
The career of Roger Fidler exemplifies a warning: Sometimes, you can predict the future but still fall victim to it. Three decades ago, Mr. Fidler was a media executive promoting a vision of the future for newspapers. The rise of digital technology would allow for news to be accessed on portable devices all day long, with enriched content like video and interactive features. Readers could engage with stories and share them among various communities.
While this vision has largely materialized, traditional media outlets have not reaped many benefits. Instead, their decline appears to be accelerating. Each day brings news of cutbacks and layoffs at established and emerging digital platforms. Companies like Law360, The Intercept, and NowThis have announced layoffs, while Engadget, Condé Nast, Time, Vice Media, and others are also shedding employees.
The slow demise of newspapers and magazines would be of little consequence if it weren’t for one crucial factor: Traditional media played a vital role in informing the public and holding institutions accountable. However, the transition to digital platforms has been challenging for journalism, especially at the local and regional levels.
As technology advanced and the internet became mainstream, news consumption habits changed dramatically. People turned to social media for local news instead of newspapers, leading to a decline in newspaper readership. This trend raises concerns about the future of journalism in the United States.
Mr. Fidler, now retired and 81 years old, reflected on his past endeavors, including unsuccessful attempts to innovate in the media industry. He admitted his oversight in not foreseeing the impact of emerging technologies like the internet, which disrupted traditional news outlets and shifted the landscape of journalism.
Despite the challenges facing the media industry, there are positive aspects to consider. Online platforms offer a wider variety of news content than ever before, providing access to foreign, national, and cultural news that was previously limited in print. While the business model for journalism has changed, there is still quality journalism available online.
Overall, the evolution of digital technology has reshaped journalism, impacting both traditional and digital media outlets. As the industry adapts to these changes, the future of journalism remains uncertain, but there is hope for a new era of innovative and engaging storytelling.