The Latest: CNN the debate ‘decider’; DNC convention + content creators; Freelancers sue over new rules; What 'no comment' means for journalism

June 24, 2024

Top stories

In this debate, CNN is the decider . One network is in charge of every aspect of the Biden-Trump debate, a major shift from previous years (New York Times) / 2 candidates. No audience. 29 New York Times fact-checkers (New York Times) / Unwelcome at the debate , RFK Jr.'s star shines on TikTok Live (WIRED)

David Zaslav likes to gut cable networks. CNN isn't easily remodeled (Variety) / Streaming news threw Kasie Hunt some curve s . Now she's straightening them out (Variety) / CNN’s Kasie Hunt abruptly cuts interview with Trump campaign spokesperson for attacking debate moderators (The Wrap)

Washington Post publisher [Will Lewis] retains ties to past business ventures (Washington Post) / Will Lewis says he helped hacking investigation . Scotland Yard had doubts (New York Times) / ICYMI: Robert Winnett will not join The Post as editor (Washington Post)

Democratic National Convention will open media credentials to influencer s (Washington Post)

Freelancers sue over new rules on independent contractors (Nieman Journalism Lab) / AI doesn’t kill jobs? Tell that to freelancers (Wall Street Journal)

Off the TV screen and into real life: An MSNBC event illustrates the rise of 'event journalism' (Associated Press) / MSNBC plans its own 'BravoCon' with 'MSNBC Live' event in September (Variety)

'All the President's Men' at 50: Woodward, Bernstein share backstory (Axios)

Stephen A. Smith is the face of ESPN . How much is that worth? (Wall Street Journal)

Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas on plagiarism accusations (Fast Company)

Charlotte Klein joins New York [Magazine] as features writer covering the media (New York) / Quartz hires Sarah Douglass as executive editor (Talking Biz News) / Portland Press Herald’s top editor stepping down for new role at Boston University (Portland Press Herald)

When they won't even say 'no comment' (Columbia Journalism Review) / ‘The epidemic of “did not respond to a request for comment”—and what it means for journalism (hint: nothing good)’ (Paul Farhi)

PSA: The Medill map people are taking corrections …to include local news providers (Local News Blues) / As philanthropy spends big to fight news deserts , 3 frontline news outlets share what they need (Poynter) / ‘Making a difference’: Journalist, tech developer join forces for California local news startup (Courthouse News Service)

Journalism crossroads – 40 media professionals talk about their careers and navigating what comes next in journalism (New York University)

Press Freedom

Military paper moves to defend its First Amendment rights (Voice of America) / Military Reporters & Editors stands with Stars and Stripes on proposed access restrictions (Military Reporters)

Forced to flee: Exiled journalists face unsafe passage and transnational repression (Committee to Protect Journalists)

News/Media Alliance: Protecting your creative content and First Amendment rights through communications, advocacy, and research.

Design Workshop: How to create compelling visuals when it’s not usually your job. Friday, July 26, noon ET. Tickets on sale.

Design Workshop: How to create compelling images on deadline

In our scroll and skim culture, visuals make or break whether a reader engages with your content. But we don’t all have a graphic design professional on staff to help create compelling images on deadline. If you’re a journalist or communication professional looking to build your design skills, get a head start with our beginner course for designing visuals when it’s not usually part of your job.

Beth Francesco , the Institute’s executive director, will share best practices for creating visuals, regardless of your hands-on design experience. We’ll work through specific exercises during the program, so plan to walk away inspired and with at least one design you can use right away. Tickets are on sale for this virtual training , which will take place at noon ET on Friday, July 26 .

GET TICKETS

Participants will learn:

Build your portfolio outside of traditional media

"Consider self-publishing on a blog or a website to showcase articles and projects written for personal enjoyment . Journalism students can explore opportunities with university newspapers and magazines, even just to secure a couple of freelance pieces. If you have a school assignment you’re particularly proud of, there’s no harm in sharing that either. Newsletters are another great way to showcase your skills and build a readership, which can be valuable when pitching to larger platforms."

-- One of 9 tips from "Breaking into Journalism: How to get your first byline " (International Journalists’ Network)

Resources

This newsletter is written & edited by the National Press Club Journalism Institute staff: Beth Francesco, Bara Vaida, and Holly Butcher Grant. Send us your questions and suggestions for topics to cover.

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The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged global citizenry through an independent and free press, and equips journalists with skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire a more representative democracy. As the non-profit affiliate of the National Press Club, the Institute powers journalism in the public interest. The Institute's tax ID number is 52-1750908.