What's Happening?
In the context of a post-literate society, written journalism remains crucial for accountability, as argued by James Marriott. The decline in deep reading habits, due to the dominance of smartphones and short-form videos, poses a threat to the intellectual processes that underpin democracy and civil society. Written journalism provides a durable record that can be cited by policymakers, courts, and communities, while video serves as a complementary tool to broaden reach and engage new audiences. The balance between text and video is essential for effective journalism.
Why It's Important?
The importance of written journalism lies in its ability to provide accountability and transparency, which are vital for informed decision-making. As literacy declines, the risk of emotive and fragmented decision-making increases, potentially undermining democratic processes. Written journalism's role in creating a durable record is indispensable for legal and policy references. The complementary use of video can enhance engagement and keep stories alive in public discourse. This balance is crucial for journalism to continue contributing to meaningful societal change.
