NBC News chief Cesar Conde says audiences may return to big news brands

In short: NBCUniversal News Group chairman Cesar Conde says people will likely move back toward well-known news organizations as they look for verified information.

What's going on

Cesar Conde, who leads NBCUniversal News Group, has been telling audiences that heavy reliance on social platforms for news is not sustainable. His basic point is that when people get news mostly from feeds and clips, they often see information that has not been checked.

Conde argues that the "pendulum will eventually swing back" toward mainstream, brand-name news organizations. In plain terms, he thinks more people will seek out familiar outlets with a reputation to protect, especially when the stakes are high, like elections, public health, or major world events.

This view reflects a wider debate in the news business. Many people, especially younger ones, now get news through platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. At the same time, misinformation and disinformation, meaning false or misleading claims shared widely, remain a major concern.

Conde also points to how often platforms change what they promote. It is like getting your headlines from a store that keeps rearranging the aisles without warning. In that environment, established outlets argue that their checking process, editors, and corrections help them stand out.

What to watch

If Conde is right, big news brands may not "win back" audiences by pulling them away from platforms. Instead, they may try to bring their reporting into streaming apps and social feeds, so people can find trusted sources wherever they already spend time.

Source: NYTimes