Emotions become the industry's superpower

"I've been a journalist for over 10 years. Every year, the work grows more difficult. It's painful covering the climate crisis and systemic oppression. That's my beat - imagine what my therapy sessions look like. Well, every journalist needs a space to vent or explore their feelings. Not everyone covers environmental issues, but we all cover the day-to-day realities of society."

"2026 must be the year the industry builds an alternative approach to newsmaking that empowers journalists and provides them with the tools they need to stay in the field for the long haul. I know too many talented people who have walked away from journalism entirely for myriad reasons - but, namely, because their jobs were making them unwell. It's past time newsrooms implement new programs, trainings, and ideologies that not only prepare journalists for the challenges they'll face on their beats,"

"Has there ever been a rougher time to be a journalist? Maybe. Probably. But that doesn't make the present day any better. As the news industry experiences mass layoffs (yet again), and the threats of artificial intelligence and democracy's collapse, journalists are struggling. In 2026, newsrooms, journalism schools, and the industry at large will be forced to contend with the mental health impacts of it all."

Journalists are confronting increasing mental-health burdens caused by mass layoffs, threats from artificial intelligence, democratic decline, and traumatic beats such as the climate crisis and systemic oppression. Emotional labor accumulates alongside personal pressures like bills, family problems, addiction, and health issues. Many talented journalists have left the field because work harmed their wellbeing. The industry must adopt alternative approaches to newsmaking that empower reporters and equip them to stay long-term. Newsrooms need programs, trainings, and ideologies that prepare journalists for beat challenges and teach them to use craft to heal from trauma. In 2023 the CARES Media Initiative launched to provide trainings and resources, emphasizing connecting audiences, reporters, emotions, and sources.

Read at Nieman Lab