Journalism Left Behind: What Former Journalists Miss Most and Re-Entry Motivations

Theodora Dame Adjin-Tettey; Manfred A.K. Asuman

doi:10.1177/10776990261436068

Journalism Left Behind: What Former Journalists Miss Most and Re-Entry Motivations

Theodora Dame Adjin-Tettey
, Manfred A.K. Asuman

Durban University of Technology
Western University

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Undergirded by Self-Determination Theory, this study explores what could pull former Ghanaian journalists back into the profession. We argue that passion and real desire for societal transformation drive people into journalism and could serve as a “pull-back” factor. Data was gleaned from 30 former journalists through semi-structured interviews. Qualitative analysis revealed that while most journalists had a difficult time deciding to quit because of passion, some major push factors were poor work-life balance, safety concerns, and unfavorable work conditions, including burnout. We conclude that flexible work schedules, good remuneration, among others, can draw former journalists back into the profession.

Original language	English
Journal	Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1177/10776990261436068
Publication status	Accepted/In press - 2026
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

former journalists
journalism
journalism practice
push and pull factors
re-entry motivations

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10.1177/10776990261436068

Cite this

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abstract = "Undergirded by Self-Determination Theory, this study explores what could pull former Ghanaian journalists back into the profession. We argue that passion and real desire for societal transformation drive people into journalism and could serve as a “pull-back” factor. Data was gleaned from 30 former journalists through semi-structured interviews. Qualitative analysis revealed that while most journalists had a difficult time deciding to quit because of passion, some major push factors were poor work-life balance, safety concerns, and unfavorable work conditions, including burnout. We conclude that flexible work schedules, good remuneration, among others, can draw former journalists back into the profession.",

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Journalism Left Behind: What Former Journalists Miss Most and Re-Entry Motivations

Abstract

Keywords

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