Old Media, Same as the New Media with Sara Yasin

The episode explores objectivity in journalism, particularly regarding coverage of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Sara Yasin, editor of The Key and former managing editor of the LA Times, discusses the challenges of maintaining journalistic standards amidst cultural assumptions and fear of being labeled an activist. She highlights the phenomenon of "it's complicated journalism," where a reflexive both-sides approach can strip intellect from reporting and obscure power dynamics. The conversation touches on the impact of the 2020 George Floyd moment on newsrooms, the complexities of diversity initiatives, and the need for media outlets to redefine their values in a rapidly changing information landscape. The speakers also address the loss of trust in legacy media and the rise of alternative platforms like podcasts.

Outlines

Part 1: Media Landscape, Objectivity, and Legacy Journalism

Part 2: Power Dynamics, Fear, and Institutional Logic

Part 3: Trust, Identity, and the Crisis of Neutrality

Part 4: Ethics, Class, and Future Solutions

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Time To Say Goodbye

Part 1: Media Landscape, Objectivity, and Legacy Journalism

Objectivity in the Press: Introducing Sara Yasin and the Media Landscape

Leaving Legacy Journalism: Sara Yasin's Transition and the Digital Divide

Generational Perspectives and the Resistance to Change in Newsrooms

Cultural Resistance and "It's Complicated" Journalism in Israel-Palestine Coverage

Part 2: Power Dynamics, Fear, and Institutional Logic

The Deficiency in Understanding Power Dynamics and Ethical Storytelling

Fear, Careerism, and the Echoes of 2020 in Newsroom Decision-Making

The Performative Nature of Diversity and the Focus on Optics

The Functional Argument for Diversity vs. Identity-Based Hiring

The Cynical Deployment of Diversity and the Fear-Driven Atmosphere

Part 3: Trust, Identity, and the Crisis of Neutrality

The Loss of Trust in Media and the Rise of Podcasters

The Lack of Transparency and the Politicization of Palestinian Identity

The Absurdity of Neutrality and the Compromised Future of Palestinian Journalists

The Lack of Neutrality in Middle East Coverage and the Need for Bravery

The Weaponization of Headlines and the Direct Impact of Bad Reporting

Part 4: Ethics, Class, and Future Solutions

The Importance of Reporting Within a Community and the Need for Self-Reflection

The Cartoonish Career Path and the Erosion of Trust in Experts

The Anti-Intellectual Argument and the Class Problem in Newsrooms

The Importance of Testing Basic Assumptions and Building a Publication Around a Need

Promoting The Key and the Difficulty of Asking for Subscriptions

Old Media, Same as the New Media with Sara Yasin

Time To Say Goodbye

Part 1: Media Landscape, Objectivity, and Legacy Journalism

00:00Objectivity in the Press: Introducing Sara Yasin and the Media Landscape

Objectivity in the Press: Introducing Sara Yasin and the Media Landscape

04:08Leaving Legacy Journalism: Sara Yasin's Transition and the Digital Divide

Leaving Legacy Journalism: Sara Yasin's Transition and the Digital Divide

08:53Generational Perspectives and the Resistance to Change in Newsrooms

Generational Perspectives and the Resistance to Change in Newsrooms

14:44Cultural Resistance and "It's Complicated" Journalism in Israel-Palestine Coverage

Cultural Resistance and "It's Complicated" Journalism in Israel-Palestine Coverage

Part 2: Power Dynamics, Fear, and Institutional Logic

20:31The Deficiency in Understanding Power Dynamics and Ethical Storytelling

The Deficiency in Understanding Power Dynamics and Ethical Storytelling

25:29Fear, Careerism, and the Echoes of 2020 in Newsroom Decision-Making

Fear, Careerism, and the Echoes of 2020 in Newsroom Decision-Making

31:13The Performative Nature of Diversity and the Focus on Optics

The Performative Nature of Diversity and the Focus on Optics

38:04The Functional Argument for Diversity vs. Identity-Based Hiring

The Functional Argument for Diversity vs. Identity-Based Hiring

42:24The Cynical Deployment of Diversity and the Fear-Driven Atmosphere

The Cynical Deployment of Diversity and the Fear-Driven Atmosphere

Part 3: Trust, Identity, and the Crisis of Neutrality

47:25The Loss of Trust in Media and the Rise of Podcasters

The Loss of Trust in Media and the Rise of Podcasters

52:26The Lack of Transparency and the Politicization of Palestinian Identity

The Lack of Transparency and the Politicization of Palestinian Identity

58:26The Absurdity of Neutrality and the Compromised Future of Palestinian Journalists

The Absurdity of Neutrality and the Compromised Future of Palestinian Journalists

1:02:55The Lack of Neutrality in Middle East Coverage and the Need for Bravery

The Lack of Neutrality in Middle East Coverage and the Need for Bravery

1:07:08The Weaponization of Headlines and the Direct Impact of Bad Reporting

The Weaponization of Headlines and the Direct Impact of Bad Reporting

Part 4: Ethics, Class, and Future Solutions

1:11:29The Importance of Reporting Within a Community and the Need for Self-Reflection

The Importance of Reporting Within a Community and the Need for Self-Reflection

1:17:32The Cartoonish Career Path and the Erosion of Trust in Experts

The Cartoonish Career Path and the Erosion of Trust in Experts

1:23:20The Anti-Intellectual Argument and the Class Problem in Newsrooms

The Anti-Intellectual Argument and the Class Problem in Newsrooms

1:28:00The Importance of Testing Basic Assumptions and Building a Publication Around a Need

The Importance of Testing Basic Assumptions and Building a Publication Around a Need

1:35:11Promoting The Key and the Difficulty of Asking for Subscriptions

Promoting The Key and the Difficulty of Asking for Subscriptions