For those of us in the news business, this is not as simple or straightforward as it sounds. The definition of free speech differs from country to country and we live in a complicated world where a person’s right to express their views may impact, or even silence, another.

Importantly, posting whatever one wishes, even within the confines of the law, on globally influential digital platforms is a way of legitimising information - including misinformation and disinformation.

Digital and social media platforms have changed the news landscape because of their enormous scale and the power to influence public conversations. While they offer opportunities for news distribution, they threaten the reach and relationship news producers have with readers.

We are all aware that the internet and social platforms choose what content is prioritised over others and their algorithms are never transparent - but they influence and shape online behaviour by enabling and encouraging consumers to engage in certain ways. The consequence of digitally fuelled disinformation and misinformation is that it is hard for audiences to access accurate information.

Actors in the information system have a responsibility to address this. Fortunately, the news industry has its way of maintaining a range of accountability instruments driven by a shared professional identity and journalistic values to earn readers’ trust.

While the digital environment for news has changed dramatically, the value of journalism has not diminished. But the way information is produced, distributed and consumed in the digital economy poses a challenge to journalism.

News as a public good serves a purpose beyond the needs of tech companies, advertisers and consumers. But while its function as a public good persists, it requires support because it is difficult to monetise that “good”.

For centuries, newspapers operated on the revenue generated by advertising, but in today’s digital world new revenue models are sorely needed, one of which is having readers directly support our work.

As Post journalists continue to produce news that serves readers around the world, today is an opportunity to pause and reflect on why journalism matters and how you, our readers, can support this crucial work.

Fundamentally, the future of journalism depends on news organisations re-establishing direct relationships with readers to support and preserve journalism in the digital age. In today’s information ecosystem, news organisations aren’t the only ones that matter in ensuring journalism’s future.

Yours sincerely,
Tammy Tam
Editor-in-Chief
South China Morning Post