News is instant. Understanding still takes work

These days, by the time a TV anchor announces "breaking news," many people have already caught a glimpse of it on their phones. Events like a market crash, election results, geopolitical changes, or major policy announcements can spread worldwide in mere seconds. Often, the initial headline or image reaches us before we have a chance to fully grasp what’s happening.

Does this make journalism less necessary? I argue it makes journalism even more crucial, for a different reason. The initial alert informs us of the event. Journalism's role is to provide the perspective to help us comprehend its implications, coming from a source we can trust.

Breaking a story will always be significant. However, in a world where information spreads at lightning speed, being the first isn't our sole measure of quality. The most important questions often arise after the news breaks. The headline informs us of what happened, but the work that follows must establish its context, consequences, and relevance.

Answering these questions requires more than technology. It demands people on the ground, subject knowledge, editorial experience, human judgment, and verification. This is what gives journalism its credibility - the rigour behind every story.

This is where the newsroom plays a vital role. While AI is transforming what newsrooms can do, it can also streamline many aspects - from research and analysis to language and distribution - allowing teams to work more efficiently. Yet, journalism's productivity should not be measured solely by how much we can publish.

The better question is: How do we utilize the time and capabilities that technology gives back to us? Can a reporter dedicate more time to thorough reporting? Can an editor delve deeper into a story? Can we simplify a complex economic decision for better understanding? Can we present a story in another language without losing its context?

That’s why I view AI as a co-pilot, but the editorial judgement must remain human. The real promise of AI is not to replicate what journalists do but to enable them to focus on the core demands of journalism - asking the right questions, verifying facts, investigating thoroughly, and connecting the dots.

This becomes increasingly important as technology makes it easier for almost anyone to create convincing content. As the ability to create content becomes more widespread, the value of credibility and accountability only grows.

Television plays a crucial role here. During significant events, audiences seek more than just a flurry of updates. They want to witness events unfold, hear from people on the scene, and grasp the broader picture. The newsroom provides that depth and accountability.

Digital platforms allow journalism to reach further and faster, in formats that resonate with different audiences. Therefore, the future lies in credible journalism, intelligently distributed across various screens.

This should also alter how we measure success. Reach is important. Engagement is crucial. Speed matters. But journalism must ask itself one more question: Did we help the audience understand the story better? This is a more demanding standard than simply measuring views, clicks, or shares.

On World News Day, amid discussions about technology, platforms, misinformation, and the future of newsrooms, the fundamental responsibility remains remarkably straightforward.

While news may now reach people instantly, understanding still requires effort. Earning the audience's trust by doing this work well remains the enduring purpose of journalism.