The Latest: Messenger launches; NYT editor on journalistic independence; New Twitter CEO; Graphic images debate

May 15, 2023

■ ICYMI: ‘... There will be no worthwhile future for journalism if our profession abandons the core value that makes our work essential to democratic society, the value that answers the question of why we’re deserving of the public trust and the special protections afforded the free press. That value is journalistic independence.’ (Columbia Journalism Review) / 'New York Times' publisher: journalism should be free of writers' personal beliefs (NPR)

■ Vice Media files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy (Axios) / ‘The Vice bankruptcy filings are a goldmine of information . For ex: a look at Vice's complex web of companies (1), its convoluted capital structure (2), the list of creditors (3), and the tick-tock for how things went sideways’ (Ben Mullin) / The biggest startup flameouts of the last decade (Axios)

■ News startup Messenger launches with Trump 'exclusive' while advertisers expressed skepticism ahead of debut: 'We can't have another Quibi' (Insider) / Welcome to The Messenger (The Messenger)

■ Elon Musk says NBCU ad chief Linda Yaccarino will be new Twitter CEO (Axios) / Linda Yaccarino sold against social media . Now she's going to run Twitter. (Semafor) / NBCU names Mark Marshall interim ad sales chair (Broadcasting & Cable)

■ Automotive tech billionaire Austin Russell to acquire majority stake in Forbes (Wall Street Journal)

■ Striking Hollywood writers disrupt TV’s major ad event (New York Times) / Here's what media giants face as they try to charm advertisers this week (CNBC)

■ Raw videos of violent incidents in Texas rekindle debate about graphic images (Washington Post)

■ On the front lines of wars – and their profession – 3 NPR foreign reporters recall their work (Poynter)

■ An Irish newspaper published a hoax article calling false tan 'problematic' generated using ChatGPT by a fake journalist with a profile picture made on DALL-E (Insider)

■ The Philly journalist who boat-hopped around the Mediterranean , sailed across the Atlantic, and beat cancer (Philadelphia Inquirer)

■ Live from New York, it’s the U.S. Book Show ! (Publisher’s Weekly)

Press freedom

■ Philadelphia Inquirer hit by cyberattack causing newspaper's largest disruption in decades (Associated Press) / Apparent cyberattack closes Philadelphia Inquirer office ahead of mayoral primary (CNN)

■ U.S. open to overseas bargaining chips to trade for jailed reporter Evan Gershkovich (Wall Street Journal)

■ Guatemala's El Periodico newspaper to shut down amid founder's prosecution (Associated Press) / Press Club leaders urge Guatemala to drop case against El Periódico and free José Rubén Zamora (NPC/JI)

■ French club holds emotional tribute for AFP reporter killed in Ukraine (Agence France-Presse via VOA)

“A great story isn’t bolted together like an Adirondack chair. It’s received by a writer who had the time and awareness to let her reporting settle and speak to her about what to write . The best piece lurking in your notes usually doesn’t wave its arms like the friend you’re meeting on a stadium concourse. Instead, it makes brief eye contact but goes to no more effort. You’re either paying attention or you miss it. The story doesn’t care, which is maddening.”

-- Dale Keiger, author and retired editor of Johns Hopkins Magazine, “Getting out of your head — and out of the way of a true story”

"When we receive pitches, there has to be something more there than simply a good story. We often talk to people who say: "You know all i want to do is tell a good story." That is fantastic — we all want to read a good story — but as a publisher, we need a reason to publish that story . We need to understand why that story is going to be found by audiences. So when you're pitching, just be absolutely sure to tell me why I must read this story. What's the top line? What's the takeaway? What will I get out of this? No, it's not simply the narrative; it's not simply a character; it's not simply a beautiful anecdotal lede. It is: what will i come away learning? What will make me feel smarter? What will help me in my everyday work?"

-- Josephine Schmidt, executive editor at The New Humanitarian, from a panel on effective pitches . Watch here:

Editor’s Note: The National Press Club Journalism Institute is hiring two positions based in Washington, D.C. If you are interested in using your talents to support journalists and press freedom, check out the job descriptions for:

A Director of Training to help create an engaging, meaningful slate of programs and published resources that supports journalists around the world. Learn more.

A Development Manager to execute strategies that will enhance the Institute’s fundraising efforts to include institutional, individual, and sponsor support. Learn more.

Resources

This newsletter is written & edited by the National Press Club Journalism Institute staff: Beth Francesco 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.