EDITOR’S LETTER

Journalism isn’t as simple as it used to be. Supposedly, it is about truth telling: reporting the facts, holding institutions to account, giving people a voice. And yet, in 2023, it remains one of the country’s least-trusted professions. Some of that is understandable, some of it isn’t. Statistically speaking, it’s a fact.

So what can we do about it? Well, in that greatest of writing traditions – endure. And by endure, that is to say, keep writing (or broadcasting). Our cover star Clive Myrie told us as much when he described journalism as a noble profession, which, when it delivers on its promise, is true. He is a prime example: a Black reporter who has risen to become one of the BBC’s most renowned correspondents before segueing into a role as a primetime TV host (p. 64). There are plenty more examples to admire: Ellie Flynn’s investigative talents (p. 93), Andrey Zakharov’s relentless reporting in exile (p. 83), and Victoria Derbyshire’s unwavering pursuit of the truth – now on TikTok (p. 46) – are snapshots of journalism not just done well, but right.

City, of course, believes in what journalism can be, too. Its investment in the UK’s frst podcasting MA (p. 4), frst archive dedicated to investigative journalism (p. 21), and AI technology in university (p. 5) are all examples of City’s faith in the power of reporting.

But to endure, journalism must also change. Why, in 2023, is it a profession that remains so inaccessible to those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds (p. 77) and less welcoming to those with learning differences (p. 110 )? Why are journalists from diverse backgrounds either targeted for their identities (p. 116) or pigeonholed into writing about them (p. 90)? These are just some of the obstacles journalism must tackle to regain the public’s trust.

And yet, journalism is always happening. There are always people with stories, even when the cameras aren’t on them. It exists where people endure – from