The Latest: CNN editor saves reporter’s life; Photographing hell; VP’s Wordle hacks

April 18, 2022

■ CNN’s senior UN correspondent undergoes successful kidney transplant surgery, thanks, in part, to CNN donor (CNN) / WATCH: This is how one CNN employee saved another colleague's life (CNN)

■ Why Megyn Kelly turned down a 'huge offer' from CNN (New York Post)

■ Jen Psaki says Fox News might make Peter Doocy 'sound like a stupid son of a bitch ' (Washington Post) / Psaki pushes back against Fox criticism (The Hill)

■ Photographing hell: 'Photographs are a direct line to people , over the heads of officials, pundits and disinformation' (New York Times) / Don't look away: Photojournalists are documenting the brutality of Russia's war in Ukraine (Nieman Reports)

■ 'I am hearing that an announcement at The New York Times regarding newsroom leadership succession is imminent — imminent as in, this week. Managing Editor Joe Kahn is widely viewed as the lead candidate to succeed Executive Editor Dean Baquet.’ (Erik Wemple)

■ White House COVID coordinator says White House Correspondents' Association dinner should proceed (The Hill) / Will Biden attend nerd prom ? WHCA expects him (POLITICO) / Large Easter Bunny stops Biden from answering reporter's question (New York Post)

■ Washington Post seeks brave, skilled reporter to venture into mysterious heart of Jesusland (GetReligion)

■ ‘I have 100 percent, and I intend to keep it that way’: Kamala Harris breaks down her daily Wordle habit (The Ringer)

■ How Barnes & Noble went from villain to hero (New York Times)

Press Freedom

■ Journalist Danny Fenster recounts life behind bars (CNN)

■ Austin Tice's family says the US government is their biggest obstacle in bringing their son home (Houston Public Media) / Abducted journalist Austin Tice named James A. Baker III Prize for Excellence in Leadership honoree (Rice University)

■ Opinion: Slain journalist James Foley's mother is grateful justice prevailed (CNN)

“Oftentimes journalists refer to the ‘bones’ of a story. Before producing a piece it’s important to have a clear understanding of what will ground the project . Is the story all narrative? Is it data-rich? Or is it a mix of both?”

--Lakeidra Chavis, reporter at The Marshall Project, via Center for Health Journalism

Every story competes for attention and must earn its readers by making a clear promise to deliver relevant information. Headlines may hook us, but ledes draw us in, and nut grafs keep us.

As journalism changes, this is constant: Readers must know what’s at stake in a story and why it matters to them (or should). This hour-long, hands-on workshop for reporters and editors will demonstrate how to make those stakes clear by:

Deconstructing the difference between ledes and nut grafs
Identifying common mistakes in crafting nut grafs
Offering solutions that help an inclusive community connect your journalism to their lives

Registration is open for this program, which will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET Friday, April 29, on Zoom. Registration is $25. Tickets for National Press Club members are $20.

Manager's Minute: Is being an introvert an advantage or disadvantage for leaders?

Jill Geisler, Bill Plante Chair in Leadership & Media Integrity at Loyola University Chicago and Freedom Forum Fellow in Women’s Leadership, with a message for introverted leaders.

Watch next: What’s your best advice for introverted leaders?

Get more career advice: Read Jill's columns | Watch Manager's Minute videos

Resources

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.

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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.