In response to: "Sad news in the media world."

Dear Friends and Media Colleagues,

I hope this letter finds you well. Today, I want to talk to you about a topic that's close to my heart, one that I've had the privilege to witness from the inside – the world of media. As a former COO of a media company that started as a small local blog with just eight freelancers, and eventually grew to become a national publisher employing dozens of people, I have seen the industry evolve, adapt, and sometimes struggle. Today, I want to share some thoughts on the relationship between work and identity, the personal connections we form in this industry, and the larger challenges facing media.

Please note that I write to you from my own perspective, and not from that of any company I was or am associated with. You may call this an opinion piece as opposed to an open letter, but still as a response to "Sombres nouvelles dans le monde des médias."

by Stéphan Bureau , an individual I highly respect.

I agree: work is not just about earning a paycheck; it's a significant part of our identity. It defines who we are, what we stand for, and how we contribute to society. In my journey through the media world, I've witnessed countless individuals who poured their hearts and souls into their work, be it as journalists, editors, or creative minds. For many, it was more than just a job; it was a calling, a way to make sense of the world, and an avenue for personal growth.

One of the most challenging aspects of my role as a COO was having to make difficult decisions, like letting go of employees when budget constraints and changes in the media landscape demanded it. It's not just about losing a job; it's about losing a part of one's identity. I vividly remember having to lay off some talented individuals who had become friends over the years. These were people who had shared their dreams, passions, and frustrations with me, and having to deliver the news of their departure was heart-wrenching.

I am grateful that, in some cases, these relationships have endured beyond the professional context. It's a testament to the power of shared experiences and the enduring bonds that can be forged in the world of media. It's a reminder that while work is a significant part of our identity, it's also a bridge to building lasting connections.

The Bigger Problem in the Media World

While personal relationships are an important aspect of the media industry, there's a larger issue that has been looming over us for some time now – the decline in trust in media. Over the past few years, we have witnessed a growing skepticism towards the news and information disseminated by traditional media outlets. It's a concerning trend that has eroded the very foundation of journalism – credibility.

Moreover, the media industry has been "Netflixed" by online platforms. In a world where consumers and advertisers have the final say and vote with their wallets, it has become evident that information, too, has demanded to be democratized and decentralized or face being defunded. As much as we may yearn for centralized sources of authority and information, the reality is that the age of gatekeepers has been fading. I know firsthand how online platforms have reshaped the media landscape, allowing for a multiplicity of voices and viewpoints to thrive.

This transformation has brought about the harsh reality that the era of traditional, top-down media control is fading. With the rise of the internet, social media, the digital age and even with what Elon Musk has done to twitter, information is free to flow, unfiltered, and often unchecked. While this has its advantages, it also poses significant challenges, as the lines between reputable journalism and disinformation blur.

In the past, media companies held a near-monopoly on the distribution and dissemination of information. But as we've seen, the power has shifted. In many countries, consumers have more choices than ever, and they demand transparency, authenticity, and reliability in the content and in the medium through which they consume it. It's a double-edged sword. While it has given a voice to the marginalized and the unheard, it has also led to an information ecosystem riddled with sensationalism, polarization, and misinformation.

We can view these challenges with despair and nostalgia for a bygone era of journalism. However, I believe we need to embrace the change and face these issues head-on. The decline in trust and the decentralization of information are not insurmountable obstacles. They are opportunities for transformation, innovation, and rebirth.

First, to rebuild trust in media, we must prioritize accuracy, transparency, and accountability. Journalists, media organizations and those who fund them, must adhere to the highest ethical standards, fact-check rigorously, and openly acknowledge and correct errors. We must communicate our commitment to the public good, free from bias or external influence.

Second, we must recognize that the democratization and decentralization of information are inevitable and, in many ways, beneficial. It allows for a diversity of voices and perspectives to be heard, and it empowers individuals to take control of their own information consumption. However, it also requires media literacy education to help people discern credible sources from unreliable ones.

Third, we should actively engage with our audience. Listen to their concerns, acknowledge their feedback, and involve them in the process of news creation. Engaging with the public can help rebuild the bridge of trust that may have eroded over time.

While the challenges facing the media industry are real, we must remember that the birth of a new era is often a painful but necessary process. It's an opportunity to reinvent, adapt, and rediscover our purpose. As a former COO who has seen both the intimate connections within this industry and the broader trends affecting it, I have faith in the resilience and adaptability of the media world.

Let us not succumb to despair, to pointing fingers at who should be responsible, or who should artificially keep funding something that does not work. Instead, let's embrace the opportunity to build a media landscape that is more trustworthy, diverse, and responsive to the needs of our ever-evolving society. Even if it is one independent reporter doing it one tweet (xeet?) at a time.

Together, we can shape the future of media and reaffirm its role as a vital pillar of democracy and an essential part of our collective identity.

Thank you for your time and your unwavering dedication to the world of media.