The Press Box A 25 for 25 Double Feature: Dean Jelani Cobb on the Future of J-School. Plus, Spencer Hall on “Weird Internet.”
13 snips
Oct 1, 2025 Jelani Cobb, Dean of Columbia Journalism School and New Yorker staff writer, discusses the evolving future of journalism education, emphasizing ethics, public trust, and the importance of transparency in media. He argues for a balance of subject expertise and journalistic technique. Spencer Hall, writer and co-founder of Channel 6, reflects on his unique voice, the 'weird internet,' and how his unconventional path shaped his career. He shares insights on community engagement and creative independence in the media landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Reporting's Core Skills Endure
- Jelani Cobb argues reporting's core skills persist across eras despite new technologies.
- He treats journalism history as a guide for training reporters for future unknowns.
Factor Program Length Into Cost
- Take Columbia's nine-and-a-half-month model into account when comparing tuition costs.
- Use loan-repayment programs they launched to make journalism financially viable in nonprofit news.
Old-School Reporting Apprenticeship
- Jelani recounts learning reporting at the Washington City Paper under David Carr.
- He used old-school beats and intern experience before becoming an academic.