Journalism is undergoing 'Great Rotation': Telum

The survey showed 3 in 10 journalists were looking to move to new roles.

The Great Resignation may have brought on an employee exodus around the world, but newsrooms in Singapore may be looking at a 'Great Rotation' instead. Almost half (48%) of media professionals plan to stick to their current role, with another 30% looking to move within the same company or industry, according to the results of The Telum Asia Pacific Journalism Survey 2022.

Read more: Talent war: Can companies dodge the great resignation?

Whilst journalists in Singapore remain concerned about COVID-19 and the global economy, findings indicate a generally buoyant mood. More than half (51%) of them are either optimistic or cautiously optimistic about the media industry in the year ahead. Meanwhile, 71% believe that the pandemic has reinforced or raised the importance of journalism, with just 15% thinking journalism is less valued now. Regarding job endorsement, 44% would recommend a career in journalism to others, whilst 31% remained neutral.

"COVID-19 has made the business of journalism more challenging. Despite the pandemic, the message from journalists in the Asia Pacific region is that of having a clear sense of mission, cautious optimism and of a profession that is evolving with technology," said Asia Pacific Managing Director Tim Williamson.

The survey results also point to the rising prominence of digital platforms, with 81% convinced that social media will grow more important over the next year, followed closely by online publications (77%). Whilst many in the industry pivoted to video storytelling a decade ago, 41% of the media workforce now predict podcasts will be a key growth area, paving the way for an audio renaissance. Eight in 10 journalists feel that the rise of social media and digital channels has reinforced and elevated the need for quality journalism.