The Latest: CBS News president exits; Hearst + American-Statesman; New public health journalism training; The first Black newspaper

Feb. 19, 2025

■ ‘Three former FCC chairs are speaking out against Brendan Carr's crusade against media companies . In a text message to me, Carr responded, writing, “Lol. Just three?” Then he sent a GIF. And then a lengthy tirade.’ (Oliver Darcy) / FCC chair accuses predecessors of partisan bias after criticism of media probes (The Hill)

■ State Department orders cancellation of media subscriptions around world (The Guardian)

■ ‘The City of Clarksdale, Mississippi, got a court order yesterday directing a newspaper to delete an editorial criticizing city officials — without a hearing. …’ (Adam Steinbaugh)

■ Ozy Media founder Carlos Watson ordered to pay $96 million for fraud scheme (Courthouse News Service)

■ Hearst to purchase Austin American-Statesman from Gannett, expanding footprint in Texas (Austin American-Statesman)

■ Washingtonian’s union contract negotiations are going on four years with no end in sight (Washington City Paper)

■ Adrienne Roark to exit as CBS News president to join Tegna as chief content officer (Deadline) / Nexstar Media names Samantha Osborne Reynolds as vice president of political sales (Nexstar Media) / ‘The Free Press has hired Gabe Kaminsky as an investigative reporter’ (Ben Mullin) / The Information's O'Regan to cover Silicon Valley's influence (Talking Biz News)

■ British journalist Charlotte Peet reported missing in Brazil (BBC News) / Journalist, 32, disappears after traveling to Brazil without family’s knowledge: Very concerned (People)

■ MSNBC opens David Frost interview archives for documentary series 'Frost Vs.' (Variety)

■ Honoring Black History: The first Black newspaper (CBS17) / Jackson Black journalists reflect on Mississippi’s Black press legacy (16 WAPT)

Public health journalism virtual training series: Feb. 25; March 25; April 29 May 27; June 24; July 25. This series is part of the Institute’s inaugural Public Health Reporting Fellowship.

National Press Club Journalism Institute announces public health journalism training series

Solutions-oriented journalism about America’s public health landscape has become increasingly important as disinformation continues to spread and health disparities widen among marginalized communities.

The National Press Club Journalism Institute will present a series of six virtual programs aimed at training journalists who cover public health. These events, which generally fall on the last Tuesday of the month from February through July, include the following topics:

Registration for these programs is free and open to the public . They will take place on Zoom. Learn more .

3 tips for your next journalism grant application

“Think about who’s reading the application . The funding organizations’ staff typically will be reading a tall stack of requests for money. Make yours stand out. Your writing should be clear, succinct and easy to follow. You may be given a word count for some of the ‘essay’ questions. Even if you don’t have a word limit, be thorough but concise. …

Choose your words carefully . When you’re researching the grant program — either through reading the funding organization’s website and other materials or through personal conversations with funders — pay attention to the words and phrases they use to describe their priorities. Then, use some of those same words in your application. This shows you’re thinking about how your goals and theirs can intersect successfully.

Save your work . Save it for the next grant application, that is. Because many questions are similar from application to application, it’ll save you some time if you’re able to use your previous submissions for guidance.”

-- Jane Elizabeth, Billy Conques, Alma Washington, Elizabeth Thompson, excerpt from “Getting Grants to Fund Your Journalism: Tips, challenges and red flags ”

Resources

This newsletter is written & edited by the National Press Club Journalism Institute staff: Beth Francesco, Holly Butcher Grant, Elliot C. Williams, and Mitch Harle. 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.