Journalism’s public value: balancing individual metrics and societal impact

As the journalism industry continues to focus on audience metrics and data-driven strategies, a fundamental question arises: how can newsrooms measure their true value—not just to individual consumers but to society at large? This panel explores the tension between metrics-driven decision-making and journalism's broader mission to serve democracy, foster public debate, and hold power accountable. Bringing together experts in metrics, public value, and innovation, this session will discuss strategies to recalibrate the focus of journalism. From rethinking engagement dashboards to developing tools like the Public Value Method, the panel highlights how news organisations can redefine success in ways that align with their societal mission. Key topics to explore are:
> The metrics dilemma: how can newsrooms avoid the pitfalls of over-reliance on individual engagement metrics?
> Redefining value: practical frameworks, such as the Public Value Method, for measuring societal impact.
> Lessons from Europe: insights from public service media, innovative digital platforms, and audience-focused initiatives.
> Navigating challenges: addressing political, economic, and technological pressures while staying mission driven.
Moderated by Maike Olij.