The rise of 'slow news'
As a counterpoint to high-velocity algorithmic feeds, a "slow news" movement is emerging, exemplified by platforms like The Slow Scroll. This curated service focuses on long-form essays and articles selected for their lasting relevance, suggesting a market for users seeking depth over speed.
- The broader "slow movement" that gave rise to slow news began in 1986 when Carlo Petrini organized a protest against the opening of a McDonald's at the Spanish Steps in Rome, sparking the Slow Food movement. The core philosophy is not about doing everything at a snail's pace, but rather at the "right speed" to prioritize quality over quantity. - Academic Susan Greenberg is credited with coining the term "slow journalism" in a 2007 article, defining it as an approach that gives equal value to narrative craft and factual discovery. Other influential figures include author Carl Honoré, who wrote "In Praise of Slow". - Many slow news startups are moving away from advertising-based revenue, which can incentivize clickbait. Instead, they are adopting business models centered on subscriptions, memberships, and even reader ownership, as seen with publications like Tortoise Media, Delayed Gratification, and the reader-owned Swiss outlet Republik. - The movement directly counters the effects of algorithmic news distribution on platforms like Facebook and YouTube, where 48% of U.S. adults get news. These algorithms can create "echo chambers" by personalizing content to reinforce existing beliefs. - This trend taps into growing "news fatigue," with about 39% of global consumers now actively avoiding the news, a 10-point increase from 2017. The focus on depth and context is a response to information overload. - There is a significant market for credible content, with 6 in 10 people expressing concern about misinformation and actively seeking reliable sources that verify facts and offer in-depth analysis. - While only 22% of U.S. consumers paid for online news in 2024, an additional 34% indicated they are open to paying in the future, suggesting a total potential market of 56% for paid news content. - Legacy media organizations are also adopting slow news principles through initiatives like Solutions Journalism and the Constructive Institute, which provide resources for more contextualized and less reactive reporting.
