Abstract
This thesis outlines the principles of actionable advocacy journalism, a new theoretical framework designed to empower audiences to take action in their communities. This framework proposes an update of journalistic ethics including the elimination of objectivity and demonstrates the positive impact of biased journalism on improving audience trust and strengthening community ties. It explores the historical roots of advocacy in journalism, examines the factors that led to the journalistic philosophy of objectivity, and explains its fundamental flaws. This thesis also outlines strategies for transforming news into a practical resource. These strategies combine the principles of solutions journalism with evidence-based persuasion tactics to increase audience self-efficacy and encourage civic engagement using specific calls to action.
Publication Date
2024
Keywords
Mass media -- Political aspects, Journalism -- Political aspects, advocacy journalism
Disciplines
Journalism Studies | Mass Communication
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Kaitlin Hanger
Document Type
Thesis
Rights
© The Author
Date of Submission
December 2025