The past decade has seen political polarisation – accelerated by social media’s filter bubbles and echo chambers – deepen and mutate. An ominous era of a polycrisis has shattered any remaining societal consensus. Meanwhile, powerful anti-establishment voices have stepped into the void.

Aware of hidden agendas, people no longer believe in the possibility of absolute truth or complete transparency from institutions, public figures, and individuals. Yet they are still drawn to honesty, integrity, and – at times – even vulnerability, which they expect from peers and brands alike.

Doomscrolling has become ingrained in everyday life for many Britons, with stories about COVID-19, Brexit, and Ukraine fuelling a sense of dread. Yet these crises have made many others tune out of current affairs. So, how can news organisations accommodate shifting media consumption habits?

Young people are consuming the news in vastly different ways to generations before them, but news brands still don’t know how to speak to them. How can young people get the information they need to be informed citizens and is it time to rethink what news means for the next generation?

Previously in decline, the US local news industry is getting a boost as older adults turn to careers in journalism. Eager to re-enter the workforce, there's an opportunity for other sectors to harness the expertise of older generations, who may have alternative perspectives to offer.

Young people are so fed up with being bombarded by negativity that many are actively disconnecting from all news sources to protect their mental health. As young readers and viewers switch off, news outlets face a challenge in remaining relevant, though a switch in tone and format may help.