November 6, 2020

Top stories ■ Fox News tells anchors not to call Biden 'President-elect,' then seems to change its tune (CNN) / Fox News denies edict against calling Biden 'president-elect’ (L.A. Times) / Bret Baier calls Biden President-elect, despite alleged Fox News memo; Why that's such a big deal (Variety) / ‘Wall Street Journal staff was told minutes ago that "President-elect" language can be used for Joe Biden "after the AP has called the entire presidential race (not just another individual state) in his favor' (Michael Grynbaum) / The NPR reporter tweet that started it all (Jim Zarroli) & the NPR clarification (Scott Detrow)  ■ Meet Decision Desk, the first to call the election for Joe Biden (AdWeek) / Vox.com, working with Decision Desk HQ, was one of the first news outlets to call the election (Poynter) / Why AP hasn’t called Pennsylvania (AP) ■ John King and Steve Kornacki: TikTok is swooning over election analysts (CNN) / Steve Kornacki deserves this wave of internet love (Vanity Fair) / CNN’s John King tells us how he’s still standing (Vanity Fair) / John King, CNN's master of election maps, has slept just 6.5 hours since Tuesday (L.A. Times) ■ Nate Silver of FiveThirtyEight and Nate Cohn of the New York Times make us feel alive during elections. But the relationship might not be worth saving. 'They are the street dealer of the drug — polling — that so many people find themselves addicted to’ (Washington Post) / ‘Guesses upon guesses’: The Washington Post says it is reviewing its polling (Washington Post)  ■ Philadelphia Inquirer reporters evacuated their newsroom over a bomb threat nearby, where votes are being counted (Jessica Calefati)  ■ Is it over yet? Get an email that will be sent exactly once: When AP declares the presidential election winner (IsItOverYet) ■ Ex-ABC producer sues network for $10M in leaked Epstein tape scandal (Page Six) ■ Veteran Chicago journalist Carol Marin retires (WTTW) / Bruce Johnson, a 'giant of broadcast journalism,' retires (WUSA) ■ Al Roker reveals prostate cancer diagnosis (TODAY) ■ Gene Mater, champion of press freedom, dies at 93 (New York Times)  ■ Weekend chill: ’I feel as if I am in the studio of a genius.’ A photographer’s 30-year record of dreamlike icescapes and hues in Antarctica (Washington Post)

The 2020 Virtual Fourth Estate Award Gala will be the first of its kind, historic in the evening’s long tradition of honoring journalists who have made significant contributions to the field. This year’s gala will present the elegant face-to-face experience you expect but from the comfort and safety of your own home.  Maria Ressa, CEO of Rappler, is the international honoree of the John Aubuchon Press Freedom Award. Named for a former Club president who fervently advocated for press freedom, this award is given each year to one journalist in the U.S. and one journalist overseas who bravely pushes to disclose the truth in trying circumstances. Ressa was convicted in the Philippines on trumped-up charges of cyber libel. Ressa and Rappler have been the target of repeated efforts by the government of President Rodrigo Duterte to silence her. She has emerged as one of the leading voices for press freedom in the Philippines amid threats to independent journalism in the country. Join us on Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. to celebrate Ressa and Fourth Estate honoree Susan Zirinsky (CBS News President), Aubuchon press freedom domestic honoree Linda Tirado (freelance author and photographer) and Neil and Susan Sheehan award for investigative journalism honoree Ed Yong (staff writer at the Atlantic). Tickets are available for purchase.

Great leaders show grace under pressure Your team hears what you say, but more importantly they watch what you do and how you do it. When things go wrong or differently than planned, when you’re struggling (or they are), do you listen calmly, assess thoughtfully, and stay true to your shared values in finding a new path? When you lead with grace under pressure, they follow with loyalty. Advice from Jill Geisler, Bill Plante Chair in Leadership & Media Integrity, Loyola University Chicago, Freedom Forum Fellow in Women’s Leadership Click here to read Jill’s previous posts.

Self-care: 10 ways to enjoy the great outdoors this weekend Yes, it’s been a long, exhausting week. We’re tired. We’re stressed. We’re ready for a break. So take some time this weekend for a quick self-care reset by heading outdoors, away from the news cycle. We’ve said it before: Nature is good for your health. Being outside can lower your risk for cardiovascular disease and depression. It can also energize you and improve your sleep. Here are fun ways to ditch the doomscrolling. Create a scavenger hunt for your family. Enjoy your favorite form of exercise, whether it’s running/walking, yoga, lifting weights or dancing. Find the best street art in your town. Fly a kite. (Bonus: you’ll be practicing mindfulness too.) Forage for mushrooms around your local woods. Go stargazing and see how many constellations you can find. Host a physically-distanced picnic with a few friends. Plan your winter garden. Take an overnight camping trip in your area. (Here are some COVID-safety measures to consider.) Visit a national or state park near you. Read on for more self-care tips, or share how you are taking care of yourself right now.

Resources Make design more inclusive: Defeat unconscious bias in visuals Journalism under fire: Covering crisis (Nov. 10-Dec. 3) NABJ Awards (Dec. 19, 7 p.m. ET)

This newsletter is written & edited by the National Press Club Journalism Institute staff: Beth Francesco, Holly Butcher Grant, and Julie Moos. Send us your questions and suggestions for topics to cover. Get this from a friend? Subscribe, and view the archives.

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

SUPPORT THE INSTITUTE 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 civic engagement. NPCJI is the nonprofit affiliate of the National Press Club. Support our important work with a tax-deductible contribution today.