In today’s fast-evolving financial landscape, few topics spark as much curiosity and debate as cryptocurrency. From price swings to regulatory shifts and high-profile industry statements, the world of digital assets continues to captivate both investors and media professionals alike. But what happens when a traditional financial journalist steps beyond reporting — and actually becomes part of the story?
In this installment of our “Journalists on Crypto” series, we sit down with Yu-Ting Huang, a financial and blockchain reporter at China Times Business, to explore her unexpected journey into the crypto world — a path that began not with finance, but with language exchange.
How a Language Exchange Led to a Career in Crypto Journalism
Yu-Ting’s first encounter with cryptocurrency dates back to 2016, during a casual language exchange session where her Japanese partner casually mentioned Bitcoin. At the time, it was just a passing conversation — nothing more than a curious footnote in her mind.
Her second brush with blockchain came during the pandemic-driven metaverse boom. Tasked with marketing a book on virtual worlds, she began collaborating with Web3 KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders), diving deeper into decentralized technologies, NFTs, and digital economies.
These experiences laid the foundation for her third and most pivotal encounter: joining China Times Business as a reporter covering virtual currencies — a beat she never actively pursued but was assigned to almost by fate.
Despite skepticism from peers — some even warning her it was a “dead-end beat” — Yu-Ting embraced the challenge. Traditional media often sidelines crypto coverage, struggling to find experts or justify column space. Yet she saw an opportunity: to bridge the gap between misunderstood technology and public awareness.
The Reality of Covering Crypto in Traditional Media
One of the biggest hurdles in reporting on blockchain? Credible sources.
Unlike traditional finance, where certified analysts and economists are readily available for comment, the crypto space lacks formal licensing structures. This makes expert sourcing difficult — especially for journalists held to strict editorial standards.
“I’ve had editors ask, ‘Who can verify this?’” Yu-Ting recalls. “There’s no equivalent of a CFA or certified financial advisor in crypto — at least not in the way mainstream media understands it.”
Yet, this challenge hasn’t stopped her. Instead, she’s built a network of developers, entrepreneurs, and compliance officers who help ground her stories in technical accuracy and real-world relevance.
And then there are moments that remind her she’s on the right path — like being the only journalist in the room who’s actually bought Bitcoin during a traditional financial press conference.
“It was surreal,” she says. “Everyone was talking about market trends, regulatory risks, macro impacts — but no one had skin in the game. When I mentioned I owned BTC, there was genuine surprise. Some were skeptical; others intrigued.”
That moment crystallized her mission: to report not just about crypto, but from within it.
Changing Perceptions Through Responsible Reporting
For Yu-Ting, journalism isn’t just about breaking news — it’s about shaping understanding. She believes media plays a crucial role in demystifying blockchain beyond speculation and price charts.
“The real story isn’t how high Bitcoin will go,” she says. “It’s how blockchain can transform identity verification, cross-border payments, supply chain transparency, and even voting systems.”
This perspective aligns with broader industry voices like Wayne Huang, co-founder and CEO of XREX, who emphasizes that media influence is pivotal in driving responsible innovation.
“Whether it’s regulation, fraud prevention, or public education,” Wayne notes, “thoughtful reporting can steer the narrative toward long-term value rather than short-term hype.”
Why Mainstream Media Still Struggles with Crypto
Despite growing adoption, many traditional outlets remain cautious — even dismissive — of cryptocurrency coverage. Reasons include:
- Lack of internal expertise: Few newsrooms have dedicated crypto desks.
- Regulatory uncertainty: Fear of promoting unregulated assets.
- Sensationalism bias: Stories often focus on scams or volatility, not utility.
- Audience perception: Editors assume general readers don’t care — creating a feedback loop of underreporting.
But Yu-Ting sees change on the horizon. As younger journalists enter newsrooms with firsthand crypto experience, and as institutions embrace digital assets, coverage is slowly shifting from skepticism to scrutiny — a sign of maturation.
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FAQ: Journalists, Bitcoin, and the Future of Financial Reporting
Q: Can journalists ethically own cryptocurrency while reporting on it?
A: Yes — with transparency. Just as financial reporters may hold stocks or index funds, owning crypto doesn’t disqualify someone from covering it. Full disclosure and adherence to editorial guidelines are key to maintaining integrity.
Q: Why don’t more traditional journalists invest in Bitcoin?
A: Many remain cautious due to volatility, regulatory gray areas, or lack of understanding. Some news organizations also have strict conflict-of-interest policies that limit personal investments in covered sectors.
Q: Is blockchain more than just cryptocurrency?
A: Absolutely. While digital currencies like Bitcoin are the most visible application, blockchain technology enables secure data sharing, smart contracts, decentralized identity, and transparent record-keeping across industries — from healthcare to logistics.
Q: How can media improve its crypto coverage?
A: By focusing on use cases over price speculation, diversifying expert sources (including builders and regulators), and investing in reporter education. Context matters more than headlines.
Q: What skills do journalists need to cover Web3 effectively?
A: A blend of technical literacy (understanding wallets, consensus mechanisms), financial acumen, and investigative rigor. Curiosity and openness to learning are equally important.
The Bigger Picture: Crypto as a Tool for Financial Empowerment
Yu-Ting’s journey reflects a larger shift: the line between observer and participant is blurring in finance. Today’s most insightful reporting often comes from those who engage with the technology firsthand.
Her story also underscores a core theme: blockchain isn’t just about making money — it’s about redefining control, ownership, and trust in digital systems.
As adoption grows — from stablecoins streamlining remittances to decentralized apps enabling peer-to-peer lending — responsible journalism will play a vital role in guiding public understanding.
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Final Thoughts
Becoming the only journalist in the room who’s bought Bitcoin might seem like a small distinction. But for Yu-Ting Huang, it represents something bigger: a commitment to informed, experiential reporting in an era of rapid financial transformation.
In a world where misinformation spreads faster than innovation, voices like hers — grounded in curiosity, experience, and ethical rigor — are more important than ever.
And as Web3 continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the future of finance won’t just be written by developers and traders. It will be shaped by storytellers who dare to understand it — from the inside out.
Core Keywords:
- Bitcoin
- Blockchain technology
- Crypto journalism
- Web3
- Media and cryptocurrency
- Financial empowerment
- Decentralized finance (DeFi)
- Virtual currency reporting