Award-winning Paraguayan journalist Jazmín Acuña has again been garnering attention within the global journalism fraternity following her tenure as a Reuters Fellow – and the change framework she designed to meet the existential crisis facing the industry.

Renowned as a pioneering researcher, digital human rights advocate – co-initiator of policy-changing organisation tedic – and media entrepreneur, Acuña is also an Ashoka Fellow who co-founded and heads up award-winning digital media outlet The Pump.

The Surti,now a decade old,is synonymous with innovation: from its approach to investigative reporting,evocative graphic visuals,creative audience engagement and multiplatform distribution.

See also: Thriving on Change: El SurtidorS Groundbreaking Multi-Platform, Visual Journalism

Acuña drew on more than the practical lessons she gained as The Surti’s editorial Director to draw up a change framework for journalism.”Change Journalism is,first and foremost,a large aspiration,” she notes in her newsletter. “The groundwork is there, but the content-centric model remains the default mindset that governs our practice. There’s much to be done before we can have solid answers, but it’s definitely worth exploring the possibilities.”

She shares more in an interview with World Editors Forum.

What is Change-centric journalism – and how different is it from Solutions Journalism?

Change-centric Journalism adds a layer of intentionality to our work.

It is rooted in the pursuit of impact tha

Change-Centric Journalism: Beyond Data to Impact

With Change-centric Journalism, I’ve tried to come up with language that can orient news organizations.

As a notable example, some outlets are starting to measure qualitative impact. But that doesn’t mean they align all efforts to increase the prospects of this type of impact. Others are applying inspiring engagement activities with their audiences, such as hosting live performances or community conversations.

But in general, when you ask them about the purpose of their work, they’d tell you something along the lines of providing people with quality information.

To me, this is the automated mode in full display. Craft is confused with mission.

Though, outlets are doing so much more than just the craft.

‘Some are rebuilding the social fabric of communities damaged by xenophobia.
Others are defying civic apathy while also providing people with the joy of connecting with others.’

I want journalists and newsrooms to work and articulate these contributions with a lot more clarity and without constraints. There’s value potential in them.

Has the model evolved since its launch?

The launch is quite recent, so I have not evolved it yet. but I’ve started to collaborate with organisations like the Pulitzer Center that want to step up their impact efforts with their supported journalism around the globe.

This is allowing me to test the framework, customise it and see how it is indeed app