Solutions Journalism

The term solutions journalism was used before the turn of the 21st century but gained popularity and legitimacy among journalists and journalism scholars in the years after the 2013 launch of the independent, nonprofit Solutions Journalism Network, which defines the practice as rigorous reporting on responses to social problems. In other words, solutions journalism is evidence-based news reporting that focuses on how people are working to solve problems rather than focusing solely on the problems themselves.

This entry begins by defining solutions journalism more thoroughly. Then, it provides a justification for such an approach and acknowledges criticisms of the approach. Examples are provided of news organizations and individual news stories that exemplify the practice. Finally, the impact of this journalistic approach is discussed.