Curating News

Curating news involves selecting, organizing, and presenting content in an informed and structured manner. Here are key insights from trusted experts:

1. Role of Curators:

   • Seth Godin emphasizes that curators decide what to highlight, which can significantly shape public perception. Great curators prioritize truth over popularity, but this responsibility can pressure them to become conservative over time to maintain their audience and influence 1.
   • Matt Galligan contrasts traditional news organizations' slower, detailed approach with the need for rapid news updates. His team developed a lean editorial process to provide quick, concise updates while ensuring accuracy 2.

2. Challenges and Evolution:

   • The internet has democratized curation, allowing countless individuals to create and share content. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges, as seen in the proliferation of blogs and niche TV networks 3.

     The Power of Curators

     Seth Godin

     Seth Godin explores the role of curators in shaping culture, highlighting the bravery of those who prioritize truth over audience size. However, he also acknowledges the tendency for curators to become conservative over time, as taking risks can jeopardize their influence. The chapter delves into the challenges and importance of curating, shedding light on the power dynamics at play.

     

     Akimbo

     Curation

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   • Will Bulsiewicz, MD, discusses the issue of confirmation bias and how it affects both news and health information. People often seek information that aligns with their beliefs rather than objective facts, complicating the curation of accurate content 4.

3. Staying Informed:

   • Aliza Bran suggests diversifying information sources to understand different perspectives and avoid echo chambers. Engaging with a variety of news outlets helps track comprehensive and balanced viewpoints 5.
   • Light Watkins advises curating your newsfeed to include supportive and positive content, which can improve mental health and overall well-being, especially during uncertain times like the COVID-19 pandemic 6.

4. Technological Solutions:

   • Platforms like LinkedIn are using a combination of human editors and algorithms to curate content, ensuring users get relevant and rewarding information efficiently 7.
   • Cal Newport highlights the "link model" used in early blog networks, which relied on trust relationships to curate reliable sources and filter out misinformation effectively 8.

These insights illustrate the complexities and strategies involved in curating news and highlight the importance of maintaining trust and accuracy.