The Latest: NYT’s Maduro capture story; Paramount sues WBD; Golden Globes + podcasts

Jan. 12, 2026

■ New York Times didn’t hold Maduro capture story at Trump admin’s request, editor says (The Wrap) / How does NPR report on Venezuela ? (NPR) / Reporting on Venezuela over the years (Pulitzer Center) / These are the exiled Venezuelan journalists joining forces to report on Maduro’s ouster from afar (Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism)

■ PBS News confirms weekend team will air final broadcast on Sunday (The Wrap)

■ How the MAGA plan to control TV triggered a free-speech fight (New York Times)

■ Paramount Skydance sues for information in Warner Bros. Discovery hostile takeover attempt (CNBC) / Paramount to nominate directors to Warner Bros board to vote against Netflix deal (Guardian) / Can Larry and David Ellison’s Oracle money buy Hollywood ? (Vulture)

■ ‘Contract talks begin this week between The New York Times management and the Guild, but efforts to impose a February deadline, and internal concerns, hang over the process.’ (Status) / ‘...Tension is bubbling up elsewhere in the newsroom, with Patrick Healy’s approach to leading Standards and Trust emerging as an additional source of internal friction’ (Natalie Korach)

■ Science News Media Guild ratifies first contract, securing major gains in pay and leave (The NewsGuild)

■ The story of one shuttered West Virginia newspaper (Here & Now)

■ Chad Day appointed elections operations director (Associated Press) / Special Sections’ new deputy editor (New York Times) / Award-winning journalist Matthew McGrath named New Jersey Hills executive editor (New Jersey Hills) / Us Weekly editor-in-chief Dan Wakeford steps down to editor-at-large role (The Wrap) / ‘CBS Saturday Morning’ taps Adriana Diaz, Kelly O’Grady as co-hosts (Variety) / Civil Eats welcomes Vanessa Johnston as video reporter (Civil Eats) / CNBC hires Shin as executive VP of growth and partnerships (Talking Biz News) / Meta names former Trump advisor Dina Powell McCormick as president, vice chair (CNBC)

■ Trans journalists on the risks of working in the news industry — and how to ensure their safety (Columbia Journalism Review)

■ Golden Globes 2026: Nikki Glaser takes shots at CBS News in opening monologue (TVLine) / Podcasts hit the Golden Globes : Nominees include ‘Call Her Daddy’ and more (New York Times) / Up First from NPR nominated for first-ever podcasting Golden Globe (NPR)

The importance of a final line-by-line edit and fact check in investigative reporting

“Investigative reporting carries consequences, and assumptions cannot be left unchallenged. Every sentence must be substantiated, especially when the story may trigger strong reactions or legal repercussions. This final stage ensures the story is strong enough to withstand skepticism, pushback, and public scrutiny. By thinking as if no one believes the story , working as if external doubt must be overcome, and editing as if any assumption could be wrong, reporters and editors can strengthen the investigation, uphold fairness, and produce work that stands up to make an impact.”

-- Abdulrasheed Hammad , freelance journalist, excerpt from “From the pitch stage to the write up, the line edit to publication: How editors can help investigative stories" (Global Investigative Journalism Network)

Free career office hours Networking opportunities and job search skills for media professionals

Save the Date: Career office hours return Feb. 3

The Institute will continue to host free monthly office hours for jobseekers, those interested in networking, and media professionals hoping to boost their job-search skills throughout 2026.

Starting Feb. 3 and continuing the first Tuesday of each month, the Institute will invite a media employer to share tips on what makes a strong candidate and to answer questions during small-group sessions.

Monthly topics will explore careers in social media and engagement, business and tech journalism, sports journalism, and more — and topics will be shared as guest speakers are confirmed. These hour-long sessions will take place via Zoom and will offer community, encouragement, and practical advice for job-seekers at all career levels.

RSVP NOW

If you have questions or would like to suggest a recruiter or hiring manager, please contact NPCJI Training Manager Elliot Williams.

Resources

This newsletter is written and edited by the National Press Club Journalism Institute staff: Beth Francesco, Holly Butcher Grant, and Elliot C. Williams. 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. The Institute's tax ID number is 52-1750908.