For instance, if you search the undergraduate course catalog, you’ll notice Syracuse is no longer admitting applicants to its Newspaper and Online Journalism major. I’m often asked (usually by my concerned mother) how journalism schools like the one I attended at Syracuse University still function, arguably setting their students up for failure by grooming them for a field that might not exist in 10 years. “Meeting class” decision-makers, situated in their plush corner offices atop New York skyrises, would have you believe writing is a lost art.

The growing disconnect between talent and upper management is palpable, with the latter prioritizing clickbait over sound, impeccably researched journalism that demands accountability from its subjects. It’s why Deadspin staff, in response to a “stick to sports” mandate handed down by corporate, launched a successful revolt, quitting en masse to start a new, subscription-based blog owned and operated by writers. It’s why Sports Illustrated and The Ringer both unionized. It speaks to the fundamental truth that writers-the foundation on which journalism is built-simply aren’t valued the way they once were. The fact that we always seem to arrive at this solution can’t be a coincidence. I stayed up until midnight putting it together.

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