John Oliver Laments the Journalistic Void That’s Arisen With Newspapers Becoming Digital

On the August 7th episode of Last Week Tonight, host John Oliver spoke about the importance of investigative journalism and lamented how the transformation of newspapers turning into digital conglomerates has created an accountability void that’s being filled with puppies and cat-raccoons.

…Not having reporters at government meetings is like a teacher leaving her room of seventh graders to supervise themselves. Best case scenario Brittany gets gum in her hair, worst case scenario you no longer have a school. Look, it is clearly smart when newspapers to expand online but the danger in doing that is the temptation to gravitate toward whatever gets the most clicks. Which is why news organizations badly need to have leaders who appreciates that what’s popular isn’t always what’s most important.

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.