Platforms need the news, but they're killing it

Key takeaways

The evolution of journalism is heavily influenced by technology, with platforms controlling the distribution and visibility of original reporting.
Independent journalism faces significant challenges due to algorithmic prioritization of sensational content over quality news.
There is a critical need for tech platforms to invest in journalism to ensure the survival and health of the information ecosystem.
Solutions proposed include labor subsidies for journalists and antitrust actions against tech monopolies to help restore balance in the media landscape.
Consumer behavior is shifting towards personal opinions and entertainment-driven formats while traditional media struggles to maintain relevance.

Summary

The Future of Journalism and Technology

The podcast opens by discussing the anticipated changes in the tech industry in 2025, particularly focusing on AI, regulation, and new platforms. Neil Appetel highlights the ongoing evolution of journalism shaped by these emerging technologies and platforms. He points out that platforms like Facebook and Google now control most of the media distribution, affecting how journalism is produced and consumed. Appetel reflects on the significant quote by Marshall McLuhan, ‘the medium is the message,’ which underlines how the method of distribution impacts content creation and engagement.

Challenges Facing Independent Journalism

The conversation shifts to the evolving landscape of journalism, emphasizing the decline of traditional media in favor of influencer and creator-driven platforms. Matt Pearce discusses the ‘rotten’ information economy, characterized by a lack of support for original journalism amidst a system favoring algorithm-driven engagement. The two guests uncover the challenges faced by independent publishers who struggle against the overwhelming dominance of algorithms, which prioritize sensationalism and clickbait over quality reporting.

The Role of Media Platforms

The discussion dives deeper into the relationship between journalism and digital platforms. Matt expresses the necessity for platforms to invest back into journalism, arguing that original reporting forms the backbone of credible information, and without it, the quality of media suffers. Both guests portray platforms as extractive systems, benefiting from original journalism while offering little to no compensation or support in return.

Future Solutions and Political Dynamics

The latter part of the episode examines potential solutions and the political landscape affecting media funding. Matt proposes solutions like labor subsidies for journalism and government intervention through antitrust measures to address the monopolistic power of tech firms. They explore the implications of billionaire ownership of media firms and the challenges arising from their influence on journalistic integrity and independence.

The State of the Internet and Consumer Behavior

The concluding part of the podcast discusses the changing consumer behavior in the media landscape. Matt argues that the rise of personalism in media, exemplified by influencers, undermines traditional institutions. The hosts emphasize the importance of maintaining quality journalism while recognizing the practical challenges presented by the current digital ecosystem.

Show notes

We’ve been talking a lot this year about the changing internet, and what it’s doing to the media ecosystem — particularly journalism, which has taken a backseat to creators and influencers. But the tech platforms themselves have a lot of influence over what those creators and influencers make, too. If you’re a Decoder listener, you’ll recognize this as one of my common themes — the idea that the way we distribute media directly influences the media we make.

To break this all down, I invited media critic and labor union president Matt Pearce on the show to discuss a great blog he wrote titled “Lessons on media policy at the slaughter-bench of history.” We get into what mechanisms can be used to fund journalism, and how building a direct audience and exercising control over distribution is more pivotal than ever.

Links:

Lessons on media policy at the slaughter-bench of history | Matt Pearce

Journalism's fight for survival in a postliterate democracy | Matt Pearce

A deep dive into Google's shady (and shoddy) California journalism deal | Matt Pearce

Google Zero is here — now what? | Decoder

Casey Newton on surviving the great media collapse and what comes next | Decoder

Illusory Truth Effect | The Decision Lab

The people who ruined the internet | The Verge

Another independent site says Google killed its business | The Verge

Google ‘can’t guarantee’ that independent sites will recover | The Verge

Owner of Los Angeles Times Plans ‘Bias Meter’ Next to Coverage | NYT

Credits:
Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Our producers are Kate Cox and Nick Statt. Our editor is Callie Wright. Our supervising producer is Liam James.
The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder.
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