Conceptualizing Fidelity: Reimagining Contemporary Visual Journalism’s Occupational Ideologies
Abstract
This article conceptualizes fidelity as a new occupational ideology in visual journalism, offering an alternative to objectivity as computer-generated imagery (CGI) becomes increasingly commonplace in newsroom production. Drawn from computer science, fidelity refers to the degree of exactness with which computer-generated media and visual information accurately represent reality. This is achieved through five dimensions: visual equivalence, technical qualities, complexity, contextual features, and informational integrity. After providing examples of fidelity in practice, the article discusses how fidelity can provide a cohesive framework for evaluating digital visual journalism, furthering public literacy and trust, and sets questions for future research.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Visual Culture and Art Theory
Literature
Film
and Journalism Analysis
Media Studies and Communication
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Digital Journalism
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 14
- Issue
- 8
- Pages
- 1–12
- Publication date
- 19 February 2026
- Language
- EN