Samost: journalism must set its own social agenda

Anvar Samost, former news director at ERR, argues that journalism should not merely report events but must actively shape the public agenda. Speaking on Vikerradio's "Friday Interview," he stressed that newsrooms must identify in real time who holds actual power in society. Samost recently stepped down from his role as ERR's news director.

Anvar Samost, who recently left his position as ERR's news director, presented a clear stance on Vikerradio's "Friday Interview": journalism's role in society is not simply to report events, but to actively participate in shaping public debate.

According to Samost, journalism's mandate is renewed every day and cannot be taken for granted. "The media must not follow in the wake of politicians and PR professionals," he said, adding that newsrooms have a duty to set the social agenda themselves.

Samost identified a central challenge: the need to identify in real time who holds actual power—whether that be politicians, lobbyists, or activists. This is, in his view, fundamental to journalism's legitimacy and credibility in society.

Samost recently departed from his position as ERR's news director but continues to actively discuss journalism policy. His comments can be seen as a significant signal in Estonia's media landscape, where ongoing changes are taking place in both newsroom structures and understanding of journalism's role.