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Why we can't afford to disengage from the news | John Cruickshank | TEDxToronto

922 views · Published 29 October 2014 · 19:20 · Indexed 7 October 2026

Channel: TEDx Talks · 2014 · Nonprofits & Activism

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This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. In an era when social media and online publications are a primary source of news for so many, one might wonder if there is still a place for the newspaper amidst all the noise. In this TEDxTalk, John Cruickshank urges that traditional news sources must quickly find a way to re-engage younger populations to continue breeding an engaged society of socially and politically active citizens. He draws strong parallels between declining  interest in the news and the decrease in political participation amongst young people, and offers suggestions as to how we might break this cycle.


John Cruickshank is the Publisher of the Toronto Star and President of Star Media Group. He has enjoyed a distinguished career in newspapers and television in both Canada and the United States. John’s continent-wide experience provides him with an in-depth knowledge of both the editorial and business side of media companies. He previously served as Publisher of CBC News, Publisher of the Chicago Sun-Times, Editor-in-Chief of the Vancouver Sun and Managing Editor of The Globe and Mail. He also worked for the Montreal Gazette and started his journalism career with the Kingston Whig Standard.

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