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Building reader trust

Yesterday was Korea’s 52nd Newspaper Day. A survey released by the Korean Association of Newspapers once again showed that readers have deep trust and high expectations for newspapers. People get information about what’s going on around the world mostly from newspapers. After that, people rely on the Internet and television programs to get information and news. The index of trust for newspapers was 71.4 percent, a rise from a survey conducted two years ago. Newspapers must not become complacent with the result, however, because it was in great part due to television broadcasters losing trust from people by favoring the powerful during the former administration.
These days, newspapers seldom have good times. They are in fact facing a crisis. The growth and challenge of new media, especially the Internet, are shaking the otherwise solid footing of newspapers. Youths these days read increasingly less than the older generation. As digital broadcasting is introduced, people will spend less time reading.
However, because there are a variety of media outlets and diverse opinions, newspapers have become more important than ever.
That is because newspapers are the most useful and efficient media to grasp news and predict the future.
Dailies evaluate and analyze information that is poured out day after day. By reading dailies, people can develop logical and rational thinking. Newspapers are fundamentally different from broadcasting and the Internet. Broadcasters send out messages unilaterally and programs often appeal to the emotions. When watching TV, viewers absorb such messages passively. Internet portals post unfiltered information and random opinions.
With the media environment changing drastically and swiftly like now, we believe that the best way to take a new leap forward for newspapers is to abide by the principles of good journalism. Newspapers are like trees that grow slowly and build readers’ trust and care.
To integrate society and create a better future, we will continue to clearly differentiate between facts and accusations or allegations.
We will not compete unnecessarily and excessively for breaking news. Even when we get news items exclusively, we will do our best to check if they are true before running them in order to build trust from our readers.
The slogan of this year’s Newspaper Day was “Read the world, open the papers.” This is also what the JoongAng Ilbo wants to say to its readers and society.