The Latest: Russia rejects Evan release offer; Media grinches steal Xmas; 700 Washington Post employees to walk out

December 5, 2023

Top stories

Russian rejects offer to release jailed reporter Evan Gershkovich, US says (BBC News) / National Press Club statement: 250 days wrongful detention for Evan Gershkovich (NPC/JI)

‘Washington Post Guild says more than 700 WaPo employees plan to walk off the job Dec. 7 for a 24-hour unfair labor practice strike as they negotiate a contract w management. ….’ (Sara Fischer) / ‘A letter to our dedicated readers: On Dec. 7, we ask you to respect our walkout by not crossing the picket line : For 24 hours, please do not engage with any Post content….’ (Washington Post Guild)

Over a dozen conservative attorneys general put New York Times, CNN 'on watch' over Hamas coverage: 'Follow the Law' (The Wrap)

NAHJ names Guillen-Diaz as executive director (NAHJ) / ‘Congratulations Yaneth Guillen on your promotion … You have been a great friend, mentor and staff member ever since I first met you when I joined NAHJ as a student in 2004.’ (Brandon A. Benavides)

MSNBC union ratifies first contract , shares details (The Wrap)

‘Exciting updates today in nonprofit news: Free Press Indiana and Signal Ohio announced the launch of two new newsrooms serving Indianapolis and Akron.’ (American Journalism Project)

Layoffs at LA Times, Conde Nast, potential layoffs at The Messenger: The media grinches steal Xmas (Daily Beast)

‘Beau Ferrari is out as chairman of NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises , will be replaced by Luis Fernandez. Here's the note from Cesar Conde to staff.’ (Max Tani)

Jeff Zucker and Abu Dhabi make an audacious play for conservative news in US, UK (The Wrap)

‘The NewsGuild settled a defamation lawsuit it was facing, agreeing Thursday to donate $10,000 that will be used to train young Latino journalists in Pittsburgh.’ (Poynter)

Top Tucker Carlson producer accused of sexually assaulting Fox staffer (Washington Post) / Justin Wells, Tucker Carlson’s ‘right-hand man’ at Fox , sued for sexual assault (Daily Beast)

In ‘Amy and T.J.’ podcast, former GMA3 hosts discuss ‘outed’ relationship (Washington Post)

News publishers hesitate to commit to investing more into Threads next year despite growing engagement (Digiday)

Press freedom

Reporters committee for Freedom of the Press launches local legal initiative in Indiana (IndyStar)

French Jewish journalist placed under police protection after threats (POLITICO)

Former RFE/RL Turkmen correspondent arrested on unknown charges (RFE/RL)

In 10 days, 8 Mexican journalists abducted or shot at in 4 separate incidents (Committee to Protect Journalists)

Political analyst on the importance of political debates

“When it comes to helping voters make up their minds, nothing we have found in the modern era is superior to real, moderated, professionally executed, broadcast debates. ... I think that they’re important for how voters make up their minds . I think it’s important for how people get a sense of who these folks are. And I don’t think there is anything better that we’ve found that isn’t a risk-free, puff piece, blow-dried, campaign-approved event that can give people this access. I guess to be excessively corny, this is how we empower voters, and this is how voters can empower themselves."

-- Chris Stirewalt, politics editor for NewsNation, excerpt from Poynter’s “Getting ready for Wednesday’s GOP debate with NewsNation political analyst Chris Stirewalt”

Taking Charge as a Freelancer: Pitching, managing finances & collaborating with editors. Workshop from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 8 at the National Press Club. Tickets on sale now.

This Friday: Learn strategies for winning pitches as a freelance writer

On Friday, Dec. 8, various editors in the DC area will share tips for crafting pitches that catch their attention and ultimately get a green light. You'll learn what kind of pitches work and which ones don’t, hearing directly from editors at:

AARP Bulletin
Brainfacts.org
Industry Dive
Institute for Independent Journalists
POLITICO Magazine
Slate
The Washington Post
Washingtonian
WHYY News

GET TICKETS NOW

Doors for the workshop open at 12:30 pm with the sessions starting promptly at 1 pm. After the panels, continue the conversation with fellow freelancers and editors in the Eric Friedheim National Journalism Library at the National Press Club.

National Press Club news

Resources

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

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

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.