The Culture Journalist

Disaster media, with Matt Pearce and Emma Kemp

Mar 7, 2025
In a thought-provoking discussion, Matt Pearce, a former LA Times reporter turned Substack writer focused on local news, and Emma Kemp, a researcher and professor specializing in environmental media, delve into the shifting landscape of journalism during climate disasters. They explore the emotional impact of events like the LA wildfires and Hurricane Helene, emphasizing the role of technology and community in accurate information dissemination. The pair outlines the importance of local journalism, the challenges of social media in crisis communication, and innovative strategies for community resilience.
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ANECDOTE

Matt Pearce's Experience

  • Matt Pearce, a former LA Times reporter, felt bewildered during the fires.
  • His usual access to raw information as a journalist was gone, leaving him feeling alienated.
ANECDOTE

Watch Duty Reliance

  • Emma Kemp, living in Tujunga, relied heavily on the Watch Duty app during the fires.
  • She and her neighbors used it to monitor fire progression and slept in shifts to ensure constant vigilance.
INSIGHT

Watch Duty's Success

  • Watch Duty's success lies in its spatial orientation, prioritizing fire location on a map.
  • This real-time data is backed by human verification, similar to high-end newsrooms.
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