Are Influencers the New Journalists?

 By Phanice Rono 

A breaking story no longer waits for the 9 p.m. bulletin. It first appears on TikTok, spreads through Instagram, and is debated in comment sections before traditional newsrooms even go live. Influencers now summarize political events, explain court rulings, react to scandals, and sometimes even break news. For many young people, this is their main source of information. So it is fair to ask: are influencers becoming the new journalists? And if so, do we still need journalism degrees?

Influencers thrive because they are relatable. They speak casually. They simplify complex issues. They respond quickly. In a digital world where attention is limited, speed and personality are important. Many followers feel more connected to a familiar online face than to a formal news anchor sitting behind a desk.

However, journalism has always been about more than just presenting information. It relies on verification, balance, context, and accountability. A journalism degree teaches more than how to hold a microphone. It prepares individuals to question sources, confirm facts, protect ethics, and understand the effects of misinformation. Influencers, in contrast, do not follow professional codes. If they share wrong information, the correction may not spread as widely as the original post.

This doesn't mean influencers lack value. They often make public issues more accessible. They can explain complicated policies in simple terms. They connect with audiences that traditional media sometimes has difficulty reaching.

Perhaps the issue lies not in replacement but in responsibility. Journalism continues to play a vital role in investigating, verifying, and holding those in power accountable. Influencers can spark conversations, but credibility needs structure and standards.

In an era of viral content, journalism degrees still matter. It's not because audiences are stuck in the past, but because telling the truth takes hard work. The future may belong to hybrid communicators, professionals who grasp both ethics and engagement.