"We get a ton of email; everybody does now. It gives us a kind of a pulse that you can feel.We hear people saying, thank you for being fair, for being balanced"

Brit Hume reflects on the modern experience of digital communication and its impact on his work as a journalist. He notes the overwhelming volume of emails that people receive, highlighting how this is a universal aspect of current life. This influx of messages is more than just a flood of correspondence; it serves as an ongoing stream of feedback and interaction with the wider public. The constant arrival of email gives Hume and his colleagues an ever-present, tangible sense of the audience’s reactions and opinions, a "pulse" signifying public sentiment. Rather than existing in a vacuum, he and his news team are plugged in to the perspectives, concerns, and appreciations of their viewers or readers.

This unceasing feedback loop signals a transformation in the relationship between news organizations and their audiences. Where once communication might have been filtered through letters to the editor, now it is direct, immediate, and voluminous. This connectivity allows Hume and his peers to remain attuned to how their reporting and commentary are being perceived. Notably, Hume mentions that a recurring theme among the feedback is gratitude for fairness and balance in coverage. This suggests that, amid concerns about bias and polarization in media, there is a segment of the audience that actively values and seeks out journalistic integrity. Their appreciation acts as both encouragement and affirmation for the editorial standards upheld by Hume and his outlet.

Receiving such affirmations can be both motivating and reassuring to journalists who are committed to impartiality. It demonstrates that their efforts to present news in a balanced manner are being noticed and valued, helping to reinforce the importance of ethical reporting. In an age of information overload and skepticism about media credibility, this connection with the audience becomes a vital element of responsible journalism, fostering trust through ongoing dialogue and responsiveness.