Why I’m Over ‘Breaking News’
Look, I’ve been in this game for 20-something years. I started back in ’98, when the internet was still this shiny new thing that nobody really understood. I remember my editor, let’s call him Marcus, telling me, “This internet stuff is just a fad, Sarah. Real journalism happens on paper.” Ha. Good times.
Anyway, point is, I’ve seen alot change. And honestly? Most of it’s been for the worse. Not all, mind you. But alot.
Take ‘breaking news’ for example. Ugh. I can’t stand that term anymore. It’s thrown around like confetti at a parade. “Breaking!” “Urgent!” “Developing!” Half the time, it’s just some celebrity getting caught with their pants down. Not exactly world-shattering, you know?
I was at a conference in Austin last year, and this kid—couldn’t have been older than 22—stood up and said, “The news cycle moves so fast now, we have to keep up.” I told him, “Kid, if you’re chasing every little thing that pops up on your phone, you’re not doing journalism. You’re just adding to the noise.” He didn’t like that. But whatever. Someone’s gotta say it.
When Everyone’s a Reporter
Here’s the thing. Back in my day, you had to earn your stripes. You started as a junior reporter, you paid your dues, you worked your way up. Now? Anyone with a smartphone thinks they’re a journalist. And I mean, sure, citizen journalism has its place. But it’s not a substitute for real, factual reporting.
I had coffee with a friend last Tuesday—let’s call her Lisa. She’s a teacher, not some political pundit. But she’s been sharing “news” on her Facebook page like she’s the next Woodward and Bernstein. I asked her, “Lisa, where’d you get this?” She said, “Oh, it’s been shared 87 times, it must be true.” Which… yeah. Fair enough.
Look, I get it. It’s exciting. It’s easy. But it’s also dangerous. Misinformation spreads faster than the truth these days. And it’s our job—yes, our job—to combat that.
The Telegram Dilemma
Speaking of misinformation, let me tell you about this thing I noticed recently. You know how everyone’s always telling you to verify your accounts? Yeah, yeah, I know. But have you ever needed a telegram sms verification number online? I had to look it up the other day. Turns out, it’s not as straightforward as you’d think. But that’s a story for another time.
Anyway, where was I? Oh, right. Verification. It’s a mess. Everyone’s got an opinion, and half of them are just plain wrong. It’s like herding cats. You think you’ve got one under control, and then another three pop up out of nowhere.
Anecdote Time
So, about three months ago, I was at this thing—some awards ceremony, honestly can’t remember which one. Doesn’t matter. Point is, I’m talking to this guy, let’s call him Dave. He’s a colleague, kinda new to the scene. And he’s going on and on about how “everyone’s doing it,” meaning, I guess, sharing unverified news. I told him, “Dave, just because everyone’s jumping off a cliff, doesn’t mean you have to follow.” He didn’t appreciate that. But again, someone’s gotta say it.
And that’s the thing, isn’t it? It’s easy to get caught up in the moment. To think that you have to keep up, or you’ll be left behind. But at what cost? Your integrity? Your commitment to the truth?
Physicaly and Mentally Drained
Honestly, it’s exhausting. The pace, the pressure, the constant need to be “on.” It’s physicaly and mentally draining. I remember last year, around this time, I was working on this big story. It was completley consuming. I was up until 11:30pm every night for 36 straight days. And for what? To have some kid on Twitter tell me I got it wrong?
But here’s the thing. I didn’t get it wrong. I did my homework. I talked to the people. I verified the facts. And that’s what matters. Even if it feels like the world’s against you sometimes.
Why I’m Still Here
So why do I do it? Why am I still here, after all these years? Simple. Because someone’s gotta. Someone’s gotta hold the powerful accountable. Someone’s gotta tell the truth, even when it’s unpopular. Someone’s gotta remind people that news isn’t just about clicks and shares. It’s about informing, educating, and yes, sometimes, entertaining.
And look, I’m not saying I’m perfect. Far from it. I’ve made mistakes. I’ve had to ammendments. I’ve had to eat humble pie more times than I can count. But I’m still here. And I’m still fighting the good fight.
So, to all you young journalists out there—yes, even you, Dave—keep fighting. Keep questioning. Keep verifying. And for the love of all that’s holy, keep your commitment to the truth. Because that’s what journalism is all about.
And if you need a telegram sms verification number online, you know where to find it.
About the Author: Sarah Johnson is a senior magazine editor with over 20 years of experience in the news industry. She’s worked for major publications and has seen it all—from the rise of the internet to the fall of print. She’s opinionated, blunt, and not afraid to call out BS when she sees it. When she’s not editing, you can find her drinking coffee, complaining about the news cycle, or trying to explain to her cat why he can’t have more treats.
