Ajakirjanduslikes

Ajakirjanduslikes is a hypothetical framework for rating and certifying journalism quality in digital media. The term combines Estonian ajakirjandus (journalism) with the English "likes" to denote audience-driven signaling of credibility within a normative system. The concept envisions a non-binding scheme in which articles, videos, and other journalistic content are assessed against predefined criteria such as factual accuracy, traceable sourcing, transparency of corrections, editorial independence, privacy protections, and disclosure of conflicts of interest.

Operation would involve content submitted by publishers or flagged by readers being evaluated by a rotating panel of journalists, editors, and independent fact-checkers. A reliability score or badge would be assigned and made visible on participating platforms. The process emphasizes openness: criteria, review workflows, and any appeals mechanism would be publicly documented. It is designed to complement existing press councils and professional codes rather than replace them.

Potential benefits include improved reader trust, encouragement of rigorous sourcing, and clearer signals for audiences navigating online news. Critically, supporters warn of vulnerabilities to popularity contests, coordinated manipulation, and algorithmic amplification of sensational content. Privacy concerns, potential marginalization of minority outlets, and the resource demands of oversight are frequently raised.

See also: media ethics, fact-checking, media literacy, rating systems.

Note: ajakirjanduslikes remains a theoretical construct used in discussions of journalism governance and has no formal, globally recognized implementation.