Do young people want to see fresh faces in the newsroom? Recent studies indicate a steady decline in the youth’s trusting of the news.
The 2022 Reuters Institute Digital News Report found that one-third of youth (aged 35 and under) avoid consuming the news because they are “worn out and don’t trust it.” The study found that young people were overwhelmed by the constant reporting of topics such as politics and coronavirus. About 40 per cent of the same group claimed they avoid news “sometimes or often.”
Christina Sakelaris, a 22-year-old student completing her master’s degree at the University of Buffalo says “I definitely consume the news!” When asked to elaborate, Christina said “I felt disconnected from the world! I find when you don’t go out of your way to consume news, you risk falling down a rabbit hole of your own interests.” Amongst our interviewees, Christina isn’t the only one who watches the news.
Robert Burns, a fourth-year film student at Toronto Metropolitan University said “I watch with a healthy dose of skepticism based on who I’m watching, that’s for sure.” The focus, according to Robbie, is on who’s doing the reporting. Should broadcasters aim to hire younger faces to deliver their news? It would help to know, who’s reporting the news currently?
Tamara Baluja, an award-winning journalist with CBC Vancouver covered a research study about this very matter. A J-Source survey of 339 Canadian columnists found that 73 per cent were male; with a median age of 58.5. An interesting metric to consider when referencing the youth’s decline in news interest. It is worth considering that perhaps the youth feel they are being spoken to and not speaking out themselves.
The youth are statistically less likely to consume the news or be pleased with what they consume. Another study conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the American Press Institute made a similar claim stating “Young people follow news, but don’t like what they see.” It’s clear that there is a disconnect (on some level) between the middle-aged producer and the youthful consumer. Where does the blame for that disconnect lay? The format of the delivery? The columnists and anchors themselves?
We asked our two previous interviewees how they would attempt to increase the number of young people consuming the news. “Maybe news companies should put money into having young faces deliver their news.” said Robert. The incorporation of younger faces and opinions could better connect to the youth. “I think it would take the collaboration of motivated young people who want to report the news, and a wealthy enough industry-veteran willing to give them a chance.” said Christina.
The interviews conducted and research collected clearly indicate an interest in the news; but a disconnect with the product. The Reuters study highlighted that only 37 per cent of youth trusted the news, compared to 47% of those 55 or older. Engaging the youth is by no means a lost cause for broadcasters. However, it may be time for a modernization of the newsroom.