An Illawarra motoring and sports journalist says the future of the profession will require the next generation to combat an increasingly noisy industry that is vastly different from the one he entered.
Speaking on the University of Wollongong’s Alumni Stories: From Here On, UOW alum Sam Charlwood told hosts Ava Ferguson-Leighton and Max McIver that quality journalism is paramount in the current media landscape.
“I think journalism always has a place, and proper journalism is more important now than ever before,” Mr Charlwood said.
“At a time where, I think, the culture particularly in Australia … is more sceptical of politics and big companies than ever before, we have a real part to play in bringing them proper information and proper journalism.”
Mr Charlwood, who graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism in 2009, said journalists should be wary of the rise of AI and ensure their reporting prioritises integrity and honesty.
“When it comes to actually delivering the news, people see straight through AI,” Mr Charlwood said.
“You need to do the work yourself.
“I say this quite proudly, and stubbornly, probably a bit naive of me in some respects, but I refuse to use it.”
When questioned about what the future of media will look like for his children, Mr Charlwood said the landscape will likely become oversaturated.
“I think it’s going to get watered down, ultimately,” he said.
“You’ve got some of the world’s biggest companies bowing to AI pressures, the Washington Post not long ago laying off a heap of people there. It’s a sign of the time unfortunately.”
Mr Charlwood said, despite that, there will always be a place for skilled journalists who bring clarity to what truly matters.
“I still think at the very sharp edge of journalism there is always going to be a place for quality journalists, and journalists who can deliver news that cuts through and stands out from all the crap,” he said.
