Derek Raymaker’s Post

Media coverage of the Olympics has demonstrated the media's unreasonably powerful role in shaping narratives and creating divisions. News now need to be quick and concise, often resulting in shallow and empty clickbait rather than quality journalism – otherwise, people won't engage. I’m not saying there are no good journalists out there, nor is it solely their fault (as demand drives supply). But the truth is there has been so much misinformation in the media, promoting hateful, divisive and false narratives. And it's not just about false information but also about not providing the full context, leaving readers with too many information gaps. As readers, we have the responsibility to double-check our sources before posting, commenting, or spreading information, avoiding rushed judgments or accusations based purely on assumptions. Often we are too focused on making our point, ignoring the actual situation, facts and the impact we may have on someone’s life. Do we always need to have an opinion? Can we normalise the response: ‘I don’t know; I need to read more and think about it’? How do you verify the information you share?

An important reminder to the media houses. Well, media houses risk compromising their editorial independence when they become financially tied to the government. This can lead to biased reporting or self-censorship, where journalists avoid critical reporting on the government to maintain their funding. Without clear disclosure that content is "paid for," audiences may perceive the media's coverage as unbiased when it's promoting a specific agenda. This can erode trust in the media and its credibility. Lastly, the blending of paid content with independent journalism can blur the lines between news and propaganda. This can lead to the dissemination of misinformation or disinformation, affecting public understanding of critical issues. This is it, Gambia🥲

As traditional media houses grapple with declining credibility, independent journalism has emerged as a vital force in upholding truth and transparency. With the rise of digital platforms, which allow for greater reach and direct audience engagement, could independent journalism be the future of credible and trustworthy reporting? Is this the turning point where digital media reshapes the landscape of journalism, restoring public faith in news through authenticity and accountability?

My latest piece, in today's Chicago Tribune, explores ethical journalism. How can we ensure that our media do not fail in their fact-checking and truth telling? https://lnkd.in/eybcsie8

The role of journalism in the digital age. In a nutshell, the article says, that the core issue in addressing trust between sources and journalists lies in the power balance: choosing between diverse perspectives or a single "truth." Experts stress that journalists must adapt to the digital era by viewing information as a service, not a product. This involves acting as curators and information filters rather than sole providers of comprehensive news. Additionally, journalists should foster open discourse by presenting various opinions and stepping away from the role of absolute authority. Lastly, the role of citizen journalists should be embraced as a valuable resource, particularly as traditional news organizations face staff reductions. https://lnkd.in/eNq854pf

Still holds true, relevant & valuable today. Read on the Internews piece on the 5 challenges for journalism: https://lnkd.in/dJR293bg The role of journalism in our lives, for an informed citizenship, an honest and truthful reporting of news, thus facilitating ethical decision making. "The future of journalism is about the future of public conversations: How do we communicate with one another, how do we access information we need to live our best lives, and how do we hold power to account. The best conversations are dialogues, where people listen to each other, respond to each other’s needs and preferences, and find a common space to resolve problems". BBC News AFP

In today’s fast-paced media landscape, where sensationalism often overshadows substance and commercial interests sometimes dictate editorial decisions, the concept of an entirely honest journalism-based media house seems increasingly difficult. It has various pulls and pressures. Nandkumar Saravade & I write in Business Standard on the challenges facing the #ideology of journalism and the connected industry, including the influence of #corporateownership, the rise of #digital platforms, and the blurring lines between #traditional and non-traditional sources of #news. We observe on #regulatoryoversight, #transparency in media ownership, and the role of independent #watchdogs in holding media organisations accountable. We write on, Enabling true Journalism - The Design Principles. https://lnkd.in/gfuSPvjs #MediaVsJournalism #media #mediaindependence #journalism

Today’s #media environment moves at a breakneck speed. Journalists and media organizations are under constant pressure to deliver accurate, timely coverage. With #publicpolicy affecting nearly every aspect of our lives, having a sophisticated tool to monitor these changes is crucial. Gaining a comprehensive view of #legislation is essential to providing comprehensive coverage. Plural is an invaluable resource for media organizations, equipping #journalists with advanced tools to enhance their #research and reporting. Learn more 👇 https://hubs.li/Q02G4l670

It's no secret that investigative journalism is becoming increasingly difficult to produce in the U.S. According to Max Tani in Semafor, there are five major factors contributing to this trend: ➤ Lawyers suing media organizations have gotten more aggressive. ➤ There is less of an appetite by media companies for stories that could damage important business relationships. ➤ Billionaires and other powerful subjects of stories have learned to leverage online platforms, like Twitter, to pressure embattled media owners to kill or retract stories. ➤ Many of the online news outlets that published meaningful work have gone out of business or are greatly diminished. ➤ The collapse of local papers has led to the decline in quality journalism in smaller news markets. As Tani writes, "the result is a thousand stories you’ll never read, and a shrinking number of publications with the resources and guts to confront power.”