Buổi 35: Writing Task 2 – Opinion: tin tức chất lượng có nên miễn phí cho mọi người?

As more news organisations place their best reporting behind paywalls, it is increasingly argued that reliable journalism should be free for everyone. I agree that access to high-quality news should not depend on a person's ability to pay, but I do not believe such news can be free to produce, and the real question is therefore who should bear the cost.

The case for free access is strong. Democracies depend on citizens who understand the decisions being made on their behalf, and if accurate reporting becomes a luxury, those on lower incomes are left with whatever is freely available online, which may include misleading or deliberately false material. In this sense, good journalism resembles a public good: its benefits – better-informed voters, greater scrutiny of those in power – are shared by society as a whole, not only by the people who pay for it.

However, it is often claimed that news can simply be funded by advertising and offered without charge. This argument overlooks two problems. First, serious journalism is expensive; an investigation into corruption may take months and produce only a handful of articles. Second, when revenue depends on advertising, news organisations have an incentive to publish whatever attracts the most clicks, which tends to reward sensational headlines rather than careful reporting. A completely free model may therefore undermine the very quality it is meant to protect.

A more workable solution is a mixed approach. Readers who can afford it could pay a subscription that also funds free access for students and low-income households, while some public money could support local and investigative reporting, provided it is distributed by an independent body to protect editorial independence.

In conclusion, while I strongly support the principle that everyone should be able to read high-quality news, making it free for readers requires deliberate funding choices rather than the assumption that it can be free for all.

Subject: Recommendation – renew the reporting software (decision by 30 Nov)

Dear Mr Long,

I recommend renewing the reporting software for one more year. First, the team now uses it for all client reports, and switching mid-year would delay deliveries. Second, the renewal price is unchanged, while alternatives we reviewed would cost more to set up. If you agree, I'll confirm with the supplier before the 30 November deadline.

Best regards, Mai