Journalism isn’t dying. It’s decentralising.
Journalism isn’t dying. If anything, the newsroom is.
More accurately, the newsroom is evolving.
For years, I mostly consumed news from legacy publications built on traditional ideas of what journalism should be. Then, after 15 years inside newsrooms, I stepped out.
Looking back, I realise most newsrooms operate with a God complex. They dictate what matters instead of engaging with their audience
Lately, I’ve found myself moving away from consuming only traditional media and instead also following individual journalists and reporters directly. But why? Three main reasons:
A personal connection:
Following individual journalists builds a connection that traditional publications often lack. Instead of feeling like I’m being talked at, I feel like I’m part of a conversation.
More transparency and less bureaucracy:
Decisions in newsrooms are often dictated by those in glass offices. They control not just what gets published but what doesn’t. Independent journalists have more freedom to show their full process.
Less chasing headlines and more depth:
Instead of rushing to break news, independent journalists provide context, answer questions in real time, and offer first-person insight without fearmongering or the pressure of daily stats.
This shift isn’t just my personal view. It’s a broader trend. In a recent interview on Colin and Samir, Johnny and Iz Harris from New Press put it perfectly.
‘Young people don’t think of news the same way that the Old Guard has … In the old days, news was what was happening right now … It’s usually sensational events happening around the world …
‘That is becoming less and less interesting to people … They’re like, “this is not actually relevant to my life” ‘
I highly recommend watching the full episode.
If you’re looking for great independent voices, check out Qaanitah Hunter, Yusuf Omar, Nthabi Nhlapo and Aaron P.
Journalism isn’t dying. It’s decentralising. And I believe that’s exactly what it needs.
- Eloff is the Chief of Staff at Turning Pro, a New York-based podcast, and an award-winning journalist and digital storyteller
