WHO, WHAT, WHY, WHERE, WHEN AND HOW … the basic tenets of journalism have guided and focused independent journalism for hundreds of years providing the essential framework for journalists to provide authoritative and authenticated articles trusted by readers the world over.
My generation of writers saw the development of related technology from the days of the hot metal casting of newspaper pages to the introduction of linotype and eventually computers maximising the efficiency of word processing and digital design whilst harnessing the massive power of the World Wide Web.
Our industry has undergone a seismic change which has also resulted in commercial ramifications which have wrecked traditional models leaving a trail of failed media and altering relationships between stakeholders in a way that rings alarm bells for the future of this essential craft.
In the United States alone more than 360 newspapers have been shut down since 2019 with over 2,000 newspapers ceasing operations over the past 15 years. In the UK over 265 local newspapers have closed since 2005 with a slower but ongoing closure pace in the last couple of years.
Circulations of major UK papers have declined sharply. For example, the total circulation of leading national newspapers in the UK fell by 65 per cent from 2000 to 2020 with a 55pc drop since 2014 alone. The Sun and the Daily Telegraph experienced declines of 65pc and 69pc respectively over the past 20 years.
Globally the trend is similar with thousands of publications either closing or transitioning to digital formats only due to declining print revenues and changing consumer behaviour.
In our own region numerous publications have ceased to publish (for example the Daily Mail Group’s 7 Days newspaper in Dubai) and even national stalwarts such as the Khaleej Times and the Gulf News no longer print seven-days-a-week.
With the advent of technology there has come competition from newly-developed initiatives such as social media which has taken the art of journalism and reduced it to in what in some cases is the lowest denomination of what I call ‘eye candy’ content.
Designed not to necessarily inform and educate these platforms, entertain, distract, seduce and sometimes confuse the readers in ways which have led to harmful addiction and sad consequences.
In the process they have left a trail of failed traditional media who have tried to uphold standards whilst battling for diminishing advertising revenues against outlets whose running costs are a fraction of their own.
As a result, it is estimated that over the past 30 years 70pc of traditional print media has disappeared and those that have survived by embracing new technology and adapting their profiles to match the commercial environment are no longer the powerful influencers of yesteryear. Reading habits have changed with many readers today preferring soundbites of news and information wrapped up in video packages which are easily digestible and require the least amount of concentration to absorb.
The future of journalism is being undermined because the art of reading is itself under threat. It is a known fact that the information in print tends to be recalled far better than information gathered through audio or visual channels and yet the trend today is towards the latter with news media generating more and more video content to satisfy readers.
In addition, with the need to maintain and sustain viable commercial models, today’s newspapers are far more beholden to any large advertising clients than they were which in itself undermines the essential requirement that quality publishers have always striven for – independent journalistic content.
Whilst quality journalism still remains vital the future of newspapers involves a blend of embracing digital transformation, diversifying revenue streams and in many cases generating support through a combination of philanthropic and government support especially when it comes to localised media such as the Akhbar Al Khaleej and GDN Media.
Bahrain, with its two English language and five Arabic dailies, and declining advertising revenues, faces an unsustainable future which will require government support for what is an essential part of our local society.
However, despite the challenges facing the industry in Bahrain both the GDN and Akhbar Al Khaleej are today reaching more readers, followers and connections than ever before, maintaining their positions as the kingdom’s leading news media organisations.
With Government support our media will be able to further support Bahrain’s progress and development through print, online and social media platforms.
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