The Latest: ABC News layoffs; VP debate ratings; OpenAI’s VC round

Oct. 2, 2024

Top stories

■ More cuts at Disney as ABC News and TV stations shed 75 jobs (Los Angeles Times) / Read the letter from ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic (Corbin Bolies) / Disney asks FCC to dismiss DirecTV complaint alleging bad faith negotiations during carriage dispute (The Wrap)

■ ‘According to Nielsen Fast Nationals, last night's VP debate averaged roughly 39 million viewers among the top 7 cable news and broadcast networks.’ (Justin Baragona) / CBS cut mics and fact-checked JD Vance in a more civil VP debate, drawing the ire of Trump and his allies (CNN) / ‘By clearly stating the facts on key issues, CBS News moderators Norah O'Donnell and Margaret Brennan ensured that reality was not warped .’ (Oliver Darcy)

■ CBS says Trump will not participate in ‘60 Minutes’ interview (New York Times)

■ ‘Reporters states away are working on Helene disaster relief . We're helping process data, reporting, supplies, and lifelines in Nashville.’ (Angele Latham) / A photojournalist reported on dozens of hurricanes over the years. Then Hurricane Helene flooded his home. (Poynter) / After Hurricane Helene, ‘Neighbors are what’s getting us through this’: Coverage and help from Florida and North Carolina (Poynter)

■ Former Philly journalist describes living in Israel during Iran's missile attack (NBC10) / Journalist Alex Traiman describes moment Iran began firing missiles at Israel (CBS Philadelphia)

■ The New York Times announces promotion for Felicia Vasquez in Features Design (New York Times) / WSJ’s Melissa Korn becomes deputy bureau chief for media (Talking Biz News) / Samm Quinn promoted to IBJ managing editor role (Indianapolis Business Journal) / Multi-award winning DC journalist Adam Longo joins 7News as new morning anchor (7News)

■ Layoffs, mergers, and ego clashes, oh my! How one reporter covers it all . (New York Times)

■ TechCrunch Reimagined: Welcome to our new website design (TechCrunch)

■ OpenAI raises $6.6 billion in largest VC round ever (Axios)

■ Congress is trying to force carmakers to keep AM radio − it should also use this opportunity to correct the mistakes of the past (The Conversation)

■ Olivia Nuzzi accuses ex-fiance of orchestrating blackmail campaign amid RFK relationship (CNN) / Olivia Nuzzi calls in FBI over harassment claims against ex, Ryan Lizza (Daily Beast) / ‘Politico and Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza have mutually agreed that he will take a leave of absence while an investigation is conducted.’ (Max Tani)

■ Newspaper entrepreneur builds Jersey Shore news empire (Axios)

Press freedom

■ On Edge: What the U.S. election could mean for journalists and global press freedom (Committee to Protect Journalists)

■ Moment of silence for Jamal Khashoggi at National Press Club, today 5:30 pm ET (National Press Club)

■ Forced closure of weekly spells the end for Russia's independent print media (Reuters) / Behind closed doors, Russia tries four journalists for links to Navalny team (Reuters)

Framing advice before you start recording

“Before you hit that record button, try to define the focus of the story in one sentence . Ask yourself, ‘who feels what?’ to determine how the subject of the story is affected in context to a larger issue. It’s a short exercise that will help you shoot wisely with intention. A good video edit that is dynamic starts from the field the moment you hit the record button.”

-- Sarah Espedido, video journalist, excerpt from “The fundamentals of recording video for news ” (International Journalists' Network)

Leadership Tip: How to level up performance reviews

“Great performance reviews focus on open dialogue and connecting employee and company goals. It’s all about aligning goals to get people and teams operating at their full potential. Get to know your employees’ career interests, think back to company goals, and connect the two . To get the best results, managers must also ask for feedback. Ask employees how they feel about the current process and if they have any insights. Then, follow up to build trust and encourage employees to share more often. Document review session discussions, and track progress.”

-- Bob Helbig, contributor, Washington Post Jobs, excerpt from "Tips for better performance reviews"

Resources

This newsletter is written & edited by the National Press Club Journalism Institute staff: Beth Francesco, Holly Butcher Grant, and Mitch Harle. Send us your questions and suggestions for topics to cover.

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

DONATE TO 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. The Institute's tax ID number is 52-1750908.