casey's (not the gas station)

The evolution of the journalism industry has been shaped by the rise of social media. Thomas Ritchie, a professional with over 25 years of experience in journalism and corporate marketing, delved into the critical influence of social media on the industry.

Ritchie graduated from Mount Marty University and majored in Business Marketing and Journalism. He has had a diverse career spanning various industries, from healthcare to trucking, and even entrepreneurship. Currently serving as a Corporate Marketer at the Great West Casualty Company, he has been at the forefront of the industry’s transformation.

Part of illustrating the shifting dynamics of news offices is Ritchie’s involvement with a hybrid company. This model allows him to work both in-office and from the comfort of his home. When asked about his favorite aspect of this arrangement, Ritchie responded, “It’s never the same two days and always new, always learning.” He notes that the adoption of hybrid work arrangements was expedited by the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated layoffs, which compelled the company to adapt swiftly.

Ritchie’s transition from journalism to marketing was primarily triggered by the decline in newspaper circulation around 2012. Building websites and digital marketing proved to be more lucrative and offered better career prospects. However, he admits that he misses the journalism of the past, reminiscing about what it once represented. “Trucks still hold a lot of stories,” Ritchie mentioned.

Regarding the effects of social media, Ritchie reflects on the profound changes in the industry. He talked about the transition from Twitter being primarily used for “live” reporting to the rise of livestreaming, which had a transformative impact on events like the Arab Spring and the Boston Marathon. He also acknowledged the growing influence of platforms like TikTok and their potential for fostering short-form content.

When asked about the echo-chamber effect and the algorithms employed by social media platforms, Ritchie noted the shift from chronological content presentation to algorithm-driven suggestions. This has altered the way information is consumed and raises concerns about the ethical aspects of tracking consumer behavior, particularly in regulated industries like his job in trucking and insurance.

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