We’re All Just Making This Up as We Go
Look, I’ve been in this business for 22 years. Started at a tiny paper in Ohio—let’s call it the Cleveland Chronicle—back when we still used typewriters (kinda). I’ve seen a lot change, but honestly, the core of it? Still feels like we’re making it up as we go.
Last Tuesday, I was at a conference in Austin (yes, that one where it’s always 110 degrees and everyone pretends to care about blockchain), and I heard some hotshot from a digital news startup say, “The future of news is algorithmic.” I laughed so hard I snorted. Which, frankly, is not a sound you wanna make in a room full of people who think they’re saving journalism.
Algorithms? Please. You know what algorithms give you? More ads for shoes you don’t need. Not exactly the pillar of democracy we’re looking for, right?
But Let’s Talk About the Real Problem
It’s not the algorithms. It’s not even the clickbait. It’s the fact that we’re all so damn scared of offending someone that we’ve forgotten how to actually report. I mean, I get it. No one wants to be the next guy canceled on Twitter for asking a tough question. But come on. We’re journalists, not kindergarten teachers.
I had a colleague named Dave—great guy, terrible at spreadsheets—who got into it with our editor last year over a piece he wanted to write about local housing prices. Dave’s piece? Honest. Brutal, even. Our editor? Wanted to “soften” it. “We can’t alienate our readers,” she said. I asked her, “What’s the point then?” She didn’t have an answer. (Which, honestly, says a lot.)
And don’t even get me started on the “both sides” nonsense. No, not every issue has two sides. Sometimes there’s a right side, a wrong side, and a bunch of people who are too scared to say so. I mean, look at the climate change deniers. They’re not a “side.” They’re just wrong. But sure, let’s give them equal time because “balance.” Give me a break.
So What’s the Fix?
I don’t know. Honestly, I’m not sure anyone does. But I do know this: we need to stop being so damn polite. We need to stop worrying about offending people and start worrying about telling the truth. Even if it’s uncomfortable. Even if it’s messy.
And while we’re at it, maybe we should all take a break from healthy recipes meal planning and focus on actual news. You know, the stuff that matters. Like why our local school district can’t afford new textbooks but somehow has $87 million for a new stadium. Or why the guy running for mayor thinks it’s okay to have his campaign funded by a company that pollutes our water. That kinda thing.
I mean, I get it. It’s hard. It’s scary. But it’s our job. And if we’re not gonna do it, then who is?
Anyway, I’m gonna go drink a beer and complain about millennials. (Kidding! Mostly.)
But seriously, folks. We gotta do better. For all our sakes.
About the Author: Jane Doe has been a journalist for 22 years, starting at a small paper in Ohio and working her way up to senior editor at major publications. She’s opinionated, flawed, and not afraid to say what she thinks. You can find her on Twitter @janedoe or at the local bar, complaining about the state of the news industry.
If you are keen to understand the challenges and nuances of today’s news landscape, consider exploring this editor’s perspective on truths and misconceptions in news.
