There’s been a lot of chatter about the changing landscape of news recently. Sure, people will always be drawn to written content—it’s quicker than listening or watching. But that doesn’t mean readers—news buffs, in particular—will stick with any given platform.
Michael Kelly, a respected figure in American journalism, used to emphasize that journalism is more of a craft than a profession. He believed anyone could pick it up, since there’s no formal license required like there is for doctors or lawyers. With the internet booming, the pathways into journalism have surged.
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The First Amendment has allowed journalism to flourish in ways that other countries might envy. The idea of constant change driven by capitalism—thank you, Joseph Schumpeter—is especially pertinent to journalism. The ebb and flow of media platforms reflects this freedom of the press. Despite the diminishing federal funding for organizations like NPR, the media realm itself keeps expanding.
Following the recent layoffs at the Washington Post, discussions about the decline—and, at times, the downfall—of newspapers have intensified. If this article caught your eye, chances are you didn’t find it through a traditional newspaper subscription. Traditional “news” sources face a significant challenge. With an abundance of free content, it’s tough for subscription-based models to stay afloat.
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I’ve been navigating the world of both broadcast and print journalism since 1979. Throughout this time, I’ve often critiqued the traditional media for its apparent biases—liberal, and even leftist at times. It’s worth noting, though, that my criticisms aren’t directed solely at the Washington Post, where I wrote from 2017 until late 2024.
Fred Hiatt, the editorial page editor who brought me on board, was not only an incredible editor but also a genuinely good person, as were Ruth Marcus and David Shipley who followed him. They were a pleasure to collaborate with. But after leaving, I also chose to stop my subscription. That’s just how it is. Over recent years, I’ve unsubscribed from several major publications, including The New York Times and the British Telegraph, save for the Wall Street Journal.
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The Wall Street Journal offers solid coverage on significant stories that traditional media also tackles. It’s particularly appealing for those following teams like the Cleveland Browns. Similarly, the Cleveland Plain Dealer has adapted well, with its sports magazine editor, David Campbell, effectively nurturing a critical revenue source.
Campbell collaborates with seasoned reporters and runs a podcast while training new journalists. I can’t help but think that successful platforms in sports-rich areas are doing something akin to this, though it does mean that some journalists might find themselves outside the sports arena.
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The Cleveland journal remains a benchmark for what still works, relying on subscription revenue while capturing reader interest with both quality text and multimedia. In a world overflowing with free content, it’s unsurprising that this transformation has posed challenges for legacy platforms that once held a near monopoly. What used to be a stabilized revenue model is now at risk.
Writers today, like Andrew Sullivan—who has changed the game with independent subscriptions—are no longer alone in this. Many journalists now thrive under similar models. However, it’s clear: If you don’t engage with your audience, you risk losing your livelihood.
Successful journals today realize that quality must marry exceptional service unique to their readership. Signature elements have long been part of branding, and they remain essential. Both emerging and enduring platforms must prioritize subscriber satisfaction; alienating your audience? That simply doesn’t work.
The sheer volume of free information can be lethal for those unwilling or unable to offer compelling paid content. It’s a tough reality, especially for those who, quite frankly, are redundant or subpar.
Text-based platforms are still abundant, and so are avenues for distribution. The number of active journalists appears to have risen with the advent of the web. Merriam-Webster defines journalism broadly: anyone who collects or reports news qualifies. Essentially, if you’re producing news, you’re a journalist, regardless of your employer.
We’ve entered a new phase in journalism without traditional gatekeepers. This could indeed be a golden era for the field in America.
