Examining the role of technological fluency in defining professional standards of digital journalism

As digital technologies increasingly shape news production, the concept of technological fluency emerges as a critical factor in how professional standards in journalism are being redefined. This paper adopts a sociology of professions framework to explore how journalists negotiate and integrate new digital competencies within their professional identity. Drawing on an analysis of meta journalistic discourse and industry reflections, the study reveals that technological fluency is not merely a technical skill but a marker of legitimacy and expertise that shapes journalistic authority in the digital age. Journalists navigate tensions between traditional norms and evolving digital demands, positioning fluency as essential to maintaining credibility and ethical standards. The findings suggest that rather than replacing established professional criteria, technological fluency reshapes the boundaries of journalism by demanding ongoing adaptation and critical engagement with emerging tools.