A Report From the GOP Debate. Plus: Adam Nagourney on Triumphs and Disasters at The New York Times.
Sep 28, 2023
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NY Times journalist Adam Nagourney discusses his new book on the Times' history, from 9/11 to Iraq War. They also talk about clearance process, future of Times. Host Bryan Curtis discusses the GOP debate, Fox moderators, and spin room experience.
Implementing a paywall in 2010 was a crucial decision for The New York Times, ensuring its financial stability and success in the digital era.
The controversies surrounding Judy Miller and Jason Blair highlighted the importance of integrity, accuracy, self-examination, and accountability in journalism.
Deep dives
The New York Times' Transition to a Digital Subscription Model
One of the critical moments in the history of The New York Times was the decision to implement a paywall in 2010. This move was seen as crucial for the paper's survival and financial stability amidst declining print revenues. There was initially resistance to the idea of charging for online content, with an argument that information should be freely available. However, the executive leadership, including the publisher, believed that the paper needed to find a way to generate revenue. The paywall was ultimately successful, with The Times achieving a significant number of paid subscribers, which has continued to grow.
Challenges and Controversies: Judy Miller and Jason Blair
Two major controversies at The New York Times were the cases of Judy Miller and Jason Blair. Judy Miller, a talented but controversial reporter, faced criticism for her reporting on weapons of mass destruction in Iraq during the lead-up to the 2003 war. Her stories were later found to be inaccurate, damaging the paper's credibility. Jason Blair, another reporter, fabricated and plagiarized material, leading to a major scandal. The Times took a transparency approach by assigning its own reporters to write an extensive story about the paper's performance. These controversies highlighted the need for integrity and accuracy in reporting, as well as the importance of self-examination and accountability within the newsroom.
The Times' Transition in the Digital Era and Coordination between Business and Editorial
The New York Times faced significant challenges and transformations during the digital era. The paper's implementation of a paywall was a pivotal moment that reshaped its business model and helped ensure its survival. There were internal debates regarding the relationship between business and editorial divisions. The line between generating revenue and maintaining journalistic independence was constantly being navigated. The paper aimed to strike a balance by staying aware of revenue opportunities while upholding its reputation for delivering high-quality journalism.
Mark Thompson's Role in the Times' Transformation
Mark Thompson, former CEO of The New York Times, played a significant role in guiding the paper through its transformation. He strongly advocated for change and innovation, pushing the paper to adapt to the digital landscape and find new sustainable revenue streams. Thompson's leadership included a focus on the digital transition while recognizing the importance of quality reporting. He brought a business perspective to the table while also valuing the principles of journalism.
Bryan is on the ground for the second Republican debate and discusses which Fox representatives he spotted at the event, where journalists watched it, and the aftermath in the spin room (0:31). Later, New York Times journalist Adam Nagourney joins to discuss his new book, 'The Times,' which covers four decades at the paper. They touch on the process of clearance for writing a book about his employer, review certain moments of the Times’ history, from coverage of 9/11 to the Iraq War, and discuss where the Times could be in a couple of years (10:56).