Special Edition: 10 years of the Guardian Long Read
Oct 1, 2024
auto_awesome
David Wolf, the editor, and Clare Longrigg, the deputy editor, are joined by Jonathan Shainin, the founder of The Long Read. They celebrate a decade of long-form journalism amidst the rise of quick-click content, discussing the cultural impact of key articles, including the death of the Queen. The team shares captivating stories from conflict zones, like evacuating a family in Khartoum, to quirky investigations into British sandwich culture. They reflect on the evolution and future of storytelling in an ever-changing media landscape.
The Guardian's Long Read was launched to counteract the trend of shorter content by highlighting the value of in-depth journalism.
Despite initial resistance in the newsroom, the Long Read established a recognizable style that balances extensive storytelling with readability.
Deep dives
The Birth of Long-Form Journalism
The idea for long-form journalism emerged as a response to the increasing prevalence of shorter content in media, often driven by the trend of 'buzzfeedification.' During a time when many publications were prioritizing brevity, there was a realization that exceptional long-form pieces could achieve significant readership, sometimes going viral beyond their original platforms. The Guardian's launch of the Long Read in 2014 was a bold initiative born out of the belief that in-depth journalism could offer a counterbalance to the fast-paced demands of digital media. Inspired by earlier successful long-form pieces from outlets like The New Yorker and a desire to create impactful stories, the Long Read debuted amidst notable global events, reflecting both the urgency and the potential of extensive storytelling.
Challenges in Crafting Long Reads
Crafting successful long reads presents unique challenges, particularly in navigating the newsroom culture that prioritizes rapid reporting and shorter features. There was initial resistance from journalists who were accustomed to shorter formats and reluctant to allocate significant time for revisions and deeper storytelling. Editors emphasized the necessity of meticulous editing and the importance of a solid narrative structure, ensuring each piece had a clear beginning, middle, and end. Experimentation with formats and lengths highlighted the struggle, but ultimately led to the establishment of a recognizable style that balanced depth with readability.
The Evolution and Impact of Long Reads
The popularity and impact of long reads have proven to be resilient, as evidenced by the ongoing interest in intricate storytelling despite the fast consumption habits of modern audiences. Notable pieces, such as Sam Knight's exploration of the British sandwich industry and Nesreen Malik's personal narrative during the outbreak of war in Khartoum, showcase how long reads can engage with both light-hearted and serious topics while revealing deeper societal implications. Each story crafted under the Long Read section not only captures attention but also fosters connection and reflection among readers. The continued interest indicates a lasting appetite for in-depth journalism, suggesting that despite shifting media landscapes, long-form storytelling will remain relevant and cherished.
To celebrate 10 years of The Long Read we gathered together the team who launched it to take you behind the scenes. Helen Pidd is joined by editor David Wolf, deputy editor Clare Longrigg, and former editor and founder of the Long Read Jonathan Shainin.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
