News Needs Depth: Explainers Fight Misinformation

Opinion:

and explainers providing context on complex issues articles are increasingly vital in a world saturated with information – and misinformation. Shouldn’t news organizations prioritize depth and clarity over sensationalism and clickbait?

## The Erosion of Understanding

We’re drowning in news. A constant barrage of headlines, tweets, and alerts floods our screens daily. But how much of it do we really understand? How many people in Cobb County can actually explain the nuances of the latest Federal Reserve interest rate decision? Or the implications of O.C.G.A. Section 16-13-30 regarding drug possession?

I’ve seen firsthand how this lack of understanding impacts people. Last year, I had a client utterly confused about changes to property tax assessments in Fulton County. He was bombarded with news reports, but none provided the context he needed to understand the impact on his family. He felt helpless and frustrated – a sentiment echoed by many. News organizations must step up and provide articles that offer real understanding, not just fleeting attention.

The problem isn’t just the volume of news, but also its format. The relentless pursuit of clicks has led to shorter, more sensationalized stories, often lacking the depth and nuance required to truly inform the public. Many outlets prioritize breaking news over contextualized analysis. A recent Pew Research Center study [Pew Research Center](https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/2024/01/16/americans-news-sources-and-information-environment-a-look-back-at-2023/) found that Americans are increasingly relying on social media for their news, a platform notorious for its superficiality and misinformation. For busy professionals, this can lead to news overload.

## The Power of Explainers

Explainers are the antidote to this superficiality. They take complex issues and break them down into digestible, understandable components. They provide historical context, explore different perspectives, and analyze the potential consequences of various actions. Done well, they empower readers to form their own informed opinions.

We need more articles that go beyond the headlines and delve into the “why” and “how.” Imagine a local news outlet in Atlanta producing a series of explainers on the city’s affordable housing crisis. They could examine the history of redlining, analyze current zoning policies, and explore potential solutions. This kind of reporting would be invaluable to residents trying to navigate this complex issue.

I remember when The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ran a series of explainers on the state’s voting laws back in 2021. They meticulously detailed the changes, explained the rationale behind them, and analyzed their potential impact on different communities. The series was a masterclass in explanatory journalism, providing readers with the information they needed to understand a critical issue. Considering the need for concise information, perhaps bullet points still work for presenting key facts.

## Objectivity and Facts are Paramount

Some argue that explainers are inherently biased, that the act of selecting and framing information inevitably introduces a subjective element. There’s a valid point buried in there, but it’s easily addressed through rigorous fact-checking, transparency, and a commitment to presenting multiple perspectives.

Factual and objective reporting should be the cornerstone of any explainer. Every claim should be supported by evidence, and all sources should be clearly cited. News organizations should also be transparent about their own biases and limitations. No outlet is truly neutral, but acknowledging potential biases is the first step toward mitigating them. It’s crucial to find truly unbiased news sources.

The Associated Press (AP) [AP News](https://apnews.com/) is a prime example of an organization committed to objective reporting. Their explainers are meticulously researched and fact-checked, providing readers with reliable information they can trust. They aren’t afraid to tackle controversial topics, but they always do so with a commitment to fairness and accuracy. This is especially important when trying to beat bias when time is short.

## A Call to Action for News Organizations

The time for half-baked reporting is over. News organizations must invest in explanatory journalism. This means allocating resources to train reporters in data analysis, investigative techniques, and clear communication. It means prioritizing depth over speed, and understanding over clicks.

I urge local news outlets in Atlanta to partner with universities and journalism schools to develop training programs in explanatory journalism. Georgia State University, with its strong journalism program, would be an ideal partner. These programs could provide reporters with the skills they need to produce high-quality explainers that serve the public interest.

Here’s what nobody tells you: explanatory journalism is expensive. It requires time, resources, and expertise. But the cost of not doing it is even higher. A misinformed public is a vulnerable public, susceptible to manipulation and division. Investing in explanatory journalism is an investment in democracy itself. Ultimately, it all comes down to news accessibility.

We need news organizations to shift their focus from breaking news to building understanding. We need articles that provide context on complex issues. We need explainers that empower citizens to make informed decisions. The future of our democracy depends on it.

Ultimately, readers need to demand more from their news sources. We need to reward quality over quantity, depth over speed, and understanding over sensationalism. By supporting news organizations that prioritize explanatory journalism, we can help create a more informed and engaged citizenry. Let’s make 2027 the year we demand better.