All the News That’s Fit to Click: How Metrics Are Transforming the Work of Journalists

Performance analytics are transforming journalism by influencing what stories are written, how news is promoted, and even which journalists get hired and fired. In All the News That's Fit to Click, Caitlin Petre takes readers behind the scenes at the New York Times, Gawker, and Chartbeat to explore how these metrics are being used to win the trust and loyalty of journalists. While some journalists use metrics to advocate for their professional worth and autonomy, others are being disempowered by them.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 27 February 2024
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Journalists today are faced with an overwhelming abundance of data regarding the popularity of their stories. This data plays a significant role in shaping the content they produce, the way news is promoted, and even the decisions made regarding hiring and firing. The question arises as to whether these metrics enhance journalist accountability to the public or if they instead serve as modern-day tools of control, exacerbating the working conditions and diminishing the quality of journalism.

In her book "All the News That's Fit to Click," Caitlin Petre takes readers on a behind-the-scenes journey to explore how performance metrics are revolutionizing the field of journalism. Petre delves into the practices of the New York Times, Gawker, and the prominent news analytics company Chartbeat, providing a comprehensive account of how digital metrics are being employed as powerful but insidious forms of managerial surveillance and discipline.

One of the key aspects of Petre's book is her portrayal of real-time analytics tools as designed to captivate and retain the attention of wary journalists. These tools mimic the addictive qualities of games, employing immersive displays, instant feedback, and constantly updated "scores" and rankings to keep journalists engaged and motivated. Many journalists find themselves hooked on these metrics, putting immense pressure on themselves to increase their numbers and improve their performance.

However, Petre argues that this narrative of managerial domination is not a complete one. She demonstrates how some journalists are leveraging metrics to their advantage, using them as tools to advocate for their professional worth and autonomy. By understanding and interpreting the data effectively, journalists can use metrics to showcase their expertise, highlight important stories, and hold their organizations accountable.

"All the News That's Fit to Click" offers an insightful and eye-opening account of data-driven journalism. It sheds light on the complex dynamics between journalists, their organizations, and the ever-evolving landscape of digital media. Petre's book serves as a valuable preview of how the metrics revolution may impact other professions, as well as the potential risks and challenges associated with this shift.

In conclusion, "All the News That's Fit to Click" is a thought-provoking and essential read for anyone interested in the intersection of journalism, technology, and society. Petre's book provides a comprehensive exploration of how performance metrics are shaping the field of journalism, offering both a critical analysis and a hopeful perspective on the future of this profession. By understanding the power and potential of digital metrics, journalists can leverage them to advocate for their professional worth, produce high-quality content, and contribute to a more informed and engaged public.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691254937