Rob Orchard18 November 2021

Terrible Journalism & Interesting Statistics - Rob Orchard - #399

0Frameworks

10Insights

Insights & moments

The myth-busts, hot takes, explainers, and tools worth keeping.

Myth Buster· 1

Myth Buster06:00

More Clicks Don't Mean Better Journalism

Orchard debunks the idea that high-traffic content reflects quality. Instead, the economic model of free online news incentivizes clickbait over in-depth reporting, undermining serious journalism.

Online news is monetized through clicks and targeted advertising.
Publishing long, well-researched pieces is less profitable than churning out viral content.
This system rewards sensationalism and discourages thoughtful storytelling.

“The sensible thing to do is to bang out a couple of hundred words of nonsense... and pump it out 20 or 30 times a…”
Rob Orchard · 06:30

#media-economics#clickbait#digital-media

Explainer· 4

Explainer00:30

What Is Slow Journalism?

Rob Orchard explains that slow journalism is a counterbalance to fast, reactive news cycles. His magazine, Delayed Gratification, publishes quarterly with the benefit of hindsight, revisiting major events to explore what happened next and uncover overlooked or misrepresented stories.

Slow journalism emphasizes depth, reflection, and context over speed.
The magazine publishes once every three months, allowing time to investigate stories fully.
It aims to cover what fast news misses or gets wrong due to time pressure.

“We kind of go the opposite way... once every three months we produce a beautiful magazine... which looks back over the big events of the…”
Rob Orchard · 00:30

#journalism#media#slow-journalism

Explainer02:00

Why Fast News Fails to Close the Loop

Orchard argues that the 24/7 news cycle prioritizes novelty and speed over depth, leaving audiences with unresolved stories. Important follow-ups, like what happened in Afghanistan after the fall of Kabul, are often ignored once the initial headlines fade.

News moves quickly from one story to the next, rarely revisiting past events.
The phrase 'if it bleeds, it leads' drives sensationalism over substance.
Important stories lose attention before closure or deeper understanding is reached.

“We were all glued to the story... but since then the coverage of what's been happening in Afghanistan has completely fallen off a cliff.”
Rob Orchard · 02:20

#news-cycle#media-criticism#afghanistan

Explainer41:30

China's GDP Grew Over 1000% in 20 Years

Rob Orchard shares data showing China's GDP increased by more than 1000% over two decades, while Japan's grew only 3%. This dramatic economic expansion has positioned China as a global superpower, though not without significant human rights concerns.

China's GDP growth in 20 years far outpaced other major economies.
Japan's GDP increased by just around 3% in the same period.
China's rise includes major improvements in education and public health.

“China's has increased by more than a thousand percent... it is completely incredible.”
Rob Orchard · 42:00

#china#gdp#economic-growth

Explainer72:00

Global Fertility Rates Are Falling Below Replacement

In dozens of countries, women are having fewer than 2.1 children per woman — the rate needed to sustain population without immigration. This trend, driven by urbanization and education, could lead to a shrinking global population.

Many countries, including Singapore and Taiwan, are far below replacement fertility.
Urbanization and women's education are key factors reducing birth rates.
A declining population could reshape economies, environments, and societies.

“In many countries, fertility rates are way below replacement rate... the trend is all downwards.”
Rob Orchard · 72:20

#fertility#demographics#population

Story· 2

Story12:30

How the Daily Mail Published the Wrong Amanda Knox Verdict

During Amanda Knox's retrial, the Daily Mail accidentally published a pre-written article claiming she was found guilty, when in fact her conviction was overturned. The error highlights the dangers of prioritizing speed over accuracy in journalism.

The Daily Mail had prepared two versions of the story in advance.
A miscommunication led to the incorrect verdict being published online.
The story was up for only minutes but illustrates systemic pressure to publish first.

“The button was pushed and the wrong news story went up online... which is diametrically opposite of the truth.”
Rob Orchard · 13:20

#media-errors#amanda-knox#journalism-ethics

Story49:30

What the World Was Searching for During Lockdown

Google data revealed how global priorities shifted during the pandemic. Early searches focused on hoarding and coronavirus, then pivoted to homeschooling, social distancing, and even 'cafe sounds on YouTube' to recreate normalcy.

People searched for 'hoarding' before the pandemic was officially declared.
Terms like 'Zoom', 'cut your own hair', and 'how to make McDonald's' spiked.
Searches for 'cafe sounds on YouTube' reflected a desire for social connection.

“People hadn't searched for 'cafe sounds on YouTube' before... they wanted to sound like they were in a cafe while sitting at home.”
Rob Orchard · 51:45

#pandemic#google-trends#lockdown

Tool· 2

Tool47:00

Cockapoos Were Most Popular Dog Crossbreed in 2020

During the pandemic, demand for crossbreed dogs surged, with cockapoos (cocker spaniel-poodle mixes) leading the trend. Their hypoallergenic coats and friendly nature made them highly desirable.

Cockapoos were the most popular crossbreed, with 39,000 sold via Pets for Homes in 2020.
Poodles' hypoallergenic trait is dominant, making poodle mixes desirable.
Breeds like cavapoos and golden doodles also gained popularity.

“The most popular dog crossbreed was cockapoos with 39,000 being sold through Pets for Homes in 2020.”
Rob Orchard · 47:15

#dogs#pandemic-trends#cockapoo

Tool61:00

How to Win an Oscar, According to Data

An analysis of every Best Actor/Actress Oscar winner since 1928 reveals patterns: winners typically play fictional, North American characters from the present or recent past, avoid sexual scenes, and don't die on screen.

Winning roles are often fictional, contemporary, and North American.
Characters who are performers, mothers, or socialites are common among female winners.
Not dying on screen and avoiding sexual scenes increases odds.

“Modally speaking, you'll play a fictional character who's North American from the present day.”
Rob Orchard · 61:15

#oscars#film#data-analysis

Takeaway· 1

Takeaway38:30

UK Cut CO2 Emissions by 41% Since 1990

The UK has achieved the largest CO2 emissions reduction among G20 nations, cutting emissions by 41% since 1990. However, this figure doesn't account for emissions from imported goods produced in countries like China.

UK emissions dropped significantly due to shift from coal to renewables.
Manufacturing offshoring to China means embedded emissions aren't counted.
True environmental impact is more complex than national data suggests.

“The UK has seen the biggest CO2 emissions drop of all G20 nations — a decrease of 41% since 1990.”
Rob Orchard · 38:45

#climate-change#co2-emissions#uk