THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS JOURNALISM

Abstract

This chapter explores the specific steps needed for business journalism to evolve to serve a broader audience. These steps include using the tools and techniques of trade-press reporters to examine businesses and hold them accountable while targeting a more general readership. The chapter describes a market for accountability business journalism where some media owners who value the public-service mission of journalism were also able to make money. The chapter describes how newsroom culture, ownership structure, business model, and in-depth focus on an industry are items that can help transform production of business journalism so that it serves the public interest. A focus on investigative journalism and collaboration with other news organizations are also central to this evolution.