Big Technology Podcast New York Times’ Ben Smith Talks Slack, Newsroom Politics, And Tech Regulation
Oct 14, 2020
Ben Smith, former editor-in-chief of BuzzFeed News and current media columnist for The New York Times, shares insights on the evolving media landscape. He discusses the impact of tools like Slack on newsroom dynamics and the importance of inclusivity in journalism. Smith highlights the decline of trust in mainstream media among Republicans and the challenges posed by misinformation. He also explores the complex relationship between tech regulation and politics, advocating for common-sense solutions as the media industry navigates transformation.
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Russian Speaker Mix-Up
- Alex mistakenly called Ben Smith, thinking he spoke Russian, during the BuzzFeed interview process.
- This mishap, involving a misinterpreted need for a Russian speaker, became a humorous anecdote.
Slack and Twitter's Double-Edged Sword
- Tools like Slack and Twitter, while beneficial for news dissemination, can foster conformity and limit diverse perspectives.
- Newsroom dynamics on these platforms are influenced by generational differences in adoption and usage patterns.
Diversity and Newsroom Evolution
- It's crucial for diverse newsrooms to welcome a wider range of opinions and perspectives.
- Black journalists are increasingly rejecting the expectation of staying silent on racial issues, contributing to this shift.