Journalism has always been a significant part of our
nation’s democratic framework, informing citizens, shaping public discourse,
and holding power to account. However, in recent years, the industry has found
itself at a crossroads, confronting unprecedented challenges that threaten both
its existence and its mission. Technological advancements, economic pressures,
shifts in public trust, and the ever-evolving political landscape have
fundamentally altered the environment in which journalism operates. The future
of journalism in our country is uncertain, yet the outcome will have profound
implications not only for the media but for society as a whole.
The rise of digital technology, especially the internet, has
been the most transformative force in shaping modern journalism. The ways in
which news is gathered, disseminated, and consumed have drastically changed
over the past two decades. While this digital revolution has democratized
information and empowered more voices, it has also disrupted traditional models
of journalism, particularly those reliant on print and advertising revenue.
Newspapers that once thrived on a steady stream of print subscriptions and
classifieds have been decimated, replaced by an online ecosystem where content
is often free, ad-driven, and delivered at lightning speed.
At the heart of this disruption is the emergence of social
media platforms as the primary source of news for millions of people. Platforms
like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have effectively become the gatekeepers
of information, with algorithms that determine what stories reach which
audiences. While this has allowed for unprecedented immediacy and reach, it has
also contributed to the spread of misinformation, clickbait, and sensationalist
content. The emphasis on speed over accuracy, engagement over depth, and
virality over verification has, in many cases, undermined the quality of
journalism and left audiences with a distorted view of the world.
Moreover, the traditional advertising revenue model that
once supported news organizations has been fundamentally disrupted by the rise
of tech giants like Google and Facebook. These companies now dominate the
digital advertising space, capturing the lion’s share of ad revenue that
previously sustained journalism. As a result, many newsrooms have been forced
to downsize, cut investigative teams, and even shut down entirely. The collapse
of local journalism is particularly worrying. Without robust local news
outlets, communities lose their ability to scrutinize local government and
institutions, creating an information vacuum that erodes civic engagement.
This financial instability has pushed many news
organizations to explore alternative models, such as paywalls, memberships, and
nonprofit funding. Some have found success, but these models also raise
important questions about access and equity. When quality journalism is locked
behind paywalls, it risks becoming a privilege for those who can afford it,
exacerbating existing inequalities in access to information. At a time when
public trust in the media is already fragile, the notion that reliable news is
a commodity available only to those with means presents a troubling future for
an informed citizenry.
In our country, the financial woes of journalism are
compounded by a deepening crisis of public trust. Surveys show that trust in
the media has been steadily declining over the past decade, fueled in part by
political polarization and the rise of populist movements. Accusations of bias,
sensationalism, and fake news have become common refrains, often stoked by
political leaders seeking to discredit unfavorable reporting. This erosion of
trust poses a serious threat to the very foundations of democracy. If people no
longer believe in the integrity of the press, they are less likely to engage
with factual information, less able to make informed decisions, and less
equipped to hold power accountable.
The polarization of media consumption is another challenge
that looms large over the future of journalism in our country. Increasingly,
people are turning to news sources that reflect their own political and
ideological perspectives, creating echo chambers that reinforce existing biases
and further entrench societal divisions. In such an environment, journalism’s
traditional role as an objective, fact-based arbiter of truth becomes more
difficult to uphold. The pressures of partisan competition can push news
outlets to cater to specific audiences, resulting in content that is more
focused on sensationalizing conflict than fostering understanding or dialogue.
Despite these challenges, there are also reasons for
cautious optimism. The digital age has empowered a new generation of
journalists who are using innovative methods to reach audiences and tell
important stories. Data journalism, multimedia reporting, and immersive
storytelling through podcasts and videos are expanding the ways in which news
can be consumed and understood. The rise of citizen journalism, while not
without its drawbacks, has also contributed to a more inclusive media
landscape, where voices that were once marginalized can now be heard. These
innovations, while still in their early stages, have the potential to
revitalize journalism and help it adapt to the demands of the 21st century.
Moreover, the demand for quality journalism remains strong,
particularly in times of crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example,
demonstrated the critical role that journalism plays in providing accurate
information, dispelling rumors, and holding public officials to account. During
the pandemic, many news outlets saw a surge in subscriptions and readership as
people sought reliable information in an uncertain time. This renewed interest
in trustworthy reporting suggests that, despite its current struggles,
journalism still has a vital role to play in our society.
However, if journalism is to thrive in the future, it must
address the systemic issues that have led to its current predicament. One of
the most pressing needs is for a new business model that can sustain quality
journalism in the digital age. While subscription models have shown promise,
they are not a panacea, and many smaller outlets will struggle to survive
without additional support. Governments, philanthropists, and the private
sector must explore ways to fund journalism that does not compromise its independence
or accessibility. Public funding models, such as those used by the BBC in the
United Kingdom or NPR in the United States, could offer a template for
providing reliable, non-partisan journalism that serves the public interest.
In addition to financial sustainability, journalism must
also confront its trust deficit. Restoring public trust will require a
concerted effort by news organizations to improve transparency, accuracy, and
accountability. Fact-checking, corrections, and editorial standards must be
more rigorously enforced. At the same time, journalists must engage more
directly with their audiences, fostering a sense of dialogue rather than simply
broadcasting information. This may mean rethinking traditional newsroom hierarchies
and creating spaces for more collaborative and community-based journalism that
reflects the concerns of diverse audiences.
The role of education cannot be overstated in shaping the
future of journalism. Media literacy should be a priority in our schools,
teaching young people how to critically evaluate sources of information,
discern between fact and opinion, and navigate the complexities of the digital
media landscape. Empowering the next generation to be discerning consumers of
news will help to counter the rise of misinformation and ensure that journalism
continues to play its vital role in society. The government also has a role to
play in safeguarding the future of journalism, but it must do so without
undermining press freedom. Legislation that protects journalists from
harassment, violence, and censorship is essential. At the same time, the
government must refrain from interfering in the editorial independence of the
press or using public funds to exert influence over media coverage. The
independence of journalism is non-negotiable in a healthy democracy, and any
efforts to regulate the industry must be carefully balanced to preserve this
principle.
Looking ahead, the future of journalism in our country will
depend on how well it adapts to a rapidly changing landscape. The digital
revolution, while disruptive, also presents opportunities for innovation and
reinvention. Journalists and news organizations must embrace new technologies,
explore new business models, and rebuild trust with their audiences. But they
cannot do this alone. The survival of journalism requires the collective effort
of governments, private sector leaders, educators, and citizens alike.
For journalism to continue to serve as a pillar of
democracy, it must remain resilient, adaptable, and committed to its core
values: truth, accountability, and the public good. We must recognize that
journalism is not just another industry in crisis, but a vital institution that
underpins the health of our democracy. Without it, the very fabric of our
society will fray. With it, we can ensure that future generations will continue
to have access to the information they need to shape their world.
The future of journalism is uncertain, but the stakes are
too high to allow it to fail. In a time of great upheaval, journalism has the
potential to emerge stronger, more inclusive, and more responsive to the needs
of a diverse and rapidly changing society. It will require new ideas, bold
actions, and an unwavering commitment to the principles that have always guided
the best of journalism. The path forward is not easy, but it is essential for
the preservation of an informed public, a healthy democracy, and a just
society. ?
(The Writer is Editor in Chief of the Assamese E-Magazine
SAMPROTIK. Views are personal. Email: himangshur1989@gmail.com)
