Trust, TikTok, and the Future of News with Ryan Kellett and Dave Jorgenson

In this episode, Rough Cut dives deep with journalist and video creator Dave Jorgenson, co-founder of Local News International and the mastermind behind the Washington Post’s unexpected TikTok success. Host Ryan Kellett unpacks Dave’s journey from producing YouTube sketches in college to pioneering a new wave of media literacy—armed with humor, a journalist’s commitment to accuracy, and a phone. Since launching his independent outlet, LNI, Dave has stepped into a bigger creative space, exploring a broader editorial range with transparency and nuance. From bold language choices to a collaborative, evolving style guide, he's prioritizing clarity, accuracy, and accessibility. Dave proves that trusted journalism isn’t about institutions—it’s about people. Now, with full ownership of his platform and vision, he’s building something bigger: an honest, informative, and entertaining space for the next generation of news consumers.

This episode is a candid, behind-the-scenes look at how meaningful storytelling—and a good editor—can reshape the way we consume the news. Tune in now for insights, laughs, and a masterclass in creative adaptation.

Show Links

Ryan Kellett:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankellett

Dave Jorgenson and Local News International: https://lni.media

Credits

Host Ryan Kellett

Guest Dave Jorgenson 

Executive Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins and Kat Vecchio

Produced by Audrey Horwitz

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