‘Journalism is dying,’ by Goodness Chibunna

I hear this a lot — sometimes from frustrated colleagues, sometimes from outside critics, and often from young journalists wondering if they made the right career choice.

But every time I hear it, I ask one question:
Which journalism?

Because the truth is, some forms of journalism are dying. But others? Definitely not!

Newsrooms with 20 editors and no digital strategy? Struggling.

Outlets that wait 12 hours to report breaking news already all over X and TikTok? Left behind.

But that’s not all of journalism.

The kind that listens before it writes? Thriving.

The kind that uses data to explain insecurity, poverty, and corruption — not just describe it? Vital.

The kind that builds community, earns trust, and doesn’t talk at the audience but with them? Growing stronger by the day.

This is why I believe that journalism is only shedding its old skin.

It’s not only about who can break the news first — it’s about who can explain what it means.

It’s not just “get the scoop” — it’s “earn the trust.”

It’s not always from a press pass — sometimes it’s from a podcast mic, a phone camera, or a Substack.

And yes, AI is now part of the picture.
But rather than panic, the best journalists are learning to partner with it — using it to speed up research, detect misinformation, and even localise storytelling in new ways.

The audience has changed. Their attention is shorter, their expectations higher, their options unlimited. So our job has changed too.

We’re no longer just reporting events. We’re helping people make sense of their world.

That’s a different kind of responsibility — and a different kind of journalism.

So, when people say journalism is dying, I don’t argue.
I just ask: which journalism are you talking about?

Because the future of this profession belongs to those who adapt, stay curious, stay open, and stay connected.

To those bold enough to evolve — and still hold the line on truth.