HBO/Vice relationship (Twitter/ @CommentaryCNN)

If you’re a member of the perpetually criticized millennial generation, you’ve probably heard of HBO’s Vice News, the new bad boys of the news industry. Provocative and explosive, Vice News brings untouched and underreported stories to light in the form of documentaries and original news series. Vice leaves few pages unturned, immersing viewers into the inner workings of North Korea and the Islamic State, bride kidnappings in Kyrgyzstan and local American militias among countless others.

HBO and Vice News recently announced a new partnership that includes a daily, half hour newscast from Vice. The newscast is unfamiliar territory for HBO, placing it in direct competition with daily TV news juggernauts like CNN.

It’s clear that Vice News and CNN are polar opposites on the news content spectrum. While CNN is known for its monopolization of breaking news coverage, Vice News prides itself on its feature stories that illuminate the unreported nuances of major events and global phenomena. Unrest, persecution and injustice drive Vice News’ narratives, all of which promise to shock and provoke thought.

Given the new development, the important question is not whether Vice News can compete with major news outlets. It is whether it should be taken seriously as daily “news”. Furthermore, how necessary is it?

READ MORE: Why John Oliver Is Here To Stay

One of the core principles of journalism is to make the significant interesting and relevant, according to the Pew Research Center. From Vice News’ track record, it is clear that it thrives on framing existing stories in provocative ways. 

The news outlet grabbed headlines in April 2013 for its coverage of former NBA star Dennis Rodman’s diplomatic visit to North Korea. However, Vice News proved its true value by moving beyond a depiction of the hermit kingdom in its pseudo state-backed glory. The outlet gained access to North Korea’s ultra-isolated work camps in Siberia and interviewed workers who had been taken from their families to engage in intensive manual labor.

By showing viewers one of the darkest secrets of the world’s most secretive country, Vice News sets a higher standard for investigative journalism and reporting worldwide. Furthermore, it shifts the news paradigm from one that is aloof and detached to one that is intimate and provides a voice to those who normally would not have their voices heard.

However, there is often an inevitable trade-off between satisfying viewers and providing reliable and accurate facts. Vice News has been criticized for its focus on entertainment, emotion and sensationalism rather than accurate statistics, context and analysis.

Although Vice News may be guilty of such journalistic sins, the extent of their failures pale in comparison to the impact and importance of their content. Furthermore, Vice News achieves what other major news outlets now struggle to do: make people care about the news.

Whether it be due to apathy, ignorance or fatigue, the millennial of today is likely to be bored by the news and global events. Another bombing in a Middle Eastern country? Another plane vanishes into thin air? We’ve heard that story before.

Vice News, in all of its flamboyancy and unorthodoxy, stirs up a desire within the younger demographic to pay attention to the injustices and dark realities of the world. Although their methods may not be perfect, the results are indisputable. With an average of 25 million monthly video views on its YouTube channel, Vice News’ popularity is growing, and quickly.

The media outlet still has many ways to improve before it's considered to be the same caliber as that of platforms like CNN. However, Vice News is pushing the boundaries of journalism and informing the public of important and neglected issues. This may be a new direction for HBO. We've seen longtime HBO member, Bill Maher. John Oliver has is show "Last Week Tonight," which also introduces the public to undercovered news. Even if HBO is seen as an entertainment outlet, it is doing to public some good. 

Reach Staff Reporter Jason Chang here.