News Needs Depth: Can Journalism Resist Clicks?

Opinion:
The relentless pursuit of clicks has poisoned news, and the antidote isn’t more reporting, but rather more and explainers providing context on complex issues. Articles that simply regurgitate press releases or chase the latest outrage are a dime a dozen. What we desperately need are news organizations that prioritize in-depth analysis and clear explanations, even if it means sacrificing some short-term traffic. Are news outlets brave enough to prioritize understanding over sensationalism?

## The Tyranny of the Algorithm

The internet promised to democratize information, but instead, it’s largely delivered a deluge of shallow content. The algorithms that govern social media and search engines reward recency and virality, often at the expense of accuracy and depth. I saw this firsthand during my time as a digital editor at a local Atlanta news site. We were constantly pressured to chase trending topics, even if they had little relevance to our community.

The problem is exacerbated by the financial pressures facing news organizations. With print advertising in decline, many outlets have become overly reliant on digital advertising revenue. This creates a perverse incentive to prioritize clicks and page views over substance. A recent Pew Research Center study [reported](https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/fact-sheet/newspapers/) that newspaper revenue has fallen dramatically since 2000, forcing many outlets to cut staff and resources.

This relentless focus on clicks has led to a decline in the quality of news reporting. Many articles are little more than rehashed press releases or superficial summaries of complex issues. There’s little effort to provide context, analyze the underlying causes, or explore the potential consequences. Readers are left with a fragmented and often misleading understanding of the world around them. This is especially dangerous when dealing with critical issues like climate change, economic inequality, or public health. Perhaps this is why it’s so important to find truth in 2026.

## The Power of Context

Explainers and contextual analysis offer a powerful antidote to the superficiality of much of today’s news. These articles go beyond the headlines to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the issues at stake. They explore the historical background, the relevant data, and the different perspectives involved. They help readers connect the dots and see the bigger picture.

For example, instead of simply reporting on the latest interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve, an explainer would delve into the Fed’s mandate, the tools it uses to control inflation, and the potential impact of its policies on different sectors of the economy. It would also explore alternative viewpoints and critique the Fed’s approach. This kind of in-depth analysis requires time, resources, and expertise. But it’s essential for an informed citizenry. You could even say that finance is mandatory to understand some of these topics.

I remember a particularly effective explainer published by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution a few years back (before their website went fully subscription-based). It wasn’t about a national issue, but a very specific local one: the proposed expansion of GA-400 near the Buckhead business district. The article didn’t just report on the proposal itself, but detailed the history of transportation planning in Atlanta, the various stakeholders involved (from the Georgia Department of Transportation to local neighborhood associations), and the potential environmental and economic consequences of the expansion. It even included interactive maps and data visualizations. That’s the kind of reporting that truly serves the public interest.

## Addressing the Counterarguments

Some argue that explainers are too long and complex for the average reader. They contend that people want their news quick and easy to digest. There’s some truth to this, of course. Attention spans are shorter than ever. But I believe that this is a self-fulfilling prophecy. If news organizations consistently offer only shallow content, readers will become accustomed to it. If they offer more in-depth analysis, some will rise to the occasion. As we head into news in 2026, this is becoming even more important.

Moreover, explainers don’t have to be dry and academic. They can be engaging and accessible, using clear language, compelling visuals, and real-world examples. The key is to make the information relevant and interesting to the reader. Outlets such as Reuters [have demonstrated](https://www.reuters.com/explainers/) a knack for breaking down complex geopolitical issues into easily digestible formats.

Another objection is that explainers are too expensive to produce. They require journalists with specialized knowledge and the time to conduct in-depth research. But again, this is a question of priorities. News organizations can choose to invest in quality journalism, or they can continue to chase clicks with cheap and superficial content. The former may not generate as much short-term revenue, but it will build trust and loyalty over the long term. And in the long run, that’s a much more sustainable business model.

## A Call to Action

The future of news depends on our ability to prioritize understanding over sensationalism. We need news organizations that are willing to invest in and explainers providing context on complex issues. We need readers who are willing to support quality journalism. And we need journalism schools that are training the next generation of reporters to think critically and analyze complex issues. If we don’t, we’ll continue to dodge partisan traps and never get to the real issues.

Here’s what I propose: Every news outlet should commit to dedicating at least 20% of its reporting resources to explainers and contextual analysis by the end of 2027. Readers should actively seek out and support news organizations that prioritize in-depth reporting. And journalism schools should overhaul their curriculum to emphasize analytical skills and contextual reporting.

It’s not enough to simply report the news. We must also explain it. Only then can we hope to create an informed and engaged citizenry, capable of tackling the complex challenges facing our world.

The decline in local news coverage is also alarming. We need more explainers focused on local issues, like zoning changes, school board decisions, and transportation projects. These are the issues that directly affect people’s lives, and they often get short shrift in the national media. The Fulton County Daily Report, for example, could do a better job of explaining the implications of new state laws for local businesses.

Ultimately, the responsibility for improving the quality of news lies with all of us. As readers, we need to demand more from our news sources. We need to reward quality journalism with our attention and our subscriptions. And we need to hold news organizations accountable when they fail to meet their ethical obligations.

The algorithms may favor clickbait, but they don’t have to define our news consumption habits. We have the power to choose quality over quantity, depth over shallowness, and understanding over sensationalism. Let’s use that power wisely.

We need to demand better from our news sources. Demand explainers. Demand context. Demand truth. Cancel subscriptions to clickbait farms. Support real journalism. The future of our democracy depends on it.