The Latest: Google’s California deal; Journalist arrests at DNC; Grist/Deep South Today partnership

Aug. 22, 2024

Top stories

DNC night 2 audience exceeds opening night with 20.8 million viewers (The Wrap) / ‘Overnight ratings for Night Three of the conventions . Seven networks combined: DNC - 11.7 (9-11:45p); RNC - 9.1 (10-11:30p); Difference: 29%’ (Michael Mulvihill) / Convention and Cringe: Kid reporters, now first-time presidential voters , on the coverage of Election 2024 (Columbia Journalism Review)

Deal reached in feud between California news outlets and Google: $250 million to support journalism but no new law (Los Angeles Times) / California tried to make Google pay news outlets . The company cut a deal that includes funding AI (CalMatters)

U.S. investigating Americans who worked with Russian state television (New York Times)

Star Spangled Media petitioned lawmakers for press status . A leaky ad portal suggests ties to dark-money group. (Columbia Journalism Review)

Paramount extends talks with Edgar Bronfman Jr., unsettling Skydance deal (New York Times) / Hollywood finally admitted cable TV is dying : What happens next? (Hollywood Reporter)

Disney names board member James Gorman to lead committee tasked with finding Bob Iger’s successor (Wall Street Journal)

Grist announces local partnership with Deep South Today (Grist)

‘Today marks one year of 404 Media . We have learned a lot in that time, but let me stress: we are showing it is possible to run a sustainable business for impactful journalism. If you are thinking of going independent, the infrastructure exists.’ (Joseph Cox)

Amanda Kludt joins The New York Times as senior editor for projects and initiatives (New York Times) / Jeremy Singer-Vine joins The New York Times as data editor (New York Times)

Tech journalist, represented by RCFP attorneys, forces disclosure of X Corp.'s investors (Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press)

'On the ropes': Northern California weekly newspaper to shutter after 27 years (SFGATE)

Jody Frisch, entertainment and Washington PR pro who worked for WGA, SAG-AFTRA, Craig Anderson Prods., dies at 68 (Variety)

NE Ohio newspaper drivers pension plan gets $31.6 million boost from feds (cleveland.com) / Throwback Thursday: Young carrier delivered newspapers on horseback 50 years ago (Telegraph Herald)

Titanic newspaper article found in wardrobe after 112 years (CNN)

Press freedom

Photojournalist arrested , shoved by Chicago police; gear seized and damaged (U.S. Press Freedom Tracker) / ‘I was pulled off of the sidewalk’: At least 3 journalists arrested covering DNC protests (The Intercept)

Las Vegas politician accused of journalist’s murder takes stand in his own defense (The Guardian) / Former politician accused of killing Vegas reporter testifies: ‘I am innocent’ (CNN)

Russia opens a criminal case against CNN reporter for 'illegally crossing border' (Reuters)

Preparing for major interviews as a local journalist

“Much is being said about when/where Kamala Harris and Tim Walz will do in-depth interviews. Local journalists: Prepare now, not after your outlet suddenly lands an interview with a national newsmaker. What issues of local importance/national significance will you discuss? … How will you fairly frame questions on pressing local issues that the national newsmaker can’t be expected to know intimately but should be able to speak to through a national policy lens? Outline their predicted talking points and prepare to press for more substance.”

-- Kyle Clark, anchor of Next with Kyle Clark, advice shared via X

Reminder to be patient in your job search

“In the world of news media, the summer is a very busy period for recruiters and hiring managers; add to that the fact that we're in an election year, it's also political convention season and there's a whole lot of unprecedented stuff peppering the news cycle. That said, understand a lot of news recruiters and editors have their hands full right now . It may take a while for them to respond to you or be able to schedule an appointment with you, however, that doesn't mean they aren't interested in talking to you more. Send your message, give it a month, and then, politely follow up. If you never hear back...that's their loss. You're amazing. Keep it moving to the next hiring manager who is smart enough to see that.”

-- Rhema Thompson Bland, deputy director of news talent acquisition & development at McClatchy, advice shared via LinkedIn

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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.

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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.