Journalists Are Embarrassed by Technology — Why the Future of News Depends on Embracing It

Luka tsereteli
Sep 11
3 min read

Over the past decade, journalism has been losing ground to technology in ways that go beyond “people use phones instead of newspapers.” The deeper problem is that many journalists and media companies treat technology as an intrusion — something to endure rather than embrace.

The outlets that adapt to new platforms and storytelling formats are the ones that survive. Those that don’t risk fading into irrelevance.

The Data Is Clear: Traditional Media Is Declining

TV is shrinking. In June 2025, streaming platforms surpassed broadcast and cable TV for the first time, taking the largest share of U.S. viewing. (AP)
Newspapers are collapsing. Pew Research found that weekday newspaper circulation in the U.S. (print + digital) fell 32% in five years leading up to 2022. (Pew Research)
Young audiences are elsewhere. Reuters Institute reports that the share of people consuming news from TV and newspapers dropped from 63% in 2017 to 51% in 2022. For Gen Z and young millennials, social media and streaming dominate.
Ad revenue is moving. By 2024, digital formats made up 72% of global ad spending — a number that keeps rising. (AInvest)

The trend is undeniable: audiences and money are moving online.

Why Journalists Resist Technology

Despite these numbers, many journalists are reluctant — even embarrassed — to adapt. Why?

Professional pride. Many were trained in print and broadcast traditions that resist short-form or viral content.
Fear of reputational risk. Social platforms can feel shallow, chaotic, or hostile.
Lack of skills and infrastructure. Not every newsroom has staff trained in mobile video, data journalism, or analytics.
Economic pressure. Shrinking budgets make investment in innovation difficult.
Ego and identity. Some see adapting formats as “selling out” instead of serving audiences.

The result? Missed opportunities to meet people where they are.

What Happens If Journalism Doesn’t Adapt

Audience erosion. If people want news on TikTok, Instagram Reels, podcasts, or streaming, and journalists don’t show up, the audience goes elsewhere.
Revenue loss. Advertisers follow attention. If news isn’t digital-first, ad money dries up.
Talent drain. Young journalists leave for the creator economy, where they can experiment freely.
Loss of relevance. If media ignore how people consume information, they risk becoming museums of journalism rather than living institutions.

The Path Forward: Embrace Technology, Serve the Audience

The future of journalism isn’t about chasing trends blindly — it’s about combining journalistic values with new technology. Here’s how:

Adopt new content forms
- Short-form video for explainers, fact-checks, and storytelling.
- Podcasts and newsletters for deeper connections.
- Interactive digital formats for engagement.
Optimize for mobile & social discovery
- Design headlines, graphics, and videos for small screens.
- Post breaking news where audiences already are — but keep accuracy first.
Use data and feedback loops
- Analyze what readers actually consume and share.
- Engage in comments, polls, and DMs to understand audience needs.
Invest in digital skills
- Train staff in video editing, data visualization, and social strategy.
- Collaborate with digital creators and multimedia storytellers.
Innovate revenue models
- Subscriptions, memberships, and events.
- Transparent sponsored content and partnerships.
Keep journalistic integrity intact
- Technology should amplify truth, not compromise it.
- Accuracy and transparency are the ultimate trust builders.

Conclusion

Technology isn’t journalism’s enemy — ignoring it is.

If journalists truly want to serve the public, they must set aside ego, embrace new tools, and meet audiences where they are. Otherwise, media outlets risk becoming relics of a past era, remembered only for what they used to be.

The future of journalism belongs to those who see technology not as a threat, but as a tool for truth.