Future Tense: Where is Journalism Heading?

January 29, 2026

It’s a fraught time for media. Close to forty percent of newspapers have disappeared in the past twenty years, and there’s been tremendous consolidation among the ones that remain, as well as steep declines in employment within the broader media industry. In this context, student journalism has truly become more important than ever. In some places, student-run media have become life-lines for local communities. On January 29th Puffin hosted a panel discussion with some remarkable young journalists about the future of independent media, why it’s in better shape than you think, and how you can help. We invite you to watch The Nation’s video of the event.

Featured StudentNation writers Ilana Cohen, Aina Marzia, and Lara-Nour Walton. Moderated by Nation editor and publisher Katrina vanden Heuvel.