Journalism is about helping people understand and interpret the world around them, challenging power, and clarifying the truth so its not manipulated or simply lost in the noise. But today, that mission feels insurmountable. News is no longer consumed in cycles; it’s an endless buffet of headlines, viral posts, and social-media driven narratives that often leave people more concerned than informed. Misinformation spreads like a wildfire, leaving the facts to catch up, and now the lines between journalism, opinion, and outright entertainment are blurring and meshing.
Recently, I hosted a conversation with Donna King, editor in chief of Carolina Journal, a longtime friend and fellow EA Morris alumni. Donna built her professional career on informing the public with facts, and she understands the challenges of modern journalism because of her roots in traditional media.
I’ve been booking intentional conversations to celebrate Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the women who have contributed to wide ranging industries, helped to smash glass ceilings, and led with conviction. Donna is one of those women.
“We used to talk about the 24-hour news cycle,” she told me. “Then it became a few hours. Now, news changes minute to minute, and it’s not always coming from journalists.”
The ongoing shift is creating a new media landscape powered by social media influencers, content creators, and political insiders shaping public discourse. It’s a fascinating dichotomy. On one hand, technology democratized media, elevating more voices to lead the conversation. But on the other, it lowered the barriers to entry, making it harder for the ordinary person to separate truth from carefully crafted messaging.
The recognized danger is misinformation, but lack of transparency may prove to be just as dangerous. Many media companies are clinging to the illusion of neutrality, outwardly pretending to be objective while inwardly pushing an agenda.
But as Donna pointed out, that’s one thing Carolina Journal has never done. “We’re upfront about who we are,” she said. “We approach the news from a limited government, free-market perspective, and we don’t hide that. I wish more organizations did the same.”
That level of honesty is rare. People don’t necessarily mind an ideological perspective as long as they know what they’re getting. The frustration comes when outlets pretend to be neutral while clearly filtering the news through a political or social agenda.
As a business leader and media personality, I’ve seen firsthand how misinformation can take on a life of its own. I’ve spent too much time debunking myths about the economy, small business, and public policy — things that should be simple to fact-check but aren’t because of how fast false narratives spread. That’s why I asked Donna what the average person — someone with a job, a family, and no time to fact-check every article — can do to stay informed.
“Go straight to the source,” she said. “If you want to understand a new policy, read the legislation before you read someone’s opinion on it. That way, you aren’t relying on someone else to frame the story for you.”
That struck a chord. Too often, we let algorithms decide what we consume, relying on headlines, 60 second reels, and viral clips instead of digging into the facts. But being informed isn’t passive — it takes effort.
The future of journalism isn’t just about adapting to a new information landscape — it’s also about economic survival. Local newspapers across the country are closing, consolidating, or shrinking, and it’s creating a significant gap in covering the most important public policy issues. When major media corporations buy out local newspapers or TV stations, decisions about what gets covered are no longer made in that community — they’re made in corporate boardrooms. As a result, issues that matter most to small businesses, schools, and local governments often go underreported.
Nonprofit journalism is both a growing opportunity and challenge. The approach empowers journalism to exist without relying on ad revenue, which has been swallowed by tech and social media giants like Meta. However, it raises the question — who is financing the news, and what influence do they have over what gets reported?
Simultaneously, local media companies are now forced to embrace Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other alternative platforms. Traditional TV stations, newspapers, and magazines are integrating social media influencers into their broadcasts. Even launching podcast shows and short-form video series to keep up with changing audience habits. I recently got an email from a local TV station asking if I’d be interested in co-hosting a podcast for them — something that would have been unthinkable a decade ago.
These shifts matter, not just for media companies but for communities and economies. When local newspapers close, civic engagement drops. Fewer people show up to town hall meetings. Fewer local businesses get coverage. And as a result, more power is consolidated at the national level, leaving small towns and cities without a voice.
Leadership in journalism or leadership in any industry is governed by clarity, accountability, and truth. And it was especially meaningful to have a conversation with a woman who has spent her career leading in a traditionally male dominated industry, shaping and influencing how North Carolina voters engage with policy and government. Women’s History Month is often about celebrating the past trailblazers who paved the way. But it’s just as important to give the women are leading right now their flowers. Donna is one of them, and her work is a reminder that while journalism is evolving, its core mission — truth, fairness, and accountability — must always remain constant.