Media diplomacy, The New Yorker at 100, Sam Altman profile
Feb 19, 2025
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Larisa Brown, Defence Editor at The Times, and Oana Lungescu, former NATO spokesperson, delve into media's influence on global diplomacy amid the Ukraine conflict. David Remnick, Editor of The New Yorker, shares insights on the magazine's evolution and the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity in today's landscape. Mike Isaac, Tech Correspondent, discusses the impact of AI and the journey of OpenAI's CEO. Together, they explore how Gen Z's consumption of media impacts trust and truth in journalism.
The media plays a crucial role in facilitating global diplomacy, particularly during the ongoing Ukraine conflict, by shaping narratives and prioritizing voices.
Visual representation during diplomatic meetings is vital, as it can signal unity or division among leaders, impacting public perception of geopolitical events.
Gen Z's media consumption preferences highlight the need for legacy news outlets to adapt strategies, fostering trust and engagement with younger audiences.
Deep dives
Media's Role in Global Diplomacy
The podcast highlights the essential function of media in facilitating global diplomacy, especially in the context of the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Key participants discuss how journalists, like Larissa Brown from The Times, navigate complex situations, gathering insights from diplomats and military leaders. In times of urgency, the media serves not only to inform the public but also to shape narratives by determining which voices and perspectives are prioritized. The commentary underscores how effective communication can influence international relationships amidst rapidly evolving geopolitical events.
The Importance of Visual Representation in Diplomacy
Visual representation during diplomatic meetings is crucial as it conveys political messages and can reflect unity or division among leaders. Wana Lungescu, a former NATO spokesperson, points out that the images constructed during summits can signal collaboration or discord, impacting public perception. At recent European summits, the awkwardness and dynamics evident in photographs suggested a lack of cohesion among leaders, counteracting intended messages of unity. This discussion emphasizes the delicate nature of media coverage and the need for careful logistical planning in diplomacy.
Challenges in Reporting on Fast-Moving Stories
Journalists face significant challenges in staying ahead of fast-moving news, particularly when political leaders like Donald Trump make unpredictable statements. Larissa Brown discusses the difficulty of balancing immediate reporting demands with the need to verify facts, particularly in a climate where misinformation can be rampant. The need for journalists to discern reality from fabrication is highlighted, especially when official narratives may diverge from actual events. This illustrates the critical role that journalists play in maintaining informed public discourse during tumultuous times.
Sam Altman's Vision for AI and Society
The podcast introduces Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, who discusses the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, particularly its implications for the workforce and economic structures. He emphasizes the necessity for a new social contract to address wealth distribution as automation potentially upends traditional job markets. Altman's insights reflect broader concerns regarding the rapid pace of technological change and the importance of governance in AI development. This perspective highlights the intersection of technology and societal issues that will shape the future landscape.
Gen Z's Relationship with Media and Trust
Gen Z emerges as a generation grappling with trust and the consumption of media in a hyper-connected digital environment. Recent research indicates that many members of Gen Z prefer social media influencers over traditional journalism, raising questions about how media organizations can adapt. Guests on the podcast discuss the generational differences in media consumption and how legacy news outlets must shift their strategies to remain relevant. The conversation calls for a deeper understanding of Gen Z’s media engagement and the importance of fostering a culture of trust within newsrooms.
As international talks continue about the war in Ukraine, former NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu and Times defence editor Larisa Brown compare notes. David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker, joins us to discuss his editorial process and business strategy as the magazine turns 100. Also on the programme, Mike Isaac from The New York Times profiles the CEO of OpenAI. Plus, how can the media adapt to the needs of Gen Z? We discuss with the FT’s Stephanie Stacey and Hilary Xherimeja, CEO of the media recruitment company Sondr.
Guests: Oana Lungescu, former spokesperson, NATO; Larisa Brown, Defence Editor, The Times; David Remnick, Editor, The New Yorker; Mike Isaac, Tech Correspondent, The New York Times; Stephanie Stacey, Tech Reporter and graduate trainee, FT; Hilary Xherimeja, CEO, Sondr
Presenter: Ros Atkins
Producer: Simon Richardson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai
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