Defining and Reviewing Solutions Journalism

By Cameron Breland

David Borstein speaking on solutions journalism. Credit to Medium

Before the chaos of 2020 unfolded, I was on track to graduate in May with a few job opportunities on the table with my marketing and communications degree. Then, COVID-19 came and changed my future plans altogether. I turned back to graduate school to take an opening in the master’s program for professional journalism. The decision has led me to new connections, and it is exciting to dive into the journalism field with so much change appearing now.

Change has been constant around everyone in the last few months as the world came to a standstill with a pandemic, changes in the environment occurred, and people took a stand against social injustice. 2020 has been a year of problems with not many solutions being found. Journalists have had their fair share of stories to write as people complain about the difficulties many are facing together. Solutions journalism comes into play here as many individuals are complaining, but few are offering real solutions.

Defining Solutions Journalism

The solutions way dives farther into problems than usual. Journalists look into what is working, what is somewhat working, and what is not. Evidence is then presented to the public usually with research and new insights to back up claims. A solution’s complexity level depends on the problem, but the context of the situation also has to be reviewed. If someone is getting too many speeding tickets, then the fix is slowing down. Social injustice is an intricate problem rooted in America for years, and the solution is complex as the answer would have to be universal. Solutions journalism is rigorous and compelling reporting about responses to social problems.

Research on Solutions Journalism. Credit to Caroline Murray and Natalie Stroud

“Solutions journalism offers comprehensive coverage of an issue by proposing solutions rather than just focusing on the problem.”

– Caroline Murray from the Center for Media Engagement at UT

The video from UT researches more into how solutions can be positively covered to make readers feel more involved. The goal is to inform the public on topics and lead them to believe they can address the solutions to issues through their actions. More information is better for the reader, so make sure there are facts given in a story to better understand a situation. For journalists, they are the source of news for various citizens and giving them unbiased knowledge on stories is a major part of the daily job.

Readings and Opinions

Now that I have a solid foundation on what solutions journalism is, I can discuss the readings and videos assigned. From the first article, photojournalism played a fundamental role in solutions journalism as the photographs captured a problem with incarcerated mothers. The unique challenge was spending time with the prisoners and learning more about them as mothers and highlighting the unique program located in Philadelphia. As photojournalists, photos are the lifeline of this story as the images show the mothers still care for their children. These women need to have their perspective shown in the story to understand what the issues are and how can they are overcoming obstacles. Kriston Bethel understands he has a job to cover a story like this. He did a great job of informing readers, gathering emotions, and providing a story based on facts rather than biased opinions. The article gives an example of how other prisons can incorporate a program for mothers and their children. By showing empathy and understanding, Bethel’s writing was powerful and conscious of the mothers who struggle with raising kids one way or another.

With the next article, I agree with the statements given. There is a connection given by photojournalists between certain people or communities they capture and the individuals on the outside who are exposed to the story. I believe it is important to understand the privilege journalists have with a platform to share their voice on, and it is their job to highlight issues that may not be mainstream. The stories and visuals are meant to test what others believe, but journalists need to make sure they are giving the whole story without bias. By understanding the context, readers can see what offered solution is and possibly take action or share the idea with their peers.

“Solutions journalism is maybe not just for journalism?”

– Lisa Waananen Jones

I can relate to the lessons from one semester of solutions journalism. Coming from communications, there is storytelling in many parts of the job, and I am learning in journalism that storytelling is fundamental in keeping the public informed. Solutions journalism is maybe not just for journalism? I agree with the question as others can use the writing style to gain access to unique stories. I did not get an undergrad degree in journalism, but my marketing and communications degree had traces of journalism. The communications part is relatable as marketing is getting a company’s voice out to the public in a way to create action. I learned how to reach out to specific market groups just as journalists reach out to readers with information. With journalists, there is a higher standard of writing, and the stories usually reach more individuals.

The video format of solutions journalism helped me understand what Barcelona wants to do with its architecture. I understand what Spain is trying to do with superblocks, and many cities can take notes. I am looking at you New York. The problem was highlighted with traffic being a problem to go along with Barcelona’s limited space. The video and article were informing to me even though I can’t relate to living in an urban city. Coming from the coast of Mississippi, the most traffic I see is at the railroad tracks. The Barcelona article highlights the problem and thoroughly gives a solution that has been in the works since the 1980s.

CBS’s story on how sports institutions are rebranding. Credit to CBS.

I found this video story on the difficulties sports institutions face with rebranding. With the new Washington Football Team, many fans made fun of the decision, but not many know of the process that goes into changing a whole brand image. CBS follows up on the company that helped with the rebranding. The story breaks down the naming and trademarking side of previous teams such as Miami of Ohio and North Dakota. Ed O’Hara discusses the decision process from new logos, team colors, and even crowd chants. The Redskins decision was tedious as the naming and trademarks are the most difficult part. CBS gives great insight on the issues with naming, so couch GMs can actually see what it takes to change a logo that will stand the test of time.

From last week’s class, David Borstein makes a case for solutions journalism to be a standard in telling the news. His Ted talk was informative as it was the first time I have heard of solutions journalism. By discussing the past with muckraking and how journalism has evolved, he leads a strong discussion on why solutions journalism needs to be a fundamental part of newsrooms around the world. I agree a journalist’s job is to highlight the bad and good news. With Borstein’s journalism experience, I trust his opinion on solutions journalism, and there are more opportunities today to share answers to difficult problems. From the readings, I learned it is important to stay involved in current events. Problems are being covered far more than solutions, and people are tired of just seeing the bad news. Journalists can build up public trust again with this writing style, and the information journalists share today can help pave the way for change in the future.

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