"Every fall, in my Principles of Journalism in Democracy course - which includes nearly 250 first-year students - I ask: Where do you get your news? Students think for a moment and then begin to jump in with the usual suspects: The New York Times, NPR, NBC, the Associated Press, etc. Then I ask: Okay, be honest. Where do you really get your news? That's where the story emerges. The Athletic. Lifestyle podcasts. "Newsfluencers." TikTok. YouTube. Instagram."
"In a news environment facing substantial concerns about distrust, disconnection, and economic deficiencies, lifestyle (soft news, human-interest, service, cultural, etc.) journalism can be a vital - and practical - way forward. Local journalists have already established that they view positive and uplifting news as core for their communities, particularly those who have long been underserved and stereotyped."
Gen Z is shifting news consumption from legacy outlets to social media platforms, especially short-form video, and many are increasingly avoiding the news. Lifestyle journalism — including health, fitness, entertainment, travel, and sports coverage — serves practical and human-interest needs and helps people learn how to live better. First-year students cite The Athletic, podcasts, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram as primary sources and express desire to become lifestyle journalists. In communities facing distrust and disconnection, positive, service-oriented local reporting can strengthen engagement and represent underserved populations while still producing important, popular journalism.
Read at Nieman Lab
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