Journalistic objectivity in a deepfake era - A discourse analysis

Abstract

This master thesis investigates the topic of deepfake in the Dutch news discourse. The research focuses on: how journalists discuss deepfake as a new level of fake news; a shift in the notion of journalistic objectivity and the creation of trust in journalism in times of deepfake. This research analyses seven articles and two television programs which discuss deepfake. The journalists state that deepfake will change the creation of information. Deepfake will disrupt the trust in video as a ‘trusted’ news source whereby the distinction between fake and real will disappear, according to the journalists. Therefore, the concept of journalistic objectivity is discussed to show a more transparent approach of journalists in times of deepfake by showing self-reflection, self-criticism and uncertainty as part of the facts in news reporting. Self-reflection, self-critic and uncertainty lead to important elements of trust and reliability as part of journalistic objectivity. Journalist should show more sincerity to create awareness to the public when the distinction between fake and real is vague. Therefore, the role of journalists is changing in contemporary society. They should not only fulfil the role of news provider publishing hard facts, journalists should also create awareness to the public of advancing manipulation techniques by showing their own limitations in news reporting in times of deepfake to create trust and reliability.