Tadej Perčič

In an era of misinformation and declining trust, audiences increasingly want to know not just what journalists report, but how they report it. Digital transparency has become a cornerstone of ethical journalism, especially for young reporters building credibility from the ground up.

Explaining the reporting process can take many forms: linking to sources, describing verification steps, acknowledging uncertainties, and clarifying what is known versus what remains unconfirmed. Behind-the-scenes explanations (once considered unnecessary) now help audiences understand the rigor behind professional journalism. This is especially important when rumors and unverified claims spread far faster than responsible reporting can keep up.

Transparency also builds resilience against online manipulation. When journalists clearly outline their methods, audiences can better distinguish between fact-based reporting and content designed to provoke emotions or push agendas. Even admitting mistakes, and explaining how corrections are made, strengthens long-term trust.

For young journalists, embracing transparency is not a threat to authority, it is a pathway to earning it. By opening the “black box” of journalism, they make their practice more relatable, accountable, and human.