We’ve Got a Problem, Folks
Look, I’ve been in this game for 22 years. Started as a cub reporter in Dundee, back when newspapers still smelled like ink and newsrooms buzzed like hives. I’ve seen a lot. But honestly? The state of news today? It’s a mess.
I was at a conference in Austin last year, and this kid—let’s call him Marcus—told me, ‘Journalism is dead.’ I laughed in his face. But now? I’m not so sure.
It’s not just the obvious stuff. Yes, clickbait is a plague. Yes, social media has turned us all into outrage machines. But it’s deeper than that. It’s the small, insidious things that are killing us.
The Tyranny of the Now
We’re addicted to breaking news. It’s like we’ve forgotten that news is supposed to inform, not just react. I mean, I get it. I’ve been there. You see a tweet, you panic, you publish. But at what cost?
I remember when I was working at the Dundee News, back in ’03. We had this intern, Sarah. Bright kid. She once spent 36 hours digging into a council scandal. 36 hours! Now? You’d be lucky to get 36 minutes.
And don’t even get me started on corrections. Back in the day, you’d rather eat a dictionary than print a mistake. Now? It’s like we’ve got a ‘my bad’ culture. ‘Oops, we got it wrong, here’s the update.’ No big deal. But it is a big deal. It’s our committment to truth that’s on the line.
The Algorithm Trap
Here’s the thing about algorithms: they’re kinda like that friend who only wants to talk about one topic. You know the type. You try to change the subject, but no. They’re stuck in their ways.
News outlets? We feed these algorithms. We give them what they want—sensationalism, controversy, outrage. And they spit back more of the same. It’s a vicious cycle. And we’re all complicit.
I was having coffee with a colleague named Dave last Tuesday. He said, ‘We’re not in the business of news anymore. We’re in the business of engagement.’ Which… yeah. Fair enough. But at what cost?
We’re sacrificing depth for clicks. We’re prioritizing virality over veracity. And it’s not just the big players. It’s all of us. It’s me. It’s you. It’s that guy who runs the local blog.
A Quick Digression: The Weather
Okay, this is kinda off topic, but hear me out. The weather’s been weird lately, right? I mean, it’s August, and I’m sitting here in Dundee, wearing a jumper. What’s that about?
But seriously, folks. We’re so focused on the news cycle that we’re missing the big picture. Climate change isn’t news. It’s a fact. But we treat it like a story. ‘Oh look, another heatwave. Let’s do a piece on it.’ No. Just… no.
We need to do better. We need to be better. And that starts with admitting that we’ve got a problem.
So, What Do We Do?
First, we slow down. We take a breath. We remember that news is about informing, not just reacting. We need to invest in real journalism. The kind that takes time. The kind that requires effort.
Second, we need to be honest about our biases. We all have them. I’ve got a million. But we can’t let them dictate our coverage. We need to be transparent. We need to be accountable.
And third, we need to support each other. This isn’t a competition. It’s a commonty. We’re all in this together. And if we don’t start acting like it, we’re gonna be in trouble.
I’m not saying it’s easy. It’s not. But it’s necessary. And frankly, it’s the least we can do.
Oh, and if you’re looking for some practical advice on how to live a more sustainable life, check out these sürdürülebilir yaşam pratik ipuçları. I mean, it’s not directly related, but hey, every little bit helps, right?
Anyway, that’s enough from me. I’m gonna go have a lie down. This stuff exhausts me.
About the Author: Jane McMillan has been a journalist for 22 years, working in print, broadcast, and digital media. She currently serves as a senior editor at Dundee News, where she covers a wide range of topics, from local politics to global affairs. When she’s not writing, she can be found hiking in the Scottish Highlands or arguing with her cat about the merits of veganism.
In an era of information overload, understanding the challenges facing journalism is crucial; consider exploring the state of modern news.
In a candid reflection on the state of journalism, a reporter shares concerns about the challenges facing the news industry today.