Dan Rattiner speaks with Ken Auletta, writer, journalist, and media critic for The New Yorker – Episode 25
Apr 21, 2021
auto_awesome
In this engaging conversation, Ken Auletta, a best-selling author and veteran journalist for The New Yorker, shares intriguing stories from his career. He recalls a bizarre profile of a Nazi leader who turned out to be Jewish and discusses his upcoming work on Harvey Weinstein. Auletta also dives into the influence of Roy Cohn on Trump and explores the shifting media landscape in the age of the internet. Living in Sag Harbor adds a personal touch as he reflects on local traditions and challenges in journalism.
The transformation of the media landscape highlights the struggles of traditional newspapers and the dominance of digital platforms over local news.
Auletta's upcoming biography of Harvey Weinstein aims to explore the complex duality of talent and moral failures within Hollywood's power dynamics.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Media
The media landscape has undergone significant transformation since the rise of the internet and digital technology, which has disrupted traditional forms of media. Traditional newspapers, particularly local ones, are struggling to survive, with many becoming obsolete as audiences shift to digital platforms. Cable television has also changed the viewing habits of audiences dramatically, where once the majority watched on major networks, now streaming services like Netflix dominate viewership without traditional advertising interruptions. This shift in how information is consumed has fundamentally altered the way advertising operates and has shaped the relationship between media and its audience.
Harvey Weinstein's Complex Biography
A biography of Harvey Weinstein is in the works, aiming to offer a comprehensive look at his life beyond the scandal that led to his conviction. It will delve into his early life in Queens, his rise in Hollywood, and the accolades garnered for his work, juxtaposed with his predatory behavior that has been recently exposed. By examining the duality of his talent and flaws, the biography seeks to provide a nuanced portrait of a controversial figure in the entertainment industry. The project reflects a broader intention to explore the complexities of power, fame, and morality in Hollywood.
Ethics and Challenges in Journalism
The ethical dilemmas faced by journalists are highlighted through a gripping story about a former reporter and the consequences of uncovering disturbing truths. A profile piece led to a tragic suicide, leaving the journalist burdened by guilt over his role in exposing hidden identities. This incident underscores the weight of responsibility that journalists bear when reporting facts that can significantly impact individuals' lives. The evolving landscape of journalism in the digital age further complicates these challenges, as the permanence of online commentary and past actions creates lasting repercussions for both subjects and journalists.
Episode 25: This week’s podcast is with best-selling author and literary legend Ken Aueletta, known for his profiles of media giants and leading companies [Bill Gates, Ted Turner, Barry Diller, Rupert Murdoch] and his long standing column in the New Yorker, ‘Annals of Communication’.
Auletta, a resident of Sag Harbor. talks about his early career as a political speechwriter, describes the most ‘bizarre’ profile of a Nazi leader who turned out to be Jewish, and shares his insights about his next biographical subject: Harvey Weinstein.
Find the podcast at DansPapers.com
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode