What is the Future of Journalism?

If you are a conservative or a libertarian, then you might think you have no future in journalism. The left of center bias of the mainstream media represents an obvious obstacle. In addition, journalism as a whole seems to be in serious trouble. Daily newspapers have slashed their news rooms. “Newsweek” just breathed its last. Even the “Washington Post” has seen its circulation slide and sent dozens of veteran reporters out the door with buy-outs.

All of that is true. But it is only one part of the story. The changing media landscape has created opportunities for young and ambitious liberty-advancing journalists. Most of the layoffs since 2008 have hit the older reporters and the middle management. Media of all sorts and political persuasions are hiring young journalists.

At the same time the internet has drastically reduced the cost of starting up a news operation. Tucker Carlson set up The “Daily Caller” in 2009. It now makes a profit. Glenn Beck’s “The Blaze” has much more traffic than “The Daily Beast”. And even the “Daily Beast” has hired libertarians like Megan McArdle and Michael Moynihan as columnists. Sixteen of my mentees found their first job in 2012; Eleven found their SECOND job. There is work out there. And there is opportunity to move up.

I have directed the Journalism Program at the Institute for Humane Studies for almost five years. I think that I have an idea what it takes to break into journalism.

I am going to discuss this topic in an hour long webinar on Thursday, January 24th, at 7 PM EST. You are invited to join me. Here is the link to register.

John Elliott is journalism programs director at the Institute for Humane Studies. Visit this site to learn more about IHS journalism internships.