Geraldine Doogue Explores Journalism's Future in 2025 Andrew Olle Lecture

In her recent address at the 2025 Andrew Olle Media Lecture, veteran broadcaster Geraldine Doogue AO confronted the pressing challenges facing the journalism industry. Delivered in Sydney on July 25, 2025, Doogue’s lecture, titled "Not Drowning, Waving," examined the precarious state of media amidst evolving societal dynamics.

Doogue, a respected figure in Australian journalism, initiated her talk by referencing the uncertainty surrounding the media landscape, echoing sentiments from the late poet W.B. Yeats. "The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity," she quoted, emphasizing the grim atmosphere that pervades the industry today.

The lecture aligns with ongoing discussions about the future of journalism, particularly following alarming reports from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford, which highlighted a significant decline in public engagement with traditional news outlets. According to Rasmus Kleis Nielsen, the report's author, "Journalism is in freefall — and the public doesn’t care," a stark reminder of the existential crisis facing the profession (Nielsen, 2023).

Despite the challenges, Doogue argued that there remains a theoretical public interest in journalism, albeit overshadowed by the proliferation of alternative media sources. She noted that many media consumers have become competitors in the news space, creating personalized news outlets that often prioritize sensationalism over factual reporting.

Industry analyst Roy Greenslade previously warned of the impending collapse of the UK newspaper industry, describing it as "heading for a cliff fall" (Greenslade, 2016). The implications of such trends are profound, leading to a potential future where journalism resembles the realms of classical music or contemporary art—appreciated by a select few but largely disregarded by the masses.

Doogue’s lecture also highlighted a critical need for a shift in journalistic practices. Drawing on the insights of Mathias Döpfner, CEO of the German media group Axel Springer, she stressed the importance of distinguishing journalism from activism. "More and more young people want to become journalists because they want to improve the world," said Döpfner, warning against the conflation of journalism and advocacy (Döpfner, 2023).

Moreover, the lecture touched upon the role of journalists as the fourth estate, with Doogue arguing for a renewed commitment to public service journalism. "We have a duty to warn citizens of danger, to alert them to unresolved issues, and to distinguish between competence and incompetence in governance," she stated, underlining the ethical responsibilities of media professionals.

Looking ahead, Doogue suggested that the future of journalism lies in embracing creativity and service-oriented approaches that engage diverse communities. She urged media professionals to cultivate intellectual openness and foster a covenant with the public based on fairness and accuracy. "Otherwise, we risk losing not just our industry but the very essence of informed citizenship," she cautioned.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, Doogue’s insights serve as a clarion call for journalists to adapt and innovate. The need for a revitalized commitment to quality reporting and community engagement has never been more urgent. Through her lecture, Doogue not only illuminated the challenges but also offered a hopeful perspective on the potential for journalism to thrive in a rapidly changing world.