screens out everything broken and ugly? These examples of what's not Solutions Journalism may help answer this question.
What’s The Link Between Solutions Journalism And Engagement? (Solutions Journalism Network & Hearken, 45 minutes)Solutions Journalism starts with a question: Who’s doing it better? And it usually ends with journalists and audiences identifying what can be learned. But there’s one last step to be added, and it consists of an engagement opportunity allowing reporters to ask people what other questions or solutions they have about the topic, fueling more stories.
Does Solutions Journalism Work For Local News? (Knight-Cronkite News Lab, 15 minutes)According to research, Solutions Journalism stories have a huge impact on local news choices: They provide a refreshing perspective on communities and are more likely to inspire readers to take action.
Can Solutions Journalism Help With News Avoidance? (Solutions Journalism Network, 10 minutes)You’ve probably heard about the term ‘news avoidance.’ According to the 2023 Reuters Institute Digital News Report, even news avoiders were more likely to be interested in positive or solutions-based journalism!