Earlier this month, I attended PRSA Boston’s annual meeting, which featured an insightful conversation with Shirley Leung, Boston Globe’s business columnist and host of the podcast Say More. As we look forward to 2024, there are a few themes that stood out as Leung shared her thoughts with the group about the state of journalism.
Podcasts are Becoming Increasingly Popular News Outlets
It’s a smart news strategy to meet people where they are. Young people especially are increasingly getting their news and information from listening instead of reading. There is no question that audiences are moving toward podcasts. According to this Adweek article, which features findings on the Gen Z Podcast Listener Report from SXM Media and Edison Research, Gen Z uses podcasts to stay informed, with 61% of the listeners using podcasts to specifically keep up on social issues. Leung launched the Say More podcast, an expansion of the Boston Globe opinion section, over the summer. On the podcast, she interviews personalities and explores big ideas that are shaping the nation.
Refining the Newsroom Model
It’s necessary for outlets to adapt to the ever-changing nature of news. In 2024, we expect newsrooms to continue evolving to provide quality coverage and reporting on important topics that matter to their communities. News stories are becoming increasingly intersectional, meaning they are sharing the overlapping disadvantages that people face today. Newsroom models need to reflect the changing state of news even if it means new leadership and staff. Leung explained that, like many news organizations, the Boston Globe is going through changes. With new managing editors and hyper focused staff, they are expanding their suburban and local coverage and reimagining the express desk. They are also introducing more frequent long-term spotlight projects, like Beyond the Gilded Gate, Nightmare in Mission Hill, Money, Power, Inequality and Cradle of Doubt. These are in-depth series that cover important topics such as the region’s housing crisis and racial wealth gap.
The Rise of Local Nonprofit Digital News
With many local print newspapers reducing their staff and ceasing publication, more nonprofit digital news outlets are being launched. Massachusetts towns and cities are seeing growth in their local news coverage in outlets like the Plymouth Independent, Marblehead Current, Newton Beacon and Brookline.News. These nonprofit websites receive donations from philanthropists and the local community to report on neighborhood news, local politics, schools, sports and more, keeping residents informed despite the decrease in print newspapers. It’s exciting to see the growth in hyperlocal reporting.
As 2023 ends, it’s important to remember all the wins from the past year and look forward to making more impact in 2024. News organizations and journalists are listening to their audiences and digging deeper into important topics that matter. Next year, we hope to see more positive changes in the news industry.
