Audience Epistemology Audience Expectations Focus Groups Journalism Epistemology Journalism Studies Misinformation Imagined Audiences Interviews Verification

External authors:

• Enrique Nunez-Mussa ( Michigan State University )
• Andrea Riquelme ( Universidad de Talca )
• Sebastian Valenzuela ( Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile , Millennium Inst Fdn Res Data IMFD , Millennium Nucl Digital Inequal & Opportun NUDOS )
• Valeria Aldana ( Universidad San Sebastian )
• Fabian Padilla ( Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile , Millennium Inst Fdn Res Data IMFD , Fastcheck )
• Renato Bassi ( Universidad Tecnica Federico Santa Maria , Millennium Inst Fdn Res Data IMFD )
• Sebastian Campos ( Universidad Tecnica Federico Santa Maria , Millennium Inst Fdn Res Data IMFD )
• Eliana Providel ( Universidad Tecnica Federico Santa Maria , Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso )

Abstract:

This study analyzes the discourse of reporters, editors and audiences in focus groups and in-depth interviews, examining the expectations on journalists when facing misinformation. While both groups agree that journalistic information is critical, how this expectation is met varies. On the one hand, the audience's way of knowing involves diverse assessments regarding valuable information; also, they are dubious about journalists' intentions. On the other hand, journalists exhibit a limited understanding of the audience's informational needs and encounter practical challenges in rigorously fact-checking, affecting their authority in knowledge generation. The study proposes a discussion on acknowledging their complex epistemologies to benefit mutual understanding. Doing this can establish structural support for journalistic information, contributing to trust in journalism when challenged by sources spreading misinformation.