Program Directory

Columbus Metropolitan Club - 6-23-2021 - Future of News in a Digital World

A January 7 Reuters article reports there are changes coming for news outlets and long-held public assumptions about journalists and media in general. The article reads, "Three-quarters (76%) of our sample of editors, CEOs, and digital leaders say Covid-19 has accelerated their plans for digital transition. Business plans include more remote working and a faster switch to reader-focused business models." And, relative to the content, "Traditional notions of journalistic impartiality and objectivity are coming under pressure in an era of greater political and social polarization - with more partial news outlets set to launch this year.
"Despite this," the article continues, "the vast majority (88%) of those surveyed, which includes a large number of senior editors, say that the concept of impartiality matters more than ever. At the same time, almost half (48%) agree that there are some political and social issues where it makes no sense to be neutral." To the consumers and how they will consume, "Many argue that sustainable independent media require a different approach supported by multiple revenue streams. Our panel will discuss the changes COVID accelerated, which will be sustained into the future, and what news will look like as a result of these changes.

Featuring Alan Miller, Executive Editor, The Columbus Dispatch and Gannet Ohio Regional Editor, and Walker Evans, Co-Founder & CEO, Columbus Underground, with host, Ann Fisher, host, All Sides With Ann Fisher, WOSU Public Media.

June 23, 2021