This week’s edition of Slow Digest was written by C21 Graduate Fellow Yuchen Zhao, with contributions by C21 Managing Director Katie Waddell.
This week, Slow Digest explores pace of media production and consumption in the age of instant information. Slow journalism was born out of the wish to take a breather from the rush of breaking news to focus on the stories that really matter. It’s about thoughtful digging, rich storytelling, and savoring the details that fast news often skips. Think of it as slow cooking, but for news: deliciously in-depth and worth the wait! Slow journalism helps us pause, reflect, and engage with big questions, offering a refreshing antidote to the constant scroll of headlines. Although slow journalism can’t replace fast journalism, it does at least offer a critique and a respite.
Matt Norman, “What is ‘Slow Journalism’?”
This article, published under the umbrella of the Out of Eden Walk project (below), offers an introduction to slow journalism. Author Matt Norman summarizes the phenomenon without over-simplifying it.
Paul Salopek for National Geographic, Out of Eden Walk
Out of Eden Walk is an exemplary work of slow journalism that follows Paul Salopek’s fascinating multiyear journey traveling the globe on foot. It captures the essence of storytelling through a deliberate, reflective lens, focusing on human connections and timeless narratives. Perfect for those who love meaningful journalism that prioritizes depth over speed, it pairs beautifully with the ethos of slow journalism. This multimedia project includes stunning photography, personal narratives, guest articles, audio, international project collaborations, and that traces Salopek’s progress.
Jennifer Rauch, Slow Media: Why “Slow” Is Satisfying, Sustainable, and Smart
Jennifer Rauch’s Slow Media is a thought-provoking book that delves into the benefits of slowing down our media consumption. Rauch explores how consciously engaging with media can lead to more meaningful, sustainable, and enriching experiences, countering the effects of fast-paced digital culture. This read is perfect for anyone looking to cultivate mindfulness in their media habits. You can learn more about Rauch’s book here and check out her roundtable discussion at the 2019 International Journalism Festival below.
Delayed Gratification: The Slow Journalism Magazine
If you’re interested in diving into thought-provoking journalism, Delayed Gratification is the magazine for you. It flips the fast-paced news cycle by inviting us to slow down, engage deeply, and allow the content to unfold. Published quarterly, it gives time and attention to the context behind headlines, offering nuanced reporting, gorgeous infographics, and storytelling that sticks with you. Perfect for those who crave substance over speed, this is slow journalism at its finest—thoughtful, insightful, and refreshingly different. As the editors said, “It is proud to be ‘Last to Breaking News’.” Learn more about Delayed Gratification: The Slow Journalism Magazine here and watch Delayed Gratification editor Rob Orchard speak at TEDxMadrid below.