In 2025, journalism is going to get a much-needed reality check. Instead of sticking to old habits and assuming people will adapt to how we deliver news, we’ll finally start designing content that fits into real lives — short attention spans and busy schedules. The focus will shift to meeting people where they are, offering news that’s not just informative but genuinely useful, relatable, and easy to engage with.
For too long, newsrooms have created content based on their own routines, preferences, and platforms, churning out long stories or endless updates without really thinking about what the audience wants — or can keep up with. But with so much information (and misinformation) flying around, it’s clear the traditional approach isn’t cutting it. People are overwhelmed, exhausted, and, in many cases, just tuning out. And the new industry’s success metrics are too often based on getting people to do more of something that makes them feel bad.
In response, journalism will become more realistic about how people consume news. Instead of bombarding audiences with constant breaking news or lengthy investigations that demand uninterrupted time, we’ll see more news products like concise end-of-day recaps that give a clear sense of what’s important, stories broken into smaller, more digestible formats like explainers or visuals, FAQs that answer questions people have, and content that reflects what’s happening in their neighborhoods.
Relatability will also be a focus. Content that helps people navigate their lives, solve problems, or take action will be prioritized. From guides on accessing local resources to practical advice on everything from climate adaptation to mental health, journalism will lean harder into being helpful. This is how newsrooms will build trust and prove their value.
This won’t be an easy shift. The reality is, most people don’t have time to read every story or keep up with every update — and more and more are choosing not to. Instead of expecting them to change, we’ll adapt to what works for them, even if it means showing unusual humility and being willing to shift our own priorities and expectations.
By focusing on creating news that’s useful, relatable, and tailored to real attention spans, journalism can reclaim its role in people’s lives. In 2025, the goal won’t just be producing great stories — it’ll be making sure those stories reach people in ways that matter to them. That’s how we’ll stay relevant and rebuild trust.
Lynn Walsh is assistant director of Trusting News.
