Australia’s latest export is bad media policy, and it’s spreading fast
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Wednesday, February 2, 2022
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Australia’s latest export is bad media policy, and it’s spreading fastThe U.K. and Canada look ready to copy Australia’s idea to force Google and Facebook to give publishers money. But it’s a warped system that rewards the wrong things and lies about where the real value in news lies. By Joshua Benton. |
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How UC Berkeley computer science students helped build a database of police misconduct in CaliforniaWhen newsrooms, especially local ones, are strapped for engineering resources, the Berkeley students fill in a gap to help journalists complete more ambitious data projects. By Hanaa' Tameez. |
What We’re Reading
Poynter / Kelly McBride
When someone dies of Covid-19, when should reporters mention their vaccination status? →
“In general, journalists are leaning on the value of relevance as they decide whether to include vaccination status. It's also helpful to think about like cases around public health matters that might be relevant when reporting on a death.”
The New York Times / Michael Grynbaum
Jeff Zucker exits CNN after relationship with senior executive →
"As part of the investigation into Chris Cuomo's tenure at CNN, I was asked about a consensual relationship with my closest colleague, someone I have worked with for more than 20 years. I acknowledged the relationship evolved in recent years. I was required to disclose it when it began but I didn't. I was wrong. As a result, I am resigning today."
The Intercept / Lee Fang
How CNN, The New York Times, and other major media outlets monetize your data and lobby against regulation →
“They certainly report on aspects of this problem, but they're not reporting on how they're complicit in the surveillance advertising story."
Protocol / Brian Kahn
There are a few key names missing from Big Tech’s climate ad in the New York Times →
“It's worth stepping back for a moment and considering what the ad copy is actually asking for. ‘Policy’ and ‘investment’ are pretty nebulous terms. The ad doesn't advocate for reviving the Build Back Better Act and its $550 billion in climate investments. It doesn't outline any concrete policies or call on Democrats to act, nor does it call out Republicans for blocking action. ‘Spending money’ and ‘doing stuff’ is about as anodyne a climate ask as you can put out there.”
Politico / Darius Tahir
What 20th century misinformation tells us today →
"Any lone voice suddenly has the ability to get tens of thousands of followers, or hundreds of thousands, for an outrageous comment."
Men Yell at Me/Substack / Aubrey Hirsch
That’s how it works when you’re a woman on the internet: Aubrey Hirsh on harassment and existing as a woman online →
“The flavor of hate I get the most basically boils down to ‘I don't like women and you are a woman so I don't like you.’"
The Guardian / John Padang
“We’ll keep reporting, whatever the risk from the junta,” say Myanmar’s journalists →
“A year after the coup, the military continues to egregiously restrict media freedoms across the country and attempts to terrorise journalists into silence. Nearly all the journalists who were working in Myitkyina before the coup have fled. Many are unable to continue reporting at all.”
The Washington Post / Paul Farhi
The White House’s new press briefing seat chart says a lot about where each reporter stands →
“Notably, the WHCA has expanded the number of news organizations with assigned positions to a record 65 — and 14 of them are first-timers.”
Slate / Torie Bosch
Introducing “State of Mind,” a new mental health section on Slate in partnership with Arizona State University →
“…State of Mind—a partnership of Slate and Arizona State University that will offer nuanced commentary and reporting that digs deeper into the debates and advancements happening in mental health. Our contributors will include journalists, psychiatrists, psychologists, policymakers, advocates, and others.”
Medill Local News Initiative / Greg Burns
News organizations are increasing diversity efforts, Medill survey finds →
“…56.3 percent of those responding said their news organizations have formal positions devoted to DEI and advocacy work.”
Nieman Reports / Jennifer Brandel and Jennifer Kho
Audience engagement is essential for newsroom diversity →
“We believe that serving diverse audiences externally is as essential as creating an inclusive culture internally. The two are inextricably linked. The key here lies in audience engagement, and connecting it to your diversity, equity, and inclusion work.”
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