How do we convince news avoiders that they need news?

I get it. Every time you open the news, it’s a barrage of negativity—misinformation, hate speech, crimes, climate disasters, and so much more.

It’s overwhelming, frustrating, and honestly, it feels like there’s no solution to the madness. No wonder people are consciously avoiding it. But here’s the thing: the problem isn’t just the content—it’s how the news is communicated and presented.

Whether it’s Instagram or any other platform, news is often designed to trigger emotions, pushing you to reshare, repost, or forward it. And while that might drive engagement, it’s also driving people away.

They’re frustrated, triggered, and their mental bandwidth is taking a hit. But what if news could be communicated in a way that doesn’t just inform but also empowers?

News Doesn’t Have to Be Called “News”

Sometimes, the most valuable journalism doesn’t even call itself journalism. Take newsletters, for example. I’ve been following one that focuses on AI, productivity, and career growth. It’s not marketed as a traditional newsroom, but it’s packed with insights that I’ve found incredibly useful.

The core content revolves around AI, writing, productivity, and the future—topics that resonate deeply with me. What’s interesting is that they never use the words “journalism” or “news.” Instead, they position themselves as a premium publication that delivers actionable value. And it works.

This got me thinking: maybe the key to engaging news avoiders is to stop calling it “news.” Instead, focus on delivering niche, high-value content that transforms readers into better versions of themselves—both personally and professionally.

The Power of Non-Traditional Newsrooms

Another example that’s stuck with me is The Whole Truth Food. They’re a company that manufactures food products, but they’ve also created a beautifully designed, illustrated newsletter. It’s all about food, nutrition, and health—topics that are inherently valuable.

While they do mention producing high-quality journalism, the content feels nothing like a traditional newspaper or magazine. It’s engaging, well-researched, and visually stunning. What I love most is the storytelling.

The lead content producer, Samarth Bansal, has a way of crafting narratives that are both informative and inspiring. It’s a reminder that journalism doesn’t have to fit into a traditional mold to be impactful.

The Right Pivot for Media Entrepreneurs

So, what’s the takeaway here? Journalists and newsrooms need to rethink their approach. You don’t have to explicitly label your work as “journalism” or “breaking news.” Instead, focus on creating super-niche, value-driven content that speaks directly to your audience’s needs.

For example, if you’re writing about climate change, don’t just highlight the problem—offer solutions. Show your readers how they can take action in their own lives. The goal is to transform readers from passive consumers into active participants.

When they see that your content can help them solve real problems, they’ll be more likely to engage—and less likely to avoid it.

A New Approach to Storytelling

Let’s talk about storytelling for a moment. One of the reasons I’ve been drawn to newsletters is the way they tell stories. They’re not just reporting facts—they’re crafting narratives that resonate on a deeper level.

For example, instead of just writing about the latest AI advancements, they might share a personal story about how AI has transformed someone’s career. It’s relatable, inspiring, and actionable.

This approach works because it connects with readers on an emotional level. It’s not just about delivering information—it’s about creating an experience. Creators also get to control direct relationship with their audience by building their email list.

So What’s The Future like?

I believe the future of journalism lies in redefining what it means to deliver news. It’s not about abandoning traditional values—it’s about adapting to the needs of today’s audience.

For media entrepreneurs and journalism creators, this means focusing on: Niche content that speaks directly to your audience’s interests.

Value-driven storytelling that empowers readers to take action. Innovative formats that break away from traditional molds. The goal is to create content that doesn’t just inform but also inspires.

Let’s focus on delivering value, crafting compelling stories, and transforming readers into active participants. Because when we do that, we’re not just sharing news—we’re making a difference.