The Latest: Gannett layoffs; Tonight’s MSNBC debut; Newspaper ad for 'filthy cheater'

August 15, 2022

Top stories

■ Gannett lays off journalists , closes papers and keeps the numbers to itself (Media Nation) / ‘It remains unclear exactly how many people Gannett laid off . @Poynter has counted at least 40 terminations across 36 newsrooms so far, but the actual number is likely higher. @newsguild has tracked at least 80 layoffs.’ (Angela Fu) / Grafton News editor laid off in Gannett cuts; newspaper may no longer print (Grafton Common) / Gannett stock dropped on weak earnings. Then the CEO bought $1.2 million worth . (Barron's)

■ Local news ‘dying rather than adapting,’ says Ronan Farrow, ahead of release of his journalism documentary, ‘Endangered’ (Barrett Media)

■ Aspen’s tangled summer saga: The rich developer vs. the local paper (New York Times)

■ His website skewers Stockton politicians and agencies. Then one gave him a cushy job (Los Angeles Times)

■ Reporter says Marco Rubio won't answer questions but goes on Fox (Insider via Yahoo! News)

■ OOPS! Rep. Maloney tells NY Times 'off the record ' Biden is not running in 2024 — in on the record interview (Mediaite)

■ Fox News looms large as 2024 GOP primary approaches: 'There isn’t a path to the GOP nomination for president that doesn’t run through Fox ' (The Hill)

■ Alex Wagner kicks off ‘dream job’ taking over for Rachel Maddow on MSNBC (The Hill) / Alex Wagner talks about her debut as permanent MSNBC primetime host : ‘This is going to be a different show’ (Deadline)

■ Tamron Hall on journalism, Missing White Woman Syndrome, and who gets to be the girl next door (CrimeReads)

■ After Roe v. Wade reversal, readers flock to publications aimed at women (New York Times)

■ Woman takes out full-page newspaper ad to shame 'filthy cheater' husband (New York Post) / ‘“We do not know who Steve is, but apparently he’s been very, very bad ,” a newspaper representative said.’ (News.com.au via New York Post)

■ A luxury magazine photo hid relics Cambodia says could be stolen (Washington Post)

■ ‘A group of Afghan employees from the Kabul bureau of The New York Times adjust after evacuation to the United States. Their new lives are challenging, but full of opportunities .’ (New York Times)

■ 'Buy a book:' Salman Rushdie interviewer suggests a way to support critically wounded author (CNN) / By chance, AP reporter on scene to witness Rushdie attack (AP) / What is a fatwa? Salman Rushdie's backstory moves center stage after attack (Los Angeles Times)

Press freedom

■ Decade after abduction, Austin Tice's parents say Biden has strategy to return their son (McClatchy) / Opinion: Biden wants our son freed. When will his officials step up ? (Washington Post) / Opinion: McClatchy CEO calls for Austin Tice's release after 10 years (Washington Post) / Opinion: Syria must free Austin Tice (Washington Post)

■ Defamation suit about election falsehoods puts Fox on its heels (New York Times)

■ Nebraska investigation into suspected medication abortion suggests hidden threats to press freedom post-Dobbs (RCFP)

“It’s important to ask why you’re trying to launch a podcast . Is it because a competitor moved into audio storytelling or because you read about podcasting’s possibilities? Or is it because you’ve found a consistent theme that is best carried to your audience via digital audio? If you’ve done the work to know the latter is your motivation, then it’s time to invest in equipment and personnel.”

-- Better News, “What do you need to know before creating a podcast ?”

Manager's Minute: I’m overscheduled. How do I say no to requests for my time?

Jill Geisler, Bill Plante Chair in Leadership & Media Integrity at Loyola University Chicago and Freedom Forum Fellow, on how (and when) to say no to meetings.

Manager's Minute: I’m overscheduled. How do I say no to requests for my time?

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.

Get this from a friend? Subscribe, and view the archives.

If you value this newsletter, consider supporting The Latest with a tax-deductible, recurring gift to the Institute: Even $5 a month will help fund the technology and time it takes to provide this important service.

Youtube

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 a more representative democracy. As the non-profit affiliate of the National Press Club, the Institute powers journalism in the public interest.