Look, I’ve Been a Journalist for 22 Years

And let me tell you, the news industry is in a kinda deep hole right now. I started out at a small paper in Dundee, back in ’98. It was messy, chaotic, but honest. Now? Honestly, I’m not sure what it is anymore.

I remember sitting with my editor, let’s call him Marcus, over coffee at the place on 5th. We talked about how news was changing. This was back in 2008. He said, “Liz, we’re gonna have to adapt or die.” I laughed. I mean, how wrong we were.

Social Media: The Great Disruptor

Social media is both the best and worst thing to happen to news. It’s democratized information, sure. But it’s also made everyone a “journalist.” You know, like your uncle Dave who thinks he’s an expert because he watched a YouTube video.

I was at a conference in Austin last year. A colleague named Sarah told me, “We’re drowning in information, but starving for knowledge.” Which… yeah. Fair enough.

And don’t even get me started on algorithms. They’re feeding us what we want, not what we need. It’s like living in a echo chamber of our own making. I read this study, 214 respondents, basically said they only see news that confirms their biases. Great.

The Decline of Local News

Local news is dying. It’s a slow, painful death. I saw it happen in Dundee. The Dundee Courier, where I cut my teeth, it’s a shadow of what it was. Now it’s all clickbait and listicles. “Top 10 Places to Eat in Dundee” — groundbreaking stuff.

I talked to a friend, let’s call him Jamie, last Tuesday. He’s a reporter at a small paper in Glasgow. He said, “Liz, we can’t even cover the council meetings anymore. We’re expected to churn out 8 stories a day. It’s completley unsustainable.” I know, Jamie. I know.

And the physicaly newspapers? They’re struggling. Advertising revenue is down. Subscriptions are down. It’s a vicious cycle. I read this article, I think it was in The Guardian, about how local news outlets are gonna need to find new revenue streams or they’re gonna die. Shocking insight, guys.

Fake News: The Elephant in the Room

Fake news. Ugh. It’s a term I hate, but it’s here to stay. The problem is, it’s not just the obvious stuff. It’s the nuanced, the half-truths, the stuff that’s just… wrong. And it’s everywhere.

I was talking to a source, let’s call him Marcus again, about three months ago. He said, “Liz, it’s not about left or right anymore. It’s about truth vs. lies.” And he’s right. It’s that simple, and that complex.

And look, I’m not saying I’m perfect. I’ve made mistakes. We all have. But there’s a difference between making a mistake and deliberately spreading disinformation. There is.

What Can We Do?

So, what’s the solution? I wish I knew. But I’ve got a few ideas. First, we need to support quality journalism. Subscribe to your local paper. Pay for news. It’s worth it.

Second, we need to be critical consumers of news. Question everything. Don’t just take it at face value. And for the love of god, read beyond the headlines.

And third, we need to talk about it. Talk to your friends, your family, your colleagues. Discuss the news. Debate it. But do it with respect and a willingness to listen.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, check out this alternative medicine practices guide. I mean, it’s not directly related, but it’s interesting stuff. You never know what you might learn.

Anyway, I could go on, but I won’t. The point is, the news is broken. But it’s not beyond repair. We just need to care enough to fix it.

About the Author: Liz McIntyre has been a journalist for over 22 years. She’s worked at everything from small local papers to national publications. She’s seen the industry change, and she’s not always liked what she’s seen. But she’s not one to shy away from a fight. When she’s not writing, she’s probably arguing about politics, drinking coffee, or both.

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