The rise of disinformation has thrown news journalists into an epistemic dilemma. Traditional ideals and practices are challenged by societal changes, prompting journalists to search for solutions to maintain relevance in the information disorder. Building on 22 interviews with journalists in 12 Norwegian newsrooms this article investigates journalists’ understanding of disinformation, whether they consider it a societal problem, and how the spread of disinformation challenges their epistemic ideals and practices. The study is framed by theories of professional ideology, with a particular focus on objectivity. The findings support concerns about journalism’s relevance in the context of disinformation, revealing that journalists are actively engaging in professional reorientation while also exposing a division in how these challenges are perceived and addressed. While some emphasise traditional objectivity as a response to information disorder, others advocate a more pragmatic adaptation, warning that strict adherence to traditional ideals may limit journalistic practice and reduce relevance. Key findings include: (1) Journalists are reorienting ideals and practices in response to disinformation, even in Norway’s strong media sector. (2) A clear divide exists between traditional and pragmatic views of objectivity in addressing disinformation. (3) Journalists focus more on domestic than foreign disinformation, especially where alternative media are present.
Reidun J. Samuelsen (Sat,) studied this question.