A University of Wollongong alumnus has pushed back against claims journalism is dying, arguing audiences still have a strong appetite for news in a changing media landscape.
Chief of staff and political reporter at The Guardian Josh Butler told RadioU’s Alumni Stories the journalism industry was shrinking, but remained more important than ever.
“I think journalism is a shrinking industry but I don’t think it’s dying,” Mr Butler said.
“You look at statistics for how many people are watching and reading news sites, the appetites never been higher.
“The world’s complex, the world is changing and constantly shifting and people want to know what’s happening in the world and they want an explanation for it.”
Mr Butler graduated from the University of Wollongong in 2011 with a double degree in journalism and politics and has worked in the industry for 15 years.
During his career, he has written for the Illawarra Mercury, HuffPost, Network 10 and The Guardian.
Mr Butler said the fragmentation of the media landscape had created positive outcomes for audiences.
“The fragmentation of the media landscape can be a very healthy thing,” he said.
“I think its good people can get their news from a variety of sources rather than just the traditional media.
“It’s good that there are different people with different opinions, ages, life experiences and demographics amid the concern of misinformation and politically aggravated stories.”
Mr Butler also encouraged aspiring journalists to develop a broad range of skills to adapt to changes in the industry.
“If you’re someone who works hard, has a lot of different and wants to get their hands dirty, there are a lot of opportunities,” he said.
“Adding strings to your bow is really important as I am trying to constantly learn news things like implementing AI programs, talking on radio, or start a TikTok account.
“Being stuck in one lane can really be a dead end and my advice would be just to get as many different skills in as many different areas as you can so you don’t lose your job or can find new jobs.”
Hosts: Caleb Donald & Teagan Pritchard.
