An increasingly common obstacle in my attempt to stay informed on current events is paywalls. Nearly every time I see an engaging headline or find an article that would be perfect for an assignment, I click on it, only to be stopped by a subscription screen.
In today’s world, staying informed feels more important than ever. Political polarization and misinformation make it essential for people to understand what is happening around them. Furthermore, I’d argue it is even more crucial to learn about current events from multiple sources. This allows us to compare perspectives, verify facts and avoid being misled by a single narrative.
However, with so many major, credible news outlets blocking their articles, I have found myself reading fewer and fewer articles. Rather, I settle for podcasts or social media posts, often from sources I am hesitant to fully trust.Â
I started to wonder if this paywall phenomenon was contributing to the decline in media literacy, a term gaining major buzz on social media. Media literacy refers to the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and understand media content critically. It involves recognizing bias, distinguishing fact from opinion and identifying credible sources. When access to high-quality journalism is restricted, developing these skills becomes significantly more difficult, especially for students and young adults who may not be able to afford multiple subscriptions.
As a journalism student, I recognize the importance of compensating reporters and news organizations for their work. Journalism is labor-intensive, and above all, people need to make a living. However, paywalls risk undermining the most fundamental purpose of journalism: informing the public. When large portions of the population cannot access up-to-date and accurate information, journalism’s role in our society is weakened.
Some might argue that paying for news is no different than paying for streaming services or cable. After all, many people already subscribe to platforms like Netflix, Spotify, or HBO without thought, so paying for journalism should not be any different.Â
Paying for streaming services or cable TV is a pleasure I can choose to opt in and out of. The news should not be a luxury. Information about what is happening in the world I live in should not require expensive subscriptions. If access to credible journalism continues to shrink, so too does the public’s ability to stay informed, engaged and media literate.Â