‘In the age of scrolling, journalism must adapt to shorter formats without losing its core values’
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Media experts discussed the challenges journalism faces in the era of Big Tech and social media. They emphasized that while formats must adapt to modern consumption habits, core journalistic values like verification and accountability remain non-negotiable.
The Evolution of Journalism in the Digital Age
The landscape of modern journalism is undergoing a profound transformation as the influence of Big Tech and social media platforms reshapes both the production and consumption of news. The recent panel discussion held at the Goethe Zentrum in Hyderabad, titled ‘News Gathering in the Age of Big Tech: Safeguarding Truth, Accountability and Justice,’ highlights a critical inflection point for the industry. As news organizations grapple with the shift toward algorithm-driven content, they are increasingly pressured to adopt shorter, more digestible formats to compete with the rapid-fire nature of social media.
The Challenge of Algorithm-Driven Attention
Modern newsrooms are now locked in a fierce battle for audience attention, competing not only with traditional media rivals but with influencers and independent content creators who dominate digital spaces. This shift forces editors and journalists to reconsider the delivery of information. However, as noted by speakers including Naresh Fernandes and Priyanshi Sharma, the fundamental tension lies in maintaining journalistic rigor while navigating the constraints of platforms that prioritize viral engagement over depth and nuance.
Upholding Core Principles
Despite these technological pressures, the panel underscored that the ethical pillars of the profession—verification, credibility, and public accountability—must remain the bedrock of any news organization. The transition to 'scrolling' culture does not excuse a departure from truth-seeking. Instead, it places a higher burden on journalists to ensure that even in shorter formats, the information provided is accurate and ethically sourced, preventing the erosion of public trust in an age of misinformation.
The Role of Academic and Industry Dialogue
Moderated by Anjali Lal Gupta from the University of Hyderabad, the discussion served as a vital bridge between academic inquiry and industry practice. By bringing together diverse voices from platforms like Scroll and Peek TV, the event underscored that the struggle to safeguard truth is a collaborative endeavor. It is not merely a technical challenge of formatting, but a societal imperative to maintain a well-informed public.
Future Trends and Resilience
Looking forward, the trend toward bite-sized reporting is likely to accelerate, necessitating a 'digital-first' mindset that does not sacrifice investigative integrity. Organizations that survive this transition will be those that successfully marry modern technological adaptability with an unwavering commitment to their core values. The path forward involves leveraging new tools to enhance verification processes, ensuring that journalism remains a reliable lens through which the public views the world, regardless of the platform or the length of the content.
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