The Study Hall Podcast Getting Scoops As An Independent Journalist ft. Marisa Kabas
Jun 11, 2025
Marisa Kabas is an independent journalist behind the politics-focused newsletter The Handbasket, known for her coverage of the Trump administration's federal cuts and deportations. In this engaging discussion, she reveals the hurdles independent journalists face in a landscape swamped by mainstream media. Marisa shares her journey of building credibility, the challenges of receiving proper attribution, and the emotional toll of maintaining journalistic integrity. She also addresses safety concerns for progressive journalists and the critical need for community support.
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Starting The Handbasket Journey
- Marisa started The Handbasket three years ago to have an independent space for her reporting.
- It gradually grew from scarce scoops to multiple exclusive stories thanks to building sources.
Point of View Builds Trust
- Independent journalists gain trust by showing genuine care and honesty rather than pretending to be unbiased.
- Being outside mainstream media allows a fresh, point-of-view-driven approach that resonates with sources.
Passion Guides Story Choice
- Marisa chooses stories based on personal passion and interest, believing what matters to her will matter to others.
- This authentic approach helps her engage readers and grow her unique reporting voice.