Media Executives Gather In D.C. As News Industry Faces Existential Questions

by

In 1972, amidst the Watergate controversy, Gallup initially surveyed U.S. citizens to measure their confidence in the media, with 68% expressing trust. This figure climbed to 72% by 1976, four years later.

Gallup continues to query consumers about this topic, and currently, trust in the media stands at a record-breaking low of 31%, a persistent decline that’s been simmering for many years.

It’s appropriate that the discussion among media executives and broadcasters about why American trust in media is declining and how to rebuild it took place within Gallup’s headquarters in Washington D.C.

Or

Inside Gallup’s Washington D.C. office, a gathering of media executives and on-air personalities convened to explore the reasons behind the falling trust in media in America and brainstorm solutions to turn the tide.

The event titled “Innovation to Restore Trust in News: A National Summit” was held at the Gallup building, where Semafor’s co-founders, Ben Smith and Justin Smith, along with media editor Max Tani, engaged their guests in discussions about the current predicament of the news industry.

Additionally, it served as a gathering for media correspondents (with a notable presence of journalists from The New York Times), where it appeared that almost every journalist specializing in this field was intensely jotting down notes during the discussions, and conversing about the unfortunate situation at the social event over cocktails.

Initially, there was quite a stir when CNN CEO Mark Thompson bluntly stated during his discussion with Tani that he indeed does not have faith in the media.

In essence, Thompson expressed a viewpoint that distinguishes him from many others in traditional media: he prefers an audience that questions rather than blindly complies. He suggests we should stop lamenting the loss of trust and instead strive for a more mature relationship where the audience is seen as discerning rather than gullible, requiring us to up our game to engage them effectively.

In essence, Thompson and others present suggested that the “age of deference,” which Gallup might have identified in the 1970s, probably won’t return, and instead, we can expect more unpredictability in the immediate future. This is due to the ongoing digital democratization and disruption of traditional political deference, a phenomenon that keeps evolving.

Essentially, as Cesar Conde, NBCUniversal News Group chairman, stated, the media sector has reached a significant turning point and must adjust in response.

In simpler terms, Megyn Kelly (who used to host on Fox News but now has a podcast) commented that “[the media] brought about its own downfall, it was disgraceful, and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

She remarked, “It’s somewhat disheartening since I was once part of traditional media, and it’s sad to see its new direction.” However, her critique appeared to center on the biases exhibited by those who create news. She expressed her belief that America would be stronger if we could revert back to the original versions of CNN and MSNBC.

So, what can the media do?

Maybe being more dispassionate is one part of the equation.

According to the Wall Street Journal’s editor-in-chief Emma Tucker, having a bit of distance can be beneficial for journalists and editors. When people seem to be losing interest in news and don’t trust it, it falls on us to rebuild that trust. We ensure our readers understand that we are there to observe and report, not to take part in the events ourselves.

As a dedicated news enthusiast, I’ve strived to approach my coverage with an objective lens, aiming to detach personal feelings from the stories I present. Over the years, I’ve observed that this can be challenging for many, leading to emotional responses that may alienate some viewers.

It might be more beneficial for the audience to have increased openness. In contrast to Walter Cronkite in the 1970s, who was often seen as an authoritative figure, modern news brands could distinguish themselves by openly sharing their perspectives or the learning process behind their articles, fostering a deeper engagement with the audience. As Thompson observed, today’s audience may prefer to be actively involved in the news rather than just consuming it passively.

Joe Kahn, an editor at The New York Times, mentioned that having beat reporters communicate directly with readers and viewers about their ongoing projects and methods, fostering a sense of familiarity with the authors, contributes to building trust.

I often find myself discussing strategies for building trust, and let me tell you, it’s all about respecting the intelligence of our audience,” notes NPR CEO Katherine Maher. (In this case, I’ve changed “We” to “I” and made minor adjustments to make the sentence more conversational.)

Perhaps, local news could emphasize their role as a trusted source of information within the media landscape.

In our field, it’s crucial that we actively support local news outlets,” Conde pointed out. “Our local television channels form the foundation of what we do, giving us a significant edge in competition.

Our organization boasts approximately 200 newsrooms nationwide, employing nearly 3,000 local journalists. Every quarter, we meet with the heads of these newsrooms to discuss their plans and discover what topics resonate with their respective communities. This way, we aim to be more responsive and cater to the interests of our audience,” Maher explained, emphasizing this approach as a key aspect that sets NPR apart. “In other words, we’re focusing on what matters most to the people in each community.

Moreover, when it comes to current events, there’s no denying the difficulties inherent in straightforward news reporting. Yet, even Kelly acknowledges the importance of reporters on the ground, as they supply the unbiased details that serve as the foundation for her commentaries.

And there are early signals that we are in a boomtime for news.

According to Kahn, news benefits businesses. Furthermore, he mentioned that Donald Trump, during his initial month in office, has been the most news-making president he’s encountered yet.

Read More

2025-02-28 23:26