This Open Access book provides an in-depth analysis of the role held by media and journalists in a fragmented and polarized communication ecosystem that faces the uncertainty of major challenges, such as the impact of the disintermediation process, the pressure of simultaneous over- and disinformation forces, and labor precariousness. It discusses these challenges in the context of business model crises and the loss of journalistic quality. Following an interdisciplinary approach, the book further explores the interaction between communication and political and social change processes, their implications, and their consequences in a hybrid media context.

The book examines the loss of credibility of traditional media and democratic institutions and discusses how trust can be restored. While doing so, it appeals to the innate link between journalism and democracy, based on the public’s trust in the capacity of the media to provide quality content that allows citizens to make informed decisions. As the rise of disinformation presents an incredible challenge for conventional media, due to their position of extreme vulnerability, the book finally analyzes how media and professional journalists, who have traditionally held the responsibility of providing quality information, have to address these issues, while facing the disintegration of former business models and social credibility.

This book will appeal to students, scholars, and researchers of political communication, journalism, political science, and related fields, as well as policy-makers and professionals interested in a better understanding of the role of media and journalists in contemporary political and social change processes.