Readers,
As we prepare to bid farewell to another year, it is an honour and a responsibility for me, as editor of The Herald, to take a moment to both reflect upon the events that have defined 2023 and share some key trends for the coming 12 months.
Firstly, I’d like to say thank you to all our readers. Whether in print, digital, e-edition, social media or newsletter, your support for The Herald’s journalism is crucial.
There are many places you can go for news, analysis, business, features and sport, but I believe that a strong, independent voice for Scotland - which does not seek to peddle any political line - is crucial in these turbulent times.
Despite the rather lazy notion that newsbrands are in decline, in this, our 240th year, more people read The Herald’s journalism than ever before. I am proud of this and I am confident our role is more important than ever. Why? Rarely has our political discourse been so fractured, our trust in each other so fragile. Many are quick to judge, short-term in their outlook and only interested in a headline rather than the nuance. We face myriad challenges. But we will not overcome these with quick fixes and a culture of blame. Accountability is one thing; finger pointing is another. I believe the pages of The Herald are a place for nuance.
In the face of heightening concerns about misinformation and fake news, there is a greater need for credibility and trusted sources. Fact-checking, transparency in sourcing, and local accountability are vital here. Put simply, if you want to praise or grumble you will find me and my team in the centre of Glasgow, not on a private jet above California.
2023 has been a year of profound change, hope, and resilience. It has tested our collective strength, compassion, and adaptability. Globally, war continues in Europe with little prospect of breakthrough while a fresh conflict has erupted in the Middle East.
In Scotland, we saw Nicola Sturgeon resign as First Minister, a police investigation into the SNP, a new leader in Humza Yousaf and big policy debates around gender reform and the deposit return scheme. The cost-of-living crisis continues to bite families hard while the challenge of low economic growth in Scotland and the UK persists.
These are important issues, which we, like other media, will continue to cover in detail, providing fresh analysis. The challenge is, when the news agenda moves on to the next topic or scandal, do we take our eye off the ball on what matters?
What our readers tell me is they want more focus on areas of public policy which are relatively overlooked. Incredibly, these areas are often our core public services: from local government to NHS Scotland and schools. This is often because the story and the trend moves more slowly than the latest scandal.
Read More: Education review of the Year, James McEnaney: how 2023 changed me
This year, we have devoted more resources to in-depth studies of Scottish education. The feedback on this has been both positive and overwhelming. And we will intensify our commitment in this area while looking to expand our focus on deep coverage of other topics.
Next year, we are likely to have a General Election, with the prospect of the first Labour government in 14 years while on the pitches of Germany our national team will contest the European Championships.
One of the wider trends to watch for is the advancement of technology at an astonishing pace, transforming the way we live, work, and communicate. Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and space exploration make headlines, promising remarkable breakthroughs and challenges alike. The digital age offers immense opportunities, but it also raises questions about privacy, ethics, and the balance between human and machine.
As we usher in a new year, let us carry forward the lessons of 2023. Let us continue to stand together, to seek understanding, and to work towards a better future for all. Our world may face challenges, but it is also rich with opportunities for growth, progress, and unity.
Thank you for your unwavering support and trust in our title. We look forward to sharing the journey of 2024 with you and being a part of the ongoing conversation that shapes our world.
With gratitude and optimism,
Catherine Salmond
Editor
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