For people not in the finance industry, financial news can feel overwhelming and unnerving. Even with strong personal finance education initiatives in high school and increased availability of investment apps, a recent 2023 NerdWallet study found that 79% of Americans feel intimidated by at least one financial topic, and 31% don’t talk about money at home. That’s why business journalism is so important — to keep us all informed, engaged and literate about the economy and the corporations that shape it.
Business news covers a broad range of topics, from mergers and acquisitions to quarterly earnings reports and leadership changes. But it also covers more general economic trends, market movements and the impact of government policies on businesses. Business journalists can help make complex information relatable to a wide audience by using clear language and visual aids, such as infographics, charts and graphs. This can be especially helpful for stories that have a more serious tone or have to be explained in greater detail, such as the financial impact of the Brexit vote or the effect of tax reform on business owners.
Providing concise, relatable and timely information about the business world helps maintain transparency in corporate operations, makes citizens financially literate and shapes public opinion and industrial development through impactful news reporting. Business journalism is an integral part of media and has the potential to positively impact everyone, from small-business owners to investors, in a way that translates across all social demographics.