The Latest: Covering Walz; Layoffs at Axios, buyouts at Tampa Bay Times; RFE/RL journalist on life after Russian prison

Aug. 6, 2024

Top stories

Axios laying off 10% of staff (New York Times) / ‘... CEO Jim VandeHei just sent out this note — which says the layoffs are because of “changes in the media business ” ’ (Katie Robertson)

Tampa Bay Times offers buyouts to staff (Tampa Bay Times) / ‘The Tampa Bay Times will eliminate 60 jobs this month , citing revenue shortfalls mainly caused by less-than-expected print advertising revenue. …’ (Poynter)

‘Here's the moment when CNN broke the news about Harris picking Walz’ (Brian Stelter) / VP pick Tim Walz once helped WWL anchor get her vehicle out of Minnesota ditch (WWL Louisiana) / How students are bringing new perspectives to 2024 election coverage (Current) / Can local journalism find a cure for election news fatigue ? (Poynter)

Broadcasting & Cable to shutter as this year’s media meltdown escalates (Hollywood Reporter) / CNET to be sold to Ziff Davis in sign of possible media deals to come (New York Times)

Bloomberg journalist fires back after being fired over Russian prisoner swap story: 'Reporters don't have the final say' (Mediaite) / Why Bloomberg’s broken embargo matters (Poynter)

Black journalists group faces member backlash over Trump speaking invitation (CNN) / Trump says he will sit for interview with Elon Musk (The Hill)

AI startup raises $25M, inks deals with major media companies (Axios)

Readers are more suspicious of journalists providing corrections than journalists providing confirmations (Nieman Journalism Lab)

9NEWS reporter Matt Renoux's journey to Paris Olympics (9NEWS) / How this sports journalist matches iconic Olympic moments with fine art (NBC Chicago)

Press Freedom

Journalist Alsu Kurmasheva’s first interview since Russian prison release (CNN) / 'I'm finally in good hands ' (RFE/RL) / Jason Rezaian offers advice to three Americans just released from Russia (Harvard Gazette)

Former Kansas police chief to be charged following newspaper raid (Associated Press)

NYC journalist who documented pro-Palestinian vandalism arrested on felony hate crime charges (Associated Press)

Election reporting tip: Follow the money

“No matter what your beat is, understanding at least the basics of money in politics and where to find resources is important . It's something a lot of people don't think about all the time, but it relates to so many different aspects of the world generally, whether you're reporting on things like environment or energy or specific companies, or pretty much anything. There's always a ‘money in politics’ aspect that can come up at some point. … Companies make political contributions, specific individuals (make political contributions), there’s lobbying, there's so many different elements that can come into play and can also add value to your story, whether or not it's focused entirely on money in politics.”

-- Anna Massoglia, editorial & investigations manager at OpenSecrets, excerpt from “Covering the 2024 elections? Here are some tips and resources from IRE experts ” (Investigative Reporters & Editors)

Want more help with your election coverage? Watch Massoglia's top tips for reporting on campaign finance and lobbying from recent NPCJI webinar:

Advice from newsroom hiring managers to job hunters

Don’t opt out of applying for a job just because you may not have all the qualifications listed in the job description. Your lived experiences may make you a good candidate for a job .

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone who checked every single bullet point on a job listing. You might bring something valuable to us that wasn’t in the job description,” said Ben Dobson, news director at NextStar Media Group’s WDCW, during a National Press Club Journalism Institute panel.

To hear more advice for job seekers, watch the conversation with newsroom hiring managers :

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.

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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.