Journalism’s biggest problem isn’t what you think

University research is rarely applied to the real world.But highly relevant Graduated from Syracuse University This book should be required reading for executives in the journalism industry, not to mention Americans who consume news. The investigation revealed a flashing red light on the news industry’s dashboard.

The findings are based on what journalists themselves say about their profession. The researchers Syracuse Professor Lars Willnutt, collected survey data from 1,600 journalists across the country. This study builds on similar research efforts dating back to 1971.

of The results that seemed to attract the most attention That means only 3.4 percent of American journalists say they are Republicans, and 36.4 percent say they are Democrats. Fifty years ago, the percentage of Democratic journalists was about the same as it is today, but the percentage of Republican journalists was 25.7 percent. right-leaning mass media I was quick to point out this imbalance.

Political imbalance in the American news media is like being bitten by a dog these days. So it’s not really news. However, the question arises as to whether a wide range of perspectives can be found in the news agenda presented to news consumers.

The decline in moderate or centre-right working journalists also means that search committees tend to weed out candidates who do not share the accepted views in the news scene, giving media organizations the perspective they need. This is likely to mean further pressure on diversity. Although it is difficult to prove causation, it is probably not a coincidence. Media credibility has declined significantly. This is because the news media has lost its political balance. Audiences cannot trust news outlets that are perceived to be biased and ideologically unbalanced.

The political disparity among journalists is notable, but it’s actually less ominous for the news industry than other Syracuse findings. For example, more than six in 10 journalists surveyed said that journalism is heading in the “wrong direction.” Journalists themselves have reported concerns about declining public trust, acknowledging that the public perceives bias in the media. Considering the level of awareness of this issue in the profession, the question logically arises as to why professional reporters are allowing this apparent cancer to persist.

Another warning light from this study is that the average age of professional journalists is now 47 years old, which is significantly higher than the median age of 42 years for the country’s entire workforce. A generation ago, the average age of journalists was 36. As the profession ages, the percentage of journalists who say they are satisfied with their job has steadily declined over the years. Old grumpy reporters, this is hardly what the country needs.

The survey revealed another rather alarming trend in the lives of journalists. Over 70% of journalists say they regularly gather information for articles from social media sites. In fact, social media is pervasive in American consciousness and habits. But given the empty, Wild West nature of the social media world, it’s worth wondering whether this is a useful direction for serious journalists. In the old days, reporters would talk directly to real reporters or go out into the streets and talk to people.

A final discouraging finding from the Syracuse survey was that only 7.4 percent of journalists said it was very important to their mission to “reach the widest possible audience.” is. There was a time when journalists wanted to reach a wide, indiscriminate audience in order to inform as many news consumers as possible.

Journalists now seem comfortable directing their stories to niche audiences. While it’s true that news consumers tend to pay attention to echo chambers, it’s unfortunate that reporters have given up on serving a segment of the population. While the concept of a mass audience is becoming increasingly obsolete by the minute, journalists catering to the whims of professional news consumers will only further complicate an increasingly polarized and divided nation.

People are learning that every day. Rapid decline of the journalism industryDue to declining readership and viewership, Reductions in staff at news organizations, a flimsy news agenda, and a weakened financial model. National leaders should have legitimate concerns about their citizens being uninformed, focused on nonsense, and absorbing fake news and conspiracies.

This Syracuse University study, a behind-the-scenes look at journalists in the field, should raise serious concerns about whether those currently in the reporting profession have the power and vision to turn the industry around. .

Journalism serves an important mission to American culture and governance. Journalism can be the glue that holds complex societies together and makes them work. Journalism is too important to fail. A change of direction is necessary sooner or later. Those in power in the news industry have an obligation to the state to clarify this issue.

Jeffrey M. McCall is a media critic and communications professor at DePauw University. He has worked as a radio news director, newspaper reporter, and political media consultant. Follow him on Twitter @Prof_McCall.