The National Press Club of Australia 2026

“It is with journalism as it is with lighthouses. There are no business models for lighthouses. But ships sink without them,” once said Alan Rusbridger, former Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian.

This powerful observation opened an insightful and inspiring address by Ulrik Haagerup at the National Press Club of Australia on 18 March, where he spoke about the critical role journalism plays in informing communities, uplifting society, and fostering democracy.

During his address, Haagerup – founder and CEO of the Constructive Institute – offered a confronting diagnosis for media leaders: the long-standing “if it bleeds, it leads” playbook is no longer working.

He outlined how the relentless pursuit of outrage is driving an increase in news avoidance, and made the case for constructive journalism as a credible and commercially sustainable path forward.

Aligned in philosophy, Vanessa Lyons, CEO of ThinkNewsBrands, said the address reinforced the organisation’s position that quality journalism plays a vital role in bringing communities together and strengthening democracy.