In a thought-provoking article for Asterisk magazine, Timothy B. Lee delves into the reasons behind the superficial nature of much of today’s technology reporting. Lee highlights the fact that while consumers may not explicitly ask for shallow coverage, it is often what garners the most clicks and is easier to produce.
The state of journalism in the 21st century is also a contributing factor, with constant waves of layoffs and publication closures plaguing the industry. Lee points out recent announcements such as the closure of independent site Pitchfork and planned layoffs at both Sports Illustrated and the Los Angeles Times. This challenging environment leaves little room for news organizations to invest in in-depth reporting that may not yield immediate financial returns.
Despite his desire for more nuanced technology journalism, Lee acknowledges the financial constraints that publishers face. With philanthropic support potentially offering a solution, he suggests that this could be a promising direction for the future of journalism.
The article sheds light on the complex dynamics at play in the world of technology reporting and journalism as a whole. As the industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing demands and financial pressures, the need for quality, in-depth reporting remains as crucial as ever.