News media must stay relevant or ‘society will struggle’, says World News Day boss

Over 1,000 news organizations worldwide are joining World News Day on Monday to emphasize the importance of journalism amid an "existential threat" to the industry. Participating outlets, such as the New York Times, Reuters, and the Kyiv Independent, are sharing editorials, ads, and cartoons to underscore the value of "trusted journalism."

A recent Reuters Institute Digital News Report shows a decline in trust in news globally, with people increasingly relying on social media and AI chatbots for information. Branko Brkic, co-organizer of World News Day, stresses that traditional media rivals must collaborate, stating, "If we do not change the game, we are just not going to exist."

The Reuters Institute report highlights growing skepticism towards news, alongside openness to new sources and formats, and a continued belief in the positive impact of high-quality journalism. Social media and video platforms now rank as the primary sources of online news, but are perceived as less trustworthy. The UK's Ofcom reported similar trends, with YouTube's rapid growth and 20% of people using AI tools for news.

Despite these changes, traditional news sources remain more trusted for accuracy and impartiality. Brkic, who founded South Africa's Daily Maverick, acknowledges the evolving media landscape but urges established organizations to adapt by joining forces. He warns that without change, media organizations will weaken and be "roadkill."

While the concept of "the truth" can be contentious, as seen in the ongoing dispute with US President Donald Trump, Brkic stresses that journalists provide essential facts in an information-driven society. He concludes, "We are the infrastructure for that information-based society, and without us, this society will really struggle."