A Handbook on Constructive Journalism

"We believe that peaceful, stable, democratic societies rely on ethical and critical journalism that aims to include, not divide."

This handbook offers a step-by-step guide to constructive journalism, an approach developed by the Constructive Institute (CI) at Århus University in Denmark that advocates a solutions focus and constructive dialogue ethos for journalism. Produced together with the media development organisation International Media Support (IMS), the handbook seeks to improve the role of the media in building trust between the media and citizens, strengthening democratic dialogue, and fostering the cohesion of communities.

Constructive journalism is designed to respond to the increasing tabloidisation, sensationalism, and negativity bias of the news media. It complements the traditions of both "breaking news" stories and of investigative journalism by focusing more on: the future, inspiration as its goal, questions such as "what now?" and "how?", the role of journalists as one of facilitator (not judge or police), and solutions and best practice.

As explained in the handbook, "The unique strength of constructive journalism is that it complements the reporter's vital role of 'watchdog' by promoting democratic conversation and suggesting solutions to problems." When much of current reporting is focused on overemphasising the negative, "constructive journalism aims to provide audiences with a fair, accurate and contextualised picture of the world by building on the idea that journalism is a feedback mechanism that provides suggestions and alternatives to help society self-correct."

The theory and practice of constructive journalism is based on the following three-pillar model developed by the CI, which is seen to ensure journalism's contribution to democracy:

• Focus on solutions: Do not only expose the problems, but also look for possible solutions.
• Cover nuances: Strive for the best-obtainable version of the truth. See the world from different perspectives.
• Promote democratic conversation: Facilitate and engage in debate including the community.

Each chapter in the handbook examines the use of the three-pillar model at every stage of the reporting cycle. Guidance notes are supported by a list of key questions to ask, as well as group- or pair-focused exercises. The chapters are as follows:

• Idea Development: This is the starting point for constructive journalism and is where questions are formulated that will be crucial to journalistic research into the story.
• Research in a Constructive Way: In the research phase, facts and documentation are sought to answer the research question that was formulated when developing the idea. This stage can be divided into the three established approaches: seeking solutions, seeking nuances, and seeking conversation.
• Constructive Selection of Sources: When selecting sources, it is important to include voices representing all sides of a story, voices that point to solutions, and voices that might add nuances. It is about being aware of the choices journalists make and avoiding reproducing stereotypes.
• Constructive Interview Technique: At this stage, the handbook offers a few simple steps to push the narrative in a constructive direction. Overall, as in traditional journalism, journalists need to remain curious and open-minded in their work, to be a good listener, and to challenge their own hypotheses. A constructive interview enhances both the audience's and the interviewee's understanding of their world and of the issues raised.
• How to Tell the Story: This chapter looks at a new model for constructive storytelling called CDP, which stands for:
  • Core: The core and consequence of the problem
  • Development: The historic development of the problem
  • Perspective: What lessons does this story offer? Might additional perspectives offer inspiration and/or new information?
• How to Change Culture: This chapter offers guidance on how to make a successful change in the culture of a newsroom, which involves getting all managers on board and engaging in a carefully designed transformation process.
• SINC - The Constructive Compass: The compass is a tool that is designed to guide journalists to a constructive starting point or angle for any story by offering four options:
  • 'S' suggests a solution-oriented starting point or angle.
  • 'I' stands for the involvement of citizens, stakeholders, and those in power.
  • 'N' points to a nuanced overview of complex issues.
  • 'C' is for critical enquiry, essential even in a constructive approach.