If we want independent and quality editorial to maintain a vital place in our democracy, we have to imagine a new set of relationships between platforms, editorial, marketers and audiences. A promising innovation is already in place at one platform: Twitter.

We need to make a case where even private companies have a sphere of public obligation and public interest. Right now social media doesn’t have that, and that is a glaring weakness because it has such an effect on democracy. Beyond that, we have to call for true public forums like PBS, but I think a better case can be made for those if they’re seen... See more