Critics at Large | The New Yorker “The Paper,” “The Lowdown,” and the Drama of Journalism
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Sep 18, 2025 Journalism faces unprecedented challenges, with over a third of American newspapers vanished. The hosts explore two new shows, a workplace comedy and a crime noir, highlighting the contrast with classics that once instilled trust in the media. They dive into the evolving portrayal of reporters, reflecting on how these narratives signify our changing perceptions of truth. The discussion uncovers the struggles of journalists in an era of declining public faith, showcasing their resilience amidst economic struggles and the quest for responsible reporting.
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Classic Journalism Tropes Still Shape Perception
- The hosts riff on classic journalist tropes like bullpen huddles, doorknocks, ringing phones, and headline moments.
- These cinematic devices shape how audiences imagine newsrooms and reporting rituals.
Journalism As Process And Civic Triumph
- All the President's Men shows journalism as the process of going from not knowing to knowing through sourcing and verification.
- The film makes the act of revealing facts feel like civic triumph that restores public faith.
Airing Facts Once Restored Faith
- Movies like The China Syndrome and All the President's Men assume that airing the facts will make things okay.
- Naomi Fry doubts that contemporary audiences treat newsmaking with the same restorative confidence.
