I know that many people like me often feel 'owed' or even distressed when someone comments on a fact that, apparently, is in every conversation, but until then they were not even aware of it. In recent days, just to mention topics that have appeared on my different screens, I noticed that a lot has been said about the new global status of Covid-19, the coronation of the new king of England, the capybara that was returned to the influencer and the letter from Central Bank and the future of Brazilian interest rates, among many other news.
“In the midst of millions of data and information that surround us, it is difficult to separate what is really important, relevant and interesting to know. Furthermore, connect the facts, discern what is true, know how they affect us and avoid the traps of misinformation. There is no doubt that we need help, we need healing.”
I purposely cite facts of different degrees of relevance and interest, and each one could certainly relate many others. The point here is that, out of personal taste and professional duty, I try to be up to date on all the topics that are hot in public opinion and, most of the time, I am not successful. In the midst of millions of data and information that surround us, it is difficult to separate what is really important, relevant and interesting to know. Furthermore, connect the facts, discern what is true, know how they affect us and avoid the traps of misinformation. There is no doubt that we need help, we need healing.
And that's why I'm a staunch defender of the work of the press. Because whenever I'm surprised by something, when I have doubts, when I think I'm out of date, it's the press that I turn to. I believe that this curation, which hierarchizes information and accurate, checked and organized delivery, is one of the greatest values of professional journalism.
On the RBS Editorial Board, we have debated in depth about this role of journalism and about initiatives to improve this delivery of value to the public. I realize that RBS vehicles are moving towards a curation that is increasingly attentive to people's habits and interests, not collectively speaking, but thinking about the individual.
The more we move towards respecting the visions and realities of each person, based on the production of quality, objective and plural content, but without imposing the same on everyone, the more professional journalism will help people to consume what they fact matters for their lives. Because, as I recently heard from a friend, the best antidote to the feeling of being overwhelmed and misinformation, even when we are informing ourselves all day long, is to replace quantity with quality.
Anik Suzuki is CEO of ANK Reputation and member of the Editorial Board of RBS
anik@ankreputation.com.br
*Article published in Zero Hora on May 6, 2023
