There is an increasing tendency among the public to prefer news in brief, digestible packages rather than in-depth reporting. In a panel discussion titled ‘Sustaining Traditional Practices in a Modern World’, The Fiji Times Editor in chief Fred Wesley shared his thoughts about the changing ways people consume news.
Wesley said the issue was discussed in a recent meeting with the Ministry for Information.
“There is a shift where the media is making news to fit the way people now consume it,” Wesley said.
“My take on that was very different, as I listened to people talking about how news should be improved. In fact, I couldn’t agree with what they were coming up with.”
He said while there is news in brief for readers on the go, longer explanations were important as well. The challenge though was motivating readers to read them.
“My take was this, in 20 years’ time, if you have someone who’s been groomed to be the prime minister for instance, if that person, from now until that time, is relying on briefs, and not placing value on explanation, not placing value on facts, on what he or she should understand and embrace and place value on from whatever medium, then it may have an impact on decision making for instance.” He believes it is important to have a balance.
Wesley also drew attention to the country’s ongoing drug crisis, particularly the rising problem of methamphetamine use in Fiji. He noted The Fiji Times had been raising awareness about the issue since 2018, yet the problem has only intensified.
“This issue didn’t emerge overnight; it has been an ongoing problem for years.”
He believes there is a need for awareness and content designed to stimulate discussions.
The media, he said, could play an important role and there was a need for people to be engaged.
