Clare Malone, staff writer for The New Yorker, discusses the challenges of journalism as a middle-class profession. She also talks about writing on the media, skepticism and empathy in politics, and the overlap of politics and media reporting. Additionally, she explores the fascination with scandals, the role of fact checkers in journalism, and the challenges of working in the industry.
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Quick takeaways
The media industry needs to find a viable business model to support quality journalism and survive in a changing landscape.
Balancing investigative journalism with access journalism is a challenge when covering high-profile legal cases and holding powerful figures accountable.
Political journalism requires skepticism, objectivity, and the search for new angles to engage audiences amidst recurring political events.
Deep dives
Covering the Media Landscape: Exploring Business Models and Sustainability
The podcast episode discusses the challenges and shifts in the media landscape, with a focus on business models and sustainability. The host and guest share insights on the changing dynamics of the industry and the impact on journalism. They delve into the importance of finding a viable business model that supports quality journalism and allows for survival in a changing media landscape. The conversation highlights the need for media organizations to adapt, innovate, and find new ways to engage audiences while maintaining journalistic integrity.
Examining the Story of Trump Trials and Media Coverage
The podcast episode delves into the ongoing legal battles involving Donald Trump and how they intersect with media coverage. The guest discusses the significance and complexities of these trials and the role of media in reporting and analyzing them. The conversation explores the challenges of balancing investigative journalism with access journalism, as well as the importance of providing accurate and informative coverage of these high-profile cases. It raises questions about the relationship between the media and politics, as well as the responsibility of journalists to hold powerful figures accountable.
The Evolving Landscape of Campaign Reporting and Its Challenges
The podcast episode touches upon the changing nature of campaign reporting and the challenges faced by journalists in covering political events. The guest shares personal experiences and insights from their time reporting on campaigns, discussing the need for skepticism and objectivity in political journalism. The conversation also explores the fatigue and saturation caused by recurring political events, such as elections, and the search for new angles and narratives to engage audiences. Additionally, it delves into the role of media in shaping public opinion and the importance of maintaining trust amidst the evolving media landscape.
Exploring Media Startups and the Search for Sustainable Models
The podcast episode delves into the world of media startups, discussing the challenges and search for sustainable business models. The conversation highlights the risk-taking and audacity required to launch and sustain media ventures in a rapidly changing industry. The guest emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between innovative journalism and sound business practices. The discussion also examines the impact of media startups on traditional news organizations and the overall ecosystem of journalism. It raises questions about the future of media and the need to support initiatives that provide high-quality journalism in the face of evolving consumption habits.
The Challenges and Future of Journalism
The podcast episode explores the challenges and future of journalism. One key point discussed is the importance of attracting and training younger people in the field. The speaker emphasizes the need for the industry to be a sustainable middle-class profession, offering adequate pay and training opportunities. The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of journalism and the uncertainty surrounding its models and future. Overall, the episode highlights the desire to maintain journalism as a high-quality profession while adapting to the changing landscape.
The Hasan Minhaj Story and Reporting Process
The podcast episode delves into an in-depth discussion about a specific story on Hasan Minhaj and the reporting process behind it. The speaker discusses receiving a tip about potential discrepancies in Minhaj's comedy special and conducting thorough research and interviews. The story explores the gray area of comedy news and the boundaries of truth in art. The speaker also illuminates the process of reaching out to Minhaj's team, the subsequent conversation with him, and the reception of the story in terms of its viral impact and various interpretations.
“You're going to work a lot of hours if you want to be successful, and you're probably not going to make as much money as your dumb friend from college does. You're choosing it for a different reason, but I do think we have to make efforts to have the [journalism] industry be a middle-class profession.”
