Like Reading News? John Oliver Has A Very Important Message For You

"The longer that we get something for free, the less willing we are to pay for it."

People like reading the news, but they don’t like paying for it ― and as John Oliver points out on HBO’s “Last Week Tonight,” that’s led to some serious problems in the field of journalism.

Circulation is dropping and newsrooms are focusing on what will click online rather than what’s best for their readers.

Reporters are being laid off, including the ones who play a critical role covering state and local government, and they’re often being replaced by confusing and bizarre online strategies from their corporate parents.

“A big part of the blame for this industry’s dire straits is on us and our unwillingness to pay for the work journalists produce,” he said. “We’ve just grown accustomed to getting our news for free ― and the longer that we get something for free, the less willing we are to pay for it.”

Check out the clip above for a grim look at the future of journalism.

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