Deborah Turness, the former head of BBC News, has sounded the alarm over the threat posed by 'creator journalism' to traditional television news. Speaking out after her recent resignation from the BBC, Turness warned that broadcasters must urgently adapt to this new trend or risk being left behind.
Creator journalism, which focuses on the personality and reputation of individual journalists, is gaining traction among audiences, Turness said. This shift away from traditional, impartial reporting poses a significant threat to the very existence of TV news, she claimed.
'Creator journalism' is a growing trend in the UK media landscape, where individual journalists build personal brands and attract large followings. While this can be beneficial in terms of engagement and reach, it also raises concerns about the potential for biased reporting and the erosion of journalistic standards.
Turness, who led BBC News from 2019 to 2025, said that broadcasters must take steps to adapt to this new reality. This includes investing in new formats and technologies, as well as retraining journalists to better understand the nuances of 'creator journalism'.
The implications of this trend are significant, not just for the TV news industry but also for UK citizens who rely on impartial reporting to stay informed. If broadcasters fail to adapt, traditional TV news may become increasingly irrelevant, leaving a vacuum that could be filled by biased or partisan sources.
The Opposition has already begun to weigh in on this issue, with Labour Party spokespersons expressing concerns about the impact of 'creator journalism' on journalistic standards and the potential for biased reporting.