The Death Throes of Traditional Media

The decline of traditional media is not a sudden phenomenon but the result of a long erosion in public trust and relevance.

Newsrooms, particularly those tethered to legacy formats like print, have struggled to adapt to a world where audiences demand immediacy, interactivity, and engagement. This has been compounded by their proximity to power—whether governmental or corporate—that has, at times, compromised their independence.

There is also a growing perception that the mainstream media leans too heavily to the left, a bias shaped by the nature of the profession itself.

Journalism has long attracted those driven by a desire to champion the common good, often at the expense of grappling with the broader complexities of the system.

While this perspective has amplified critical issues like human rights, it has also alienated large swaths of the public who feel their concerns and realities are ignored.

Locally, the struggle is particularly acute. Legacy media outlets in Malta find themselves caught between shrinking audiences and financial pressures, often leading to a reliance on sponsorships or collaborations that can blur the lines of independence. The local news ecosystem is also heavily influenced by party-owned media, which further erodes public trust. These dynamics have created a vacuum for alternative voices to emerge.

But none of this negates the value of traditional media. It is still capable of rigorous, impactful journalism, especially at a local level, where independent scrutiny remains vital. However, attempting to preserve these institutions by forcing outdated formats upon an uninterested audience is a losing battle. Adaptation is the only way forward.

The Democratisation of Information

The rise of alternative media, citizen journalism, and independent creators has fundamentally changed how we consume and trust information. Platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube are no longer just spaces for entertainment; they are vital sources of news, analysis, and debate.

Podcasts have given voices to experts and marginalised communities, bypassing gatekeepers who might once have silenced them. The tools and platforms enabling this are more accessible than ever, allowing individuals with expertise in fields like tax law, engineering, or OSINT (open-source intelligence) to share their findings directly with the public.

Podcasts have also flourished in Malta, with creators like Jon Mallia, whose show carved out a niche as one of the first major local podcasts, to Ricky Caruana and Bajd u Bejken, among others.

While they aren’t your standard journalistic content, they all contribute something valuable to our understanding of society.

Whether exploring cultural issues, engaging in candid interviews, or providing unique commentary, these platforms demonstrate the breadth of insights that independent creators can bring to the table.

This new media ecosystem is far from perfect. Misinformation is rampant, and the ability to discern fact from fiction has never been more important. Yet, for every sensationalist creator peddling conspiracy theories, there are others producing well-researched, thoughtful content that rivals—and often surpasses—what legacy newsrooms can achieve.

Independent creators are now hosting discussions and producing investigative work that offers fresh insights into local issues. Even grassroots organisations and small advocacy groups are using digital tools to bypass traditional gatekeepers, connecting directly with audiences in ways that were unimaginable just a decade ago.

The Role of Data in the New Media Landscape

The key to this democratisation lies not just in access to platforms but in access to information.

Governments must recognise that transparency is not optional in the digital age. Public data should be readily available, updated in real-time, and housed in central repositories accessible to all.

Imagine a world where you could independently verify government spending, policies, and outcomes with a few clicks. This would eliminate much of the guesswork currently required by journalists and empower citizens to hold their leaders accountable. The role of elected officials could shift from policymaking to auditing, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the information shared with the public.

In Malta, where institutions are often criticised for opacity, the demand for accessible, real-time data is even more pressing.

Ensuring that government departments upload detailed, meaningful information would not only enhance accountability but also empower independent media and citizen journalists to verify and challenge official narratives.

Such a system would make journalism itself less of a necessity. With the right tools and training, anyone could analyse data, draw conclusions, and share their findings. Expertise would no longer be filtered exclusively through the lens of professional media but emerge organically from a diverse range of voices.

Adapting to a New Reality

This new landscape presents challenges, but it also offers immense opportunities. It is no longer enough to lament the decline of traditional media or to fear the spread of misinformation.

The focus must shift to ensuring that the tools, platforms and data necessary for meaningful engagement are available to everyone.

AI will play a critical role in this process. Systems like ChatGPT already allow users to verify claims, cross-check facts, and synthesise information. However, reliance on privately developed AI raises concerns about bias and censorship. As I have argued in the past, I believe every country, including Malta, should develop its own sovereign AI—a publicly funded equivalent of ChatGPT with public oversight and which is accessible to everyone. It should be designed to enhance transparency and accountability while safeguarding against manipulation.

A Call to Embrace Change

The collapse of the old media establishment is not the end of journalism but a call for its reinvention. Protecting the status quo will only delay the inevitable; instead, we should focus on building systems that ensure information is accessible, verifiable, and meaningful.

In the digital age, content is king, and engagement is currency. A single creator armed with data and expertise can now rival entire newsrooms in impact. The truth, as messy and multifaceted as it often is, will emerge in this open, decentralised ecosystem. The question is whether we are ready to embrace this reality—or whether we will cling to an outdated system, lamenting its failures even as a better alternative takes shape before our eyes