Incentives in Media Creation

Exploring the impact of financial motives on editorial decisions, contrasting traditional news outlets with platforms driven by unique perspectives. Discussing challenges faced by newsrooms, audience engagement, and the evolving craft of video production in the context of AI-generated content.

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Episode 117

“You get more of what you engage with. Everyone who complains about coverage should understand that every click, every quote tweet, every argument is registered by these publications as engagement. If what you want is really meaty, dispassionate, balanced, and fair explainers, you need to click on that, you need to read the whole thing, you need to share it, talk about it, comment on it. We get the media that we deserve.”

I spoke with Joss Fong.

Joss is a producer focused on science and technology, and was a founding member of the Vox video team. Her work has been recognized by the AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards, the Online Journalism Awards, and the News & Documentary Emmys. She holds a master's degree in science, health, and environmental reporting from NYU.

Have suggestions for future podcast guests (or other feedback)? Let us know here or reach us at editor@thegradient.pub

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Outline:

* (00:00) Intro

* (01:32) Joss’s path into videomaking, J-school

* (07:45) Consumption and creation in explainer journalism

* (10:45) Finding clarity in information

* (13:15) Communication of ML research

* (15:55) Video journalism and science communication as separate and overlapping disciplines

* (19:41) Evolution of videos and videomaking

* (26:33) Explaining AI and communicating mental models

* (30:47) Meeting viewers in the middle, competing for attention