Strengthening impartial political journalism
Cardiff researchers are reshaping political journalism, working with major broadcasters, regulators, and audiences to challenge misinformation and build trusted, accountable news for future generations.
Trusted political journalism is fundamental to a healthy democracy – yet today, it faces unprecedented pressure from misinformation, hyper-partisanship, and the speed of digital news.
At our School of Journalism, Media and Culture, researchers are leading an ambitious, outward-facing programme dedicated to improving the clarity, accuracy, and impartiality of political news across the media landscape.
Led by Professor Stephen Cushion and Dr Matt Walsh, the team is examining how political information is produced, distributed, and interpreted across broadcast, online, and social platforms.
Researchers are analysing news content, observing newsroom practice, and working directly with the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, and Sky News to develop practical, evidence-based guidance that supports fairer, more transparent reporting.
Challenging misinformation
Researchers at Cardiff University are challenging misinformation and strengthening trusted journalism, working with broadcasters, regulators, and audiences to improve political news for future generations.
We are revealing how misinformation spreads and how to tackle it.
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Analysing political news across platforms
We’re conducting one of the most comprehensive studies of political reporting to date – revealing how misinformation spreads, how different viewpoints are represented, and how journalism can adapt to a rapidly changing media environment. -
Engaging with major broadcasters and regulators
Our evidence-based guidance helps newsrooms, such as the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, and Sky News, navigate political claims, refine editorial standards, and strengthen public trust. -
Understanding how audiences interpret political news
Through large-scale surveys, news diaries and focus groups, we uncover how people judge fairness, respond to fact-checking, and decide what – and who – they trust. -
Leading global conversations on journalism
From influential books to industry publications and international leadership roles, our researchers are rethinking new policies and practices, and leading debates across the UK and worldwide.
“Journalism remains central to the health of democracy, but its legitimacy depends on how clearly and confidently it challenges misleading political claims.”
— Professor Stephen Cushion
This work sits alongside a wider research portfolio that has shaped public debates and media practice for more than a decade.
Studies published in collaboration with news organisations – and regularly featured by outlets such as the BBC and The Guardian – have revealed how misinformation spreads, how alternative media influence mainstream coverage, and how journalistic conventions shape what audiences see, understand, and trust.
Recent books, including Challenging Misinformation, chart how political communication has shifted across election cycles, reshaping public expectations of truth, balance, and accountability.
Our researchers also conduct some of the most comprehensive audience studies in the field. Surveys, focus groups, and news diaries illuminate how people judge the fairness of political reporting, how they respond to fact-checking and corrections, and what they believe trusted news should look like in an era of edited viral clips and rapid-fire commentary. This audience insight is shared directly with broadcasters and regulators, supporting improvements in editorial standards and public engagement.
Our leadership in journalism research is internationally recognised. Professor Karin Wahl-Jorgensen’s election as President of the International Communication Association signals our growing influence on the global stage, reinforcing our role in shaping research, practice, and policy.
By connecting newsroom realities, public expectations. and regulatory frameworks, our work is helping to refine how political information is scrutinised, presented, and understood. The aim is not simply to analyse journalism, but to improve it – offering the evidence, partnerships and practical tools needed to strengthen trusted news for the generations who follow.
“Impartiality should not mean standing back from the truth. It should mean rigorously testing claims so audiences are better informed.”
— Professor Stephen Cushion
Meet the team
Find out more about our research
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