Lowy Institute Event: Lowy Institute Media Award — In conversation with Susan Glasser and Peter Baker
Oct 7, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Susan Glasser, a staff writer for The New Yorker with deep insights into US-Russia politics, and Peter Baker, Chief White House Correspondent for The New York Times, tackle pressing issues in journalism today. They discuss Trump’s disruptive presidency and the evolving adversarial role of the media. The duo highlights the chilling effects of legal threats on press freedom, the polarization of public discourse, and the critical importance of reporting from authoritarian regimes. Their insights reveal the challenges and responsibilities of contemporary journalism.
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Underestimation Explains Trump's Disruption
- Donald Trump was extensively vetted by journalists before 2016, so voters had substantial information about him.
- His consequential effect derives from underestimation and his ability to reorder the political landscape beyond policy alone.
Press Branded Enemy Yet Craved Attention
- Peter Baker recounts being labeled an "enemy of the people" under Trump, a label he never faced with prior presidents.
- Trump both demonized the press and craved its attention, creating a volatile relationship with media.
Resist Strategic Litigation Pressure
- Stand firm against legally and financially coercive lawsuits that aim to silence reporting.
- Maintain institutional principles, like the New York Times' commitment to report without fear or favor, when pressured.
