The media industry continues to evolve as the way we consume news and content changes. While there are valid concerns about misinformation, bias and the loss of trust in the media, we must acknowledge that the industry has transformed significantly in the past decade.
Today, news travels far wider and faster than ever before, largely due to globalisation and digital innovation. This is often greeted with a mix of excitement and scepticism, but there has never been a more exciting time to pursue a career in media.
Young professionals are on the pulse of how stories are created and shared, and continue to shape the future of the media industry every day.
How the Media Industry is Evolving
The media industry never sleeps. We live in a digital world where we receive constant updates from various platforms. According to the Ofcom News Consumption Survey 2025, online news consumption has grown to 70% of UK adults, with 75% of 16-24-year-olds using social media as their primary news source.
The shift away from traditional news channels, including print, TV and radio, is reflected across most demographics, although 90% of adults aged 75 and over use TV and almost 50% use newspapers (both print and online).
While social and digital platforms have transformed the way media is consumed, there have also been seismic changes in its delivery. The rise of data-driven storytelling and analytics aims to reinforce the credibility of sources and share deep insights into topics.
Advanced multimedia capabilities have also transformed the industry, with short-form video, infographics and podcasts examples of how stories are shared, repurposed and consumed globally.
The evolving media industry has diversified and expanded career paths, opening exciting roles in content creation, social media, digital marketing, design and more.
Why Students Should Consider a Future in Media
Students have been raised on digital communication, enabling fluency with social media, video and digital tools. The digital-thinking mindset and adaptability skills build a platform to succeed in media, placing young professionals in the driving seat in the industry.
The variety and pace of work in the media industry create exciting and rewarding career paths. Ed Gove, Senior Producer at Channel 4 News, led a session exploring the future of print media during InvestIN’s Young Media Manager Weekend Programme earlier this year, where he shared his outlook and experience in media. He said:
“Media is an exciting industry that is changing so massively that there is a real opportunity for anyone starting out to make an impact.
“It’s never been easier to pick up your phone and film a video or start a blog. The skills that young people have now are so advanced in terms of the ability to create amazing content that there is an opportunity for them to see an industry revolutionised.”
The idea that no two days are the same rings true in the media industry. From creating content to marketing ideas, careers in media are diverse and provide the opportunity to amplify underrepresented voices and shape cultural narratives. This supports findings from a 2025 Deloitte Survey, which revealed that Gen Z consider purpose-driven work essential to their job satisfaction.
Why Students Should Consider a Future in Media
Students have been raised on digital communication, enabling fluency with social media, video and digital tools. The digital-thinking mindset and adaptability skills build a platform to succeed in media, placing young professionals in the driving seat in the industry.
The variety and pace of work in the media industry create exciting and rewarding career paths. Ed Gove, Senior Producer at Channel 4 News, led a session exploring the future of print media during InvestIN’s Young Media Manager Weekend Programme earlier this year, where he shared his outlook and experience in media. He said:
“Media is an exciting industry that is changing so massively that there is a real opportunity for anyone starting out to make an impact.
“It’s never been easier to pick up your phone and film a video or start a blog. The skills that young people have now are so advanced in terms of the ability to create amazing content that there is an opportunity for them to see an industry revolutionised.”
The idea that no two days are the same rings true in the media industry. From creating content to marketing ideas, careers in media are diverse and provide the opportunity to amplify underrepresented voices and shape cultural narratives. This supports findings from a 2025 Deloitte Survey, which revealed that Gen Z consider purpose-driven work essential to their job satisfaction.
The Importance of Real-World Media Experience
Despite the affinity between the skills young professionals possess and the media industry, most students find it challenging to get hands-on media experience. Without that exposure, it can be hard to translate interests into viable careers.
Students seeking a career in media require more than technical skills to bridge the widening skills gap; they need the agility to survive in an ever-evolving industry. In one of the world’s most dynamic and important sectors, the demand for eager and skilled professionals has never been greater.
That is why InvestIN launched the Young Media Manager Summer Experience. Designed for 15-18-year-olds, the programme offers students a two-week immersive introduction to media, led by industry professionals working across the media landscape, including journalism, filmmaking and digital marketing.
From diverse career simulations to site visits to real-world workplaces like the Sky Studios, students gain insights into the industry and develop in-demand, practical skills that employers are looking for.
The aim of the programme is to breed the next generation of media leaders, empowering young professionals to pursue their interests and explore their creativity. As the media industry continues to evolve, students are placed at the heart of the change. The Young Media Manager Summer Experience Programme ultimately throws students headfirst into the media world and provides them with the tools to shape its future.
