The Gray Area with Sean Illing A veteran reporter on how to fix the news
Dec 5, 2022
In a compelling discussion, James Fallows, a veteran journalist at The Atlantic, delves into the troubling state of political journalism and its impact on democracy. He explores how the decline of local news contributes to misinformation and public distrust. Fallows critiques the trend of 'both sides-ism' and emphasizes the need for nuanced reporting. He also shares innovative solutions to rejuvenate local journalism and highlights the importance of understanding the complexities of America's political divide for better community engagement.
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Internet's Impact on Media
- The internet intensified competition for clicks and attention, worsening the press's existing flaws.
- It amplified the worst impulses of the press, forcing them to double down on negative practices.
Local vs. National News
- The internet's biggest impact is eliminating local publications' business model.
- National media, like the New York Times, have become more focused on politics, which is the least useful news.
Press Conference Questions
- James Fallows compared White House press conference questions with those asked by the public.
- Reporters focused on political strategy, while the public asked about real-life issues like healthcare and jobs.
