Today to merge with CNA as media outlook sours further

As TODAY merges with CNA digital newsroom, are we at the end of an era for news reporting?

Digital media outlet Today will merge with CNA digital newsroom on 01 Oct 2024, announced Mediacorp this afternoon.

Why did this happen and is this the end of news?

The merger

Today and CNA are both owned by Mediacorp, which in turn is owned by Temasek Holdings, the investment arm of the Government of Singapore.

Reasons for the merger:

• Reduced news discoverability on social media.
• Growing overlap in audience.
• No staff will be cut.

After merger:

• Today app will no longer be updated.
• Today's social account will direct to CNA.
• New content will appear on CNA website, app.

Of course, it doesn't make sense to do a merger and commit to zero staff cuts in perpetuity.

In my personal view, the question is really about the time window for eventual reductions - or not replacing attrition.

The evolution of media

Trained in IT and passionate about technology, I never studied to be a journo and fell into writing quite by accident.

First as a part-time gig then as a full-time freelancer, I wrote for:

• IT-centric sites like TechRepublic, ZDNet.
• US publications like Computerworld, PC World.
• Trade media like Questex US's FierceMarkets brand.

Later on:

• UK-trade media DCD.
• Regional papers like the SCMP.
• Local broadsheets like the Straits Times.
• There's even 1 for The Register's Aus bureau.

So you can say I've written across four continents.

Much has changed over the last decade, however. I recalled how one after another, pink slips were handed out and budgets slashed. Many publications shuttered.

Is this the end of an era?

What's next for media

I think there will always be a need for news. But in our era of AI, its shape and form will be quite different from what we are used to.

Already, many are going behind paywalls, or leveraging diverse distribution strategies to stay in touch with loyal readers.

In this bold new world:

• Readers expect deeper insights.
• Quality will matter more than ever.
• Reputation can make or break a brand.

Those that can't offer these won't survive.

What about you, Paul?

Today, I mainly do B2B content and strategy, write for a handful of publications, and post daily on LinkedIn.

To my surprise, I rather enjoy 'reporting' daily, though I'm not paid for it. And there are limits given time constraints.

But for as long as I can, I plan to keep writing tech-focused posts that are:

• Factual.
• Insightful.
• Make you think.

Do let me know if you enjoyed them so far.

Anyway, what are your thoughts about the future of media?