NYT 'Connections' Hints at a Future of Journalism

Just last week, the New York Times debuted a new column called "Connections." This biweekly column, written by technology columnist Kevin Roose, explores the latest trends in digital media and technology and their impact on society.

In the first installment, Roose argues that "the future of journalism is not about writing articles. It's about building connections." He points to the rise of social media and other digital platforms as evidence that people are increasingly getting their news and information from friends, family, and other trusted sources.

Roose cites a study by the Pew Research Center which found that 62% of Americans get some of their news from social media. This number is up from just 10% in 2008.

This shift towards digital platforms has had a profound impact on the way that we consume news. In the past, people would typically get their news from a small number of trusted sources, such as their local newspaper or favorite news website. Today, people are more likely to get their news from a variety of sources, including social media, friends, and family.

This has led to a decline in the influence of traditional media outlets. In 2016, the New York Times had a daily circulation of over 1 million copies. Today, that number has fallen to less than 500,000.

This decline in circulation has led to a corresponding decline in revenue. In 2016, the New York Times reported a profit of $160 million. In 2021, that number had fallen to $60 million.

In order to survive, traditional media outlets are going to have to adapt to the changing landscape. One way that they can do this is by building connections with their readers.

The New York Times is a good example of a newspaper that is taking this approach. In addition to the new "Connections" column, the Times has also launched a number of other initiatives aimed at building relationships with its readers, including a reader-funded investigative journalism unit and a loyalty program.

Other newspapers are also taking steps to build connections with their readers. The Washington Post has launched a new platform called "The Hub" which allows readers to connect with each other and with the paper's journalists.

These are just a few examples of the ways that traditional media outlets are adapting to the changing landscape. It is clear that the future of journalism is not about writing articles. It is about building connections.

What does this mean for you?

If you are a journalist, it means that you need to start thinking about how you can build connections with your readers. This can be done through social media, email, or other online platforms.

If you are a reader, it means that you have more power than ever before to influence the news that you read. By connecting with journalists and other readers, you can help to shape the future of journalism.