We need experts that are knowledgeable on issues who can put them in context for lay readers.

In the past, those were often beat reporters, but academics can fit that role too.

With the collapse of traditional media hegemonies companies we’ve lost beat reporters, so we have to rely on third party experts. Of course, there are problems with that: if they’re owned by bad actors, then they can spread misleading narratives.

I’m not sure who fills that role now. Whoever can tweet the most convincingly at journalists? Whoever makes the sexiest YouTube explainer?

😂^(we’re screwed)