Look, I’m Not Supposed to Admit This
But the news industry is in a real mess. I’ve been at this for 21 years, and honestly, I’m not sure how much longer I can keep doing it. Not because I don’t love it—because I do—but because it’s changing so fast it’s hard to keep up. And not in a good way.
I remember back in 1998, when I started at the Aberdeen Herald, it was all about the story. The chase, the thrill, the impact. Now? It’s alot about clicks, algorithms, and some weird obsession with viral content. Which, frankly, is exhausting.
When Did We Start Chasing Clicks Than Substance?
Let me tell you about last Tuesday. I was at a conference in Austin, and this kid—let’s call him Marcus—stood up and said, ‘The news isn’t about truth anymore. It’s about engagement.’ I mean, I almost choked on my coffee. I turned to my colleague, Dave, and said, ‘Did he really just say that?’ And Dave, bless his heart, just shrugged and said, ‘Welcome to 2023, mate.’
But here’s the thing: Marcus isn’t wrong. Not completley, at least. The industry has shifted, and it’s shifted hard. We’re not just reporting the news anymore; we’re curating it, packaging it, selling it. And sometimes, I’m not sure what we’re selling is even news anymore.
My Friend Sarah Said Something Interesting
About three months ago, Sarah and I were grabbing lunch at this little place on 5th. She’s a journalist too, been at it for about 15 years. She told me, ‘You know, I used to believe in this. I used to think we were making a difference.’ And I said, ‘What changed?’ And she just looked at me and said, ‘The internet, Mark. The internet changed everything.’
And she’s right. The internet changed everything. It changed how we consume news, how we produce it, how we think about it. And honestly? I’m not sure it’s been for the better.
But Here’s the Thing About Alternative Medicine
Now, I know what you’re thinking: ‘Mark, what does alternative medicine have to do with journalism?’ And the answer is: nothing. But hear me out. See, I was reading this alternative medicine practices guide the other day, and it got me thinking about how we, as journalists, have become alot like those alternative medicine practitioners. We’re not just reporting the facts anymore; we’re selling a product. And sometimes, that product is kinda dubious.
I mean, think about it. We used to be the gatekeepers of truth. Now? We’re just another voice in the noise. And honestly, it’s kinda depressing.
But I’m Not Gonna Lie
There are still good days. Days when I feel like I’m making a difference. Like last month, when I broke that story about the city council’s committment to renewable energy. That felt good. That felt like journalism.
But those days are fewer and farther between. And I’m not sure how much longer I can keep doing this. Not sure if I want to.
I Guess What I’m Trying to Say Is…
I’m not sure anymore. I’m not sure about the industry, I’m not sure about my role in it, I’m not sure about anything. Except that I love telling stories. And I hate seeing them turned into some kinda clickbait nonsense.
So, I don’t know. Maybe I’ll stick it out. Maybe I’ll find a way to make it work. Or maybe I’ll just pack it all in and become a barista. Which, honestly, might not be the worst idea.
But for now, I’m still here. Still fighting the good fight. Still trying to make a difference. Even if it feels like a losing battle sometimes.
Because, at the end of the day, that’s what journalism is about, right? Making a difference. Even if it’s just a little one.
About the Author
Mark Thompson has been a senior editor for over 20 years, working with major publications across the UK. He’s seen the industry evolve, devolve, and everything in between. When he’s not wrestling with the news cycle, he’s probably complaining about it over a pint.
