Let’s Talk About Journalism, Kids
Look, I’ve been in this game for 22 years. Started at a tiny paper in Burlington back in ’99. Remember when news was, I dunno, news? Not this hot mess we’re serving up now.
I was at a conference in Austin last year, and this kid—let’s call him Marcus—tells me, “Ma’am, we’re just giving people what they want.” Ma’am. I’m 45. And what we’re giving them is clickbait and outrage. So, yeah. Thanks, Marcus.
It’s not all bad, though. I mean, we’ve got more voices than ever. More perspectives. That’s something, right? But the way we’re doing it? It’s a disaster. And honestly, I’m not sure we can fix it.
Why Can’t We Just Agree on Facts Anymore?
Okay, so here’s the thing. I was at a barbecue last summer—my neighbor Dave grills a mean brisket—anyway, Dave’s cousin starts going on about how “the media” is “fake news.” And I’m like, “Bro, I’m the media. What are you talking about?”
And he says—get this—”Not you, Liz. You’re different.” Which… yeah. Fair enough. But that’s the problem, right? We’ve got this idea that there’s “real” news and then there’s “other” news. And the “other” news is where we’re failing. Miserably.
I talked to a colleague named Sarah about this. She’s over at the Times now, big deal. And she’s like, “Liz, it’s about algorithms. It’s about engagement. It’s not about truth.” And I’m like, “Sarah, come on. We can’t just throw up our hands.” But I’m not sure what else to do.
And What About Local News? Remember That?
So, about three months ago, I’m at this thing—some chamber of commerce breakfast, ugh—and this woman, let’s call her Margaret, she’s going on about how her town’s paper shut down. And I’m like, “Margaret, that’s terrible.” And she’s like, “Yeah, and now we just get whatever’s on that Facebook thing.”
And I’m sitting there, thinking, “This is it. This is how democracy dies.” Not with a bang, but with a bunch of unvetted, unchecked, completely bonkers Facebook posts. Great.
I mean, look, I get it. News is expensive. Local news is really expensive. But we can’t just let it die, right? I don’t have the answers here. I wish I did. Maybe if we all chipped in, I dunno, $5 a month? But who’s gonna do that?
Oh, and Let’s Talk About Money
Speaking of money, remember when we used to have, like, standards? When newsrooms had these big, thick style guides and everyone followed them? Yeah, me neither. Those days are long gone.
I was talking to this guy—let’s call him Greg—at a diner on 5th. Greg’s a reporter over at the Gazette. And he’s telling me about how they’re expected to hit, like, 12 stories a day. 12! And half of them have to be “engagement-driven.” Which, Greg tells me, is just a fancy way of saying “clickbait.”
And I’m like, “Greg, that’s not journalism.” And he’s like, “Liz, it’s 2023. This is journalism now.” And I’m like, “No, Greg. No, it’s not.”
A Quick Digression: Real Estate and Whatnot
So, I was looking at this real estate market forecast 2026 the other day. I know, I know, stay on topic, Liz. But hear me out.
It’s just… yeah. It’s got me thinking about how we cover money stuff. We’re either too wonky or too simplistic. There’s no in-between. And people deserve better. They really do.
Anyway, back to the dumpster fire that is modern journalism. Because, you know, that’s what you’re here for.
The Light at the End of the Tunnel (Maybe)
So, last Tuesday, I’m at this thing—some media summit, super boring—and this kid gets up. Let’s call him Tyler. And Tyler’s talking about how he and his friends started this little hyperlocal news site. And they’re not making any money, but they’re doing it because they care. And I’m like, “Tyler, that’s amazing.”
And he’s like, “Yeah, but it’s hard, you know?” And I’m like, “Tyler, honey, welcome to the club.” But still. There’s hope, right? Maybe?
I don’t know. Maybe we’re doomed. Maybe we’re not. But I do know this: we can’t keep going the way we’re going. Something’s gotta give.
And that’s all I’ve got. Thanks for reading, I guess.
Author Bio: Liz Carter has been a journalist for, like, ever. She’s worked at tiny papers and big ones, and she’s seen it all. She lives in Vermont with her cat, Mr. Whiskers, and she’s not afraid to call out bullshit when she sees it.
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