Abstract

The article examines the role of journalism in a context marked, on the one hand, by the loss of public confidence in institutions, in politics and in mainstream media, and, on the other, by the search for new forms of expression and participation improved by the digital environment. Following Rosanvallon's concept of contre-démocratie, the author highlights the potential of innovation that the demand for change of representative democracy could have on the redefinition of public discourse, through the creation of new arenas, new themes and new ways of participation. The article presents some cues to reflect on the role that journalism could have as a place of listening to the new forms of civic and political engagement that are asserted through the web. The challenge is to redefine journalistic professionalism in the perspective of ensuring transparency, accountability and authoritativeness.