{"id":173947,"date":"2024-11-28T13:43:22","date_gmt":"2024-11-28T12:43:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.erasmusmagazine.nl\/en\/?p=173947"},"modified":"2026-01-19T13:33:19","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T12:33:19","slug":"bad-for-the-nation-belongs-in-the-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.erasmusmagazine.nl\/en\/2024\/11\/28\/bad-for-the-nation-belongs-in-the-news\/","title":{"rendered":"Bad for the nation, belongs in the news"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u2018Bad for the nation, good for the news\u2019 is a not too sympathetic but true clich\u00e9 about journalism. Editor-in-chief Wieneke Gunneweg explains why in troubled times the need for journalism increases.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Bad for the nation, good for the news\u2019 is a clich\u00e9 about journalism that isn\u2019t particularly sympathetic but is undeniably true. It\u2019s unsympathetic because no one \u2013 not even a journalist \u2013 wants the nation to be in a bad state. But it\u2019s true because during difficult times, the demand for news and other journalistic content increases.<\/p>\n

Take, for example, the Trump bump<\/a>: a surge in website traffic for news outlets during Trump\u2019s first term as president. Not only did more visitors flock to these sites, but many also subscribed to news platforms.<\/p>\n

Covid-19 updates<\/h2>

We saw something similar at EM during the pandemic. Deprived of university-related news, the number of readers on our site grew significantly, as did our Instagram followers. EM met the overwhelming need for updates about the latest measures, particularly among international students and staff. After every press conference on Covid-19 regulations, we provided an English summary that same evening, complete with relevant tips.<\/p>\n

This is why what\u2019s bad for the nation is often good for the newspaper. Let me stress once again that this does not mean journalists hope for or enjoy others\u2019 misfortune. But in times of crisis, the need for reliable information grows, allowing journalistic outlets to demonstrate their value.<\/p>\n

Not without pain and sorrow<\/h2>

Higher education is facing difficult times if the government\u2019s planned cuts go ahead. As we speak, protests are ongoing, but at the same time, deep budget cuts are already being made within the university. Since last summer, it has been clear that belts will need to be tightened, and uncertainty is mounting.<\/p>\n

Budget cuts never come without pain and sorrow, as losses are inevitable. However, slashing budgets does not justify treating people poorly. According to the university\u2019s website, Erasmus University aspires to be a good employer. That makes it even more disappointing when people feel they haven\u2019t been treated fairly. Sometimes, they turn to the newsmakers to highlight their personal situation or the state of their workplace.<\/p>\n

Last resort<\/h2>

Turning to a journalist is often a last resort for people who feel unheard. No one enjoys airing their dirty laundry in public or tarnishing their own organisation\u2019s reputation. People approach journalists when something truly serious has happened or when they\u2019ve been ignored for a long time. Journalism sits at the top of the escalation ladder \u2013 it\u2019s where people turn to when talking, negotiating, or filing complaints has failed. That\u2019s when things need to come out: decision-makers must be held accountable, and the issue must be exposed. Only then can change occur.<\/p>\n

At EM, we are also noticing the early impacts of the looming budget cuts. These are cuts that the Executive Board clearly didn\u2019t ask for, yet they are responsible for explaining them with sensitivity to both individuals and the organisation, and for making tough decisions. EM\u2019s role is to report on this, provide context, and ensure that all sides are heard. And when mistakes are made, we will air the dirty laundry. Because what\u2019s bad for the nation, belongs in the news.<\/p>\n\n\t

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