Blog entry by Katja Kolenc
Anyone in the world
Entering journalism today means stepping into a fast-moving digital world where the pressure to publish quickly often clashes with the responsibility to report ethically. Young journalists face a unique set of dilemmas: Should they break a story first, even if some facts remain unverified? How should they handle online harassment when covering controversial topics? And where is the line between personal branding and professional objectivity?
The digital age blurs boundaries. Journalists are expected to be active on social media, yet every tweet or post becomes part of their public identity—and potentially part of their employer’s reputation. Mistakes made online live forever. At the same time, young reporters often encounter exploitation: unpaid internships, pressure to create content without proper editorial support, and ambiguous guidelines on the use of AI-generated material.
Ethical journalism today requires more than knowing the rules—it demands resilience, critical thinking, and an ability to push back against unhealthy newsroom cultures. Young journalists must learn to verify before amplifying, protect their digital wellbeing, and advocate for transparency around editorial standards. In this evolving landscape, integrity becomes their strongest asset.