On May 12th, 2025, S-Com hosted a seminar at the Institut Supérieur de Formation Sociale et de Communication (ISFSC) in Brussels as part of the S-INFO project. The event gathered academics and journalists to contribute to the development of the Manifesto on Sustainable Information, by reflecting on the evolving role of journalism in today’s complex and digital media landscape.
The seminar addressed two major challenges currently facing the information ecosystem: the tension between defending freedom of expression while combating disinformation, and the question of whether journalism can remain credible and rigorous while becoming more engaged with social issues.
Participants agreed that the fight against disinformation must not come at the expense of freedom of expression. Rather than resorting to censorship, independent journalism should prioritize transparency, particularly by openly sharing its investigative methods and processes for verifying sources. A more open and reflective approach strengthens trust and helps audiences understand how reliable information is produced. At the same time, the group acknowledged the growing role of social media platforms and algorithms, which tend to favor sensationalism over accuracy and nuance. These digital mechanisms increasingly determine which content is seen and shared, creating new barriers for investigative and independent journalism trying to reach audiences organically.
While fact-checking tools remain important, their effectiveness is limited in a media environment driven by emotion, speed, and competing narratives. Many participants highlighted the value of slowing down—reclaiming the time and space necessary for in-depth reporting and contextual analysis. Investigative journalism plays a critical role in challenging misleading narratives and explaining complex realities, and it must be protected and valued as a pillar of democracy.
Media literacy emerged as another crucial point. Educating younger generations about how information is produced, how algorithms influence what we see, and how to critically evaluate media is essential for strengthening democratic resilience. However, to be effective, this education must speak the language of young people and come from voices they find relatable.
The discussion also explored how journalism can engage with social movements and civil society without compromising its integrity. Participants noted that while absolute neutrality in journalism is an illusion, professional honesty, methodological rigor, and transparency about one’s values remain non-negotiable. Being committed to truth and public interest does not necessarily mean abandoning objectivity, it means acknowledging the context, taking responsibility for editorial choices, and maintaining a clear distinction from activism. In an era marked by ecological, democratic, and social crises, journalism has a duty to confront uncomfortable truths and expose systemic failures. This does not imply partisanship, but rather a form of engagement rooted in a democratic mission to inform and empower.
Finally, the seminar highlighted the urgency of adapting journalism to new digital realities without sacrificing depth or complexity. The pressure to simplify, entertain, and go viral risks diluting truth and fragmenting public discourse. But by reinvesting in reflective practices, editorial independence, and meaningful connections with audiences, journalism can continue to serve as a vital counter-power in society.
This conversation marks an important step in the drafting of the Manifesto on Sustainable Information, which will incorporate many of the ideas and recommendations shared during the seminar.