Hasan Minhaj Doesn't Know cover image

Hasan Minhaj Doesn't Know

Dean of the Columbia School of Journalism, Jelani Cobb

Jan 22, 2025
Jelani Cobb, the Dean of the Columbia School of Journalism and a staff writer for The New Yorker, dives into the shifting landscape of journalism influenced by social media. He examines how TikTok affects news consumption and public trust. The conversation also critiques educational shows like Sesame Street, questioning their impact on youth education. Cobb emphasizes the importance of real-life experiences in both journalism and learning, advocating for accountability and ethical standards in news reporting.
29:34

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The rise of social media as a primary news source diminishes public trust in traditional journalism due to the blending of serious news and entertainment.
  • The hot take culture prioritizes sensational opinions over nuanced reporting, threatening journalistic integrity and the public's ability to discern credible information.

Deep dives

The Crisis of Trust in Journalism

Journalism, since its inception, has played a critical role in upholding democracy by providing a voice to the voiceless. However, the profession currently faces a crisis marked by mass layoffs and a significant decline in public trust. Various factors contribute to this skepticism, including the blurring lines between credible journalism and sensationalized content, often referred to as 'clickbait.' As traditional media grapples with new business models and formats, many Americans now consume news through social media platforms, which can further erode trust in conventional journalistic standards.

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