Deeper News: Can Journalism Regain Lost Trust?

Opinion: The Era of Bland News is Over.

We’re drowning in a sea of surface-level reporting, but there’s a hunger for and thought-provoking opinion pieces that delve deeper than surface-level reporting. Audiences crave content that includes narrative-driven profiles of individuals influencing change; analysis of political discourse; explorations of artistic movements; and critical opinion. Are news organizations ready to deliver, or will they continue to serve up the same tired narratives?

## The Crisis of Trust in Mainstream News

Let’s be honest: many people simply don’t trust the news anymore. A recent Pew Research Center study [Pew Research Center](https://www.pewresearch.org/trust/2022/07/27/americans-continue-to-distrust-the-news-media/) found that only 34% of Americans have a great deal or fair amount of trust in the mass media. That’s a problem. Why? Because a well-informed citizenry is essential for a functioning democracy. When people lose faith in the sources of information, they become more susceptible to misinformation and polarization.

The problem isn’t just “fake news,” though that’s certainly a factor. It’s also the perception that much of the news is shallow, biased, or simply irrelevant to people’s lives. Readers are tired of clickbait headlines and stories that rehash the same talking points. They want something more: analysis that goes beyond the headlines, narratives that connect with them on a human level, and opinions that challenge their assumptions.

We see this playing out in local communities too. Take Athens, GA, for example. While national news outlets parachute in to cover the occasional political rally near the University of Georgia, they largely ignore the day-to-day struggles and triumphs of the people who live here. The closure of the local textile mill, the fight over affordable housing near the Prince Avenue corridor – these are the stories that matter to Athenians, and they’re the stories that demand in-depth reporting and thoughtful commentary.

The solution? News organizations need to invest in deeper, more meaningful journalism. This means hiring reporters who are experts in their fields, giving them the time and resources to conduct thorough investigations, and creating space for diverse voices and perspectives. It means embracing long-form narrative journalism, even if it doesn’t generate as many clicks as a listicle. It means publishing opinion pieces that are genuinely thought-provoking, even if they ruffle some feathers.

## The Power of Narrative and Personal Stories

Facts and figures are important, but they don’t always resonate with people on an emotional level. That’s why narrative-driven profiles of individuals influencing change are so powerful. These stories allow readers to connect with the news on a personal level, to see the human impact of policies and events.

Think about the impact of the #MeToo movement. While statistics about sexual harassment were widely available for years, it was the personal stories of survivors that finally sparked a national conversation. These narratives gave a face to the problem, making it impossible to ignore.

I remember working on a story a few years ago about a local woman in Atlanta who started a non-profit to help homeless veterans. We could have simply reported the number of veterans she’d helped and the amount of money she’d raised. Instead, we focused on her personal journey: her own struggles with poverty, her determination to give back to her community, and the individual stories of the veterans she’d assisted. That story resonated with readers in a way that a dry recitation of facts never could have. It led to a surge in donations for her organization, and it helped to raise awareness about the challenges faced by homeless veterans in our community. I think about this when considering if policy’s human cost is being ignored.

News outlets need to actively seek out these kinds of stories. They need to find the unsung heroes who are making a difference in their communities, and they need to tell their stories in a compelling and engaging way. This isn’t just about feel-good fluff; it’s about showing the human face of complex issues and inspiring readers to take action.

## Analyzing Political Discourse with Nuance

Political discourse has become increasingly polarized in recent years. It seems like everyone is shouting at each other, and nobody is listening. News organizations have a responsibility to cut through the noise and provide analysis of political discourse that is both informative and nuanced.

This means going beyond the sound bites and the talking points. It means examining the underlying assumptions and values that shape political debates. It means holding politicians accountable for their words and actions, regardless of their party affiliation. And it means giving a voice to those who are often marginalized or ignored in the political process. The need for verified voices is clear, and experts can help rebuild trust.

One area where this is particularly important is in the coverage of local elections. In Fulton County, for example, the race for District Attorney often gets overshadowed by national political news. But the decisions made by the DA have a direct impact on the lives of people in our community. News organizations need to provide in-depth coverage of these races, examining the candidates’ positions on important issues like criminal justice reform, police accountability, and public safety.

Now, some might argue that this kind of in-depth analysis is too complicated for the average reader. They might say that people just want simple, easy-to-understand explanations of political events. But I disagree. I believe that people are hungry for more than just sound bites. They want to understand the complexities of the issues, and they want to make informed decisions about their future. This is why deeper news boosts comprehension.

## The Importance of Critical Opinion

Finally, news organizations need to embrace critical opinion. Opinion pieces are not just about expressing personal beliefs; they’re about stimulating debate and challenging conventional wisdom. They’re about offering fresh perspectives on important issues and encouraging readers to think critically about the world around them.

Of course, opinion pieces should be well-researched and factually accurate. They should be written with integrity and respect for opposing viewpoints. But they should also be bold and unafraid to challenge the status quo.

Here’s what nobody tells you: developing strong opinions requires expertise. I’ve spent 15 years covering local politics, and that experience informs my perspective. Readers deserve to know the background and biases of those offering opinions. Transparency is key. It’s important to remember that AJC bets big on opinion, but can local news revive?

For example, a local news outlet could publish an opinion piece arguing that the city of Sandy Springs should invest more in public transportation. The author could point to the success of MARTA in other parts of the metro area, and they could argue that improved public transportation would reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and make the city more accessible to people of all income levels. This kind of opinion piece could spark a valuable debate about the future of transportation in Sandy Springs.

Ultimately, the future of news depends on its ability to provide content that is both informative and engaging. By embracing narrative-driven profiles, nuanced analysis, and critical opinion, news organizations can regain the trust of their readers and play a vital role in shaping a more informed and engaged citizenry.

The news industry has a choice: adapt or become irrelevant. Let’s choose to adapt.

Tobias Crane

Media Analyst and Lead Investigator Certified Information Integrity Professional (CIIP)

Tobias Crane is a seasoned Media Analyst and Lead Investigator at the Institute for Journalistic Integrity. With over a decade of experience dissecting the evolving landscape of news dissemination, he specializes in identifying and mitigating misinformation campaigns. He previously served as a senior researcher at the Global News Ethics Council. Tobias's work has been instrumental in shaping responsible reporting practices and promoting media literacy. A highlight of his career includes leading the team that exposed the 'Project Chimera' disinformation network, a complex operation targeting democratic elections.

Credentials 12+ years experience