Social Media as a Challenge to Traditional Journalism in Bangladesh

Abstract The rapid rise of social media has profoundly reshaped journalism worldwide, creating both opportunities and challenges for traditional news institutions. This study explores how social media is disrupting traditional journalism in Bangladesh, a context where political pressures, concentrated media ownership, and fragile business models already affect journalistic practice. Using a qualitative design informed by an interpretivist paradigm, the study draws on semi-structured interviews with 15 journalists and media practitioners representing diverse roles and outlets. Thematic analysis revealed four key findings: the erosion of traditional gatekeeping roles, heightened challenges of credibility and misinformation, economic and organizational pressures driven by shifting revenue models, and changes in professional values accompanied by heightened risks such as harassment and self-censorship. While social media has expanded participation and visibility, it has also undermined financial stability, professional integrity, and public trust in journalism. These findings highlight the urgent need for professional training in digital verification, institutional safeguards for media workers, and strategies to sustain journalism’s democratic functions in the digital era. The study contributes a context-specific understanding of media disruption in the Global South, underscoring how global transformations intersect with local political and economic realities.