Beyond Headlines: Why the Future of News Depends on How It Makes You Feel
For years,news organizations have chased readership,focusing on what stories to tell and how to deliver them – text,video,podcasts. but a growing disconnect persists. Despite readily available data, many people are actively avoiding the news, citing stress, negativity, and a feeling of being judged. The core issue isn’t a lack of interesting content; it’s the experience of consuming it.
Many simply don’t want to participate in the current editorial landscape. this isn’t a failure of journalism, but a signal that we need to rethink the entire approach.
The Rise of Alternative News Models
We’re seeing a surge in innovative news platforms attempting to address this. “Constructive news” and “slow news” movements prioritize solutions and context. Examples like Zetland (Denmark) and Hint (Sweden) are gaining traction.
However, these often struggle to achieve massive scale, sometimes becoming niche products for specific audiences. But is that necessarily a problem? perhaps a fragmented future, catering to diverse needs, is not only possible but desirable.
Personalization: It’s More Than Just Topics
Personalization is frequently touted as the solution to news avoidance. We typically think about tailoring content based on interests – sports, politics, hobbies. Or delivering news in preferred formats – video, audio, text.
But what if personalization goes deeper? What if it’s about how the news flow feels? It’s not just what you read, but the overall editorial environment.
Think about it: there’s a notable difference between simply publishing more articles “for women” and cultivating an editorial culture where women genuinely feel welcome and represented.
the Emotional Toll of Conventional News
Traditional news frequently enough defaults to conflict, crisis, and negativity. This creates an emotionally draining experience.You might feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even powerless. This isn’t about avoiding difficult truths; it’s about how those truths are presented.
Consider these common stressors associated with news consumption:
* Constant negativity: A relentless focus on problems without offering solutions.
* Judgmental tone: News presented as a lecture rather than a conversation.
* Information overload: An endless stream of updates, leaving you feeling overwhelmed.
* Lack of context: Stories presented without sufficient background or nuance.
Reimagining the News Experience
Instead of asking “How do we get people to read more news?”, we need to shift the question. How do we build a news experience people want to be a part of? Better yet, how do we create an experience people feel they need to engage with?
Here’s how we can start:
* Prioritize emotional safety: Create a space where readers feel respected and understood, not judged or overwhelmed.
* Focus on solutions: Balance reporting on problems with exploration of potential solutions.
* Cultivate empathy: Present stories with sensitivity and a focus on the human impact.
* Embrace nuance: Avoid simplistic narratives and acknowledge the complexities of real-world issues.
* Foster community: Create opportunities for readers to connect with each other and engage in constructive dialog.
The future of journalism isn’t just about delivering information. It’s about building a relationship with your audience based on trust, respect, and a shared desire to understand the world.It’s about creating a news experience that enriches your life, rather than depleting it.
Martin Schori is Head of AI and Innovation and Deputy Publisher at Aftonbladet, Sweden. He is also the author of the award-winning book Online Only – Everything you need to know to become a journalist of the future, with a new book on AI and Journalism slated for release in 2026.
This article is based on an opinion piece originally published by Dagens Media and is republished with permission.
