It’s no surprise that the print industry has continued to struggle as more people rely on digital platforms for news and entertainment. But according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and industry insights, there are still promising opportunities within the broader media and information sector. The trends show not just a shift, but a transformation in where job opportunities are growing—and where they’re vanishing.

Recent BLS data includes insights from over half a million professionals in the information sector (excluding freelancers and the self-employed). Through comprehensive charts, projections, and salary reports, the data paints a mixed picture—one of contraction in legacy media and expansion in digital-first roles.

Despite assumptions that media is a shrinking industry, the statistics suggest otherwise. While some traditional roles are fading fast, others are on the rise. Notably, opportunities continue to grow in areas such as content creation, technical communication, and digital strategy. One clear exception is the continued decline in roles like reporters and print correspondents, which are projected to fall by 3% between 2023 and 2033.

Yet other fields are experiencing notable growth. Photographer employment is projected to grow by 5% over the same period, particularly for those specializing in digital platforms, social media, and branded content. Even more striking is the outlook for technical writers, expected to see 7% job growth—fueled by the tech sector, online education, and documentation needs in AI-driven industries.

The internet publishing and broadcasting sector continues its upward trajectory. As of 2024, there are more than 12,000 active establishments, nearly double the number from a decade ago. Job titles like content strategist, UX writer, and digital producer—which barely existed in 2013—are now among the most in-demand roles.

That said, the legacy media picture remains bleak. Between 2012 and 2022, the newspaper publishing industry saw employment plummet by over 50%, with ad revenues shifting decisively to platforms like Google, Facebook, and TikTok. Many local newsrooms have either shuttered or gone digital-only, and over 2,500 U.S. newspapers have closed since 2005, according to Northwestern University’s Local News Initiative.

However, there’s a silver lining. Many newspapers have pivoted toward multimedia—embracing video journalism, branded podcasts, and interactive data storytelling to capture new audiences. These moves not only broaden reach but also open up opportunities for journalists to reinvent their roles in a digital context.

The sharp contraction in print, with over 170,000 jobs lost in the past two decades, heavily distorts the big-picture numbers. But beyond the print collapse, the information industry is evolving—not disappearing. With new platforms come new roles, and those willing to pivot into emerging digital disciplines will find the media world still full of opportunity.