There has never been a more crucial time for culturally accessible and intellectually stimulating information. We are currently experiencing a media and cultural revolution, not only in technology but the programming itself. Traditionalists and those lacking determination will be defeated by new visions as they begin to emerge.
Technology, whether it’s AI, new platforms, or beyond, it’s what comes out of the screen that counts. This is about what viewers experience more so than tech which makes programming more accessible but doesn’t attack the importance of modernizing programming to peer over the horizon and deliver next…now
The state of news and information is far more complex than the state of the music industry. While there is undoubtedly a revolution happening in music, it is disheartening to witness the dumbing down of media and information in the United States, especially when the rest of the world is becoming smarter. There is a blurring between news, opinion, and pop culture, and an assumption that intelligence cannot reach Middle America. As a result, news media often becomes irrelevant and isolating for some, while serving as unhealthy addictive mind candy for others.
Social media, although rich in content, has become a goldmine for misinformation, contributing to the celebration of the wrong things.
Solutions exist, but they will not come from old-school journalists living in the era of TV dominance or from pop culture pundits. There is a new approach to news and information that has yet to be presented. This approach looks, sounds, and feels completely different from the old ways.
A similar phenomenon occurred in the music industry in 1968. AM Top 40 was losing relevance, while underground FM was too exclusive for mass consumption. However, some concepts perfectly aligned with the era and culture, and they succeeded. I see a similar opportunity for news and information in 2024 and it will not resemble anything we have seen before. I’m talking about a complete change, not just new graphics or a digital presence.
We can’t solely blame the big news organizations, whether it’s Fox, CNN, BBC, or others. They are businesses, and most of them are doing well. I imagine many of their employees also feel dismayed by the state of mediocrity. The problem lies in the overall system of thinking, which requires a complete overhaul. Fox or any other single organization cannot bring about this change. It is a crisis much larger than any individual entity. It is a deeper disease. However, I believe that any disease is curable, and the people who discover the cure will make a significant cultural impact and be financially successful.
While some people enjoy a McDonald’s meal from time to time, social news media is perpetuating a world of junk culture. It’s not about being elitist; several surveys have shown that over 85% of people are saying “Enough already!” However, the parade continues. Just as junk culture is acceptable in its own realm, it should be left to its purveyors. The obsession with junk culture is a fundamental problem that has invaded credible information.
It’s not about “serious news” versus “junk culture news.” It’s about finding a new way to think about and deliver information. These new ideas will likely come from individuals who are not part of the news and information business. It will take someone without the baggage of traditional news to change the paradigm. Ultimately, it’s about embracing new, radical, and incredibly different formats that can effectively deliver information in this new era.
We are currently in a powerful era of history, with tremendous opportunities to inform and enlighten. However, these opportunities are being squandered by cheap junk culture. Mainstream news media and pop culture news, along with YouTube stars (with a few exceptions), are delivering content that is directionless and, in some cases, popular but lacking substance.
Why does the 10 pm local news look the same as it did years ago? Why does a newspaper still resemble an old-school newspaper? We need to set aside short-term economic considerations and focus on reimagining America’s need for information. This requires radical rethinking and aligning with the new mainstream.
It won’t be easy, but I believe it is possible. However, it won’t happen if we continue to obsess over the quick satisfaction of a story that is nothing more than junk culture, opinion, or drama.
The revolution is indeed happening, and it is being televised or streamed. It is an exciting time to be at the forefront of this transformation. While music is timeless and wonderful, information is the new driving force behind culture. It’s all about your phone and screen, engaging your eyes, ears, and brain.
