Feb. 4, 2025

Top stories

■ ‘In an email to staff shared with me, the L.A. Times says it’s offering voluntary buyouts to all staff who have been there for more than two years.’ (Max Tani) / ‘Spoke to two people in that L.A. Times newsroom last night who confirmed this offer and who feel entirely demoralized that it comes on the heels of the staff's excellent coverage of the wildfires, all in the face of waves of false information.’ (Sarah Ellison) 


■ PBS on the offense (Axios)


■ ‘60 Minutes’ head producer says he won’t apologize over Trump’s lawsuit (New York Times) / ’60 Minutes’ staffers urged to keep show ticking as Paramount tangles with Trump (Variety) 


■ Comedian Amber Ruffin to headline annual White House Correspondents’ dinner (POLITICO)


■ Tariffs on Canadian products including newsprint paused (National Newspaper Association)


■ Fox reveals plans to launch subscription streaming service this year (CNBC) / ‘While Fox provided scant details on its new streaming service — which will include Fox News — expect it to be expensive given company’s stated desire to protect the pay-TV bundle and not undercut that revenue stream.’ (Joe Flint) / Fox profit surges on strong 2024 political advertising (The Wrap) 


■ Reuters plans major Middle East expansion (Axios) 


■ New York magazine is finding big success in small newsletters (Business Insider) 


■ ‘Staff at Politico did not get paid for the latest pay period. The company just sent several emails to employees saying it believes there was a technical error, and is looking into how to fix the issue.’ (Max Tani)


■ The New York Times announces promotion for Lauren Leatherby on International (New York Times) / WSJ Leadership Institute hires Bounds as SVP of content (Talking Biz News) / Pietsch joins Bloomberg as breaking news editor (Talking Biz News) / Bloomberg's Nix joins health team (Talking Biz News) / Hooper takes on Pulse newsletter at Politico (Talking Biz News) / Fred Johnson becomes FOX 29's player correspondent in NOLA (FOX 29 Philadelphia)


■ The power of independent journalism: From her Brooklyn apartment, she 'scooped' the nation's media (Associated Press) 


■ The media industry is in crisis. Axios CEO Jim VandeHei sees a massive opportunity (Mediaite)

CRAFT

Why every word counts


“Focus is a key to the writing process and all of writing, but particularly important in short work. And polish is important in the sense that the unnecessary word, the extra phrase, the intensifier — it really stands out in short work. Which is why it’s important to make every word count.”


-- Roy Peter Clark, senior scholar at Poynter, excerpt from "Roy Peter Clark discusses the power of short writing" (Poynter)

CAREER
 

Freelancers: How to turn a ‘no’ into an opportunity


“Rejection notes are short and general, with clients saying they might have found someone else for the project or your piece didn’t meet their expectations. Since they’re quite vague, try to ask for some constructive feedback. Request specifics when seeking feedback so you receive well-thought-out suggestions on the project and know what points you can work on in the future. Plus, it gives you some peace of mind if the final verdict was just a mismatch in tone for their brand.”


-- Excerpt from “7 tips for handling rejection as a freelance writer” (Mediabistro)

 
COMMUNITY

National Press Club Journalism Institute has new president, welcomes 2025 Board of Directors

Ed Kelley, a longtime champion for journalists with a background in local media and academia, will lead the National Press Club Journalism Institute as its 2025-26 president of its volunteer Board of Directors. The 15-member body provides the strategic direction and oversight of the nonprofit affiliate of the National Press Club. 


“Particularly gratifying is when journalists in small newsrooms across the country see the Institute as an important source and partner to better serve their communities,” said Kelley. “The board of directors reflects the Institute’s national footprint, with members who work in and outside of Washington.” 


Kelley takes over the position from Gil Klein, who led the Institute as president through three years of significant growth despite challenges brought on during the pandemic. Read more about Kelley.

Institute board members bring decades of experience and leadership to help the Institute achieve its mission: To power journalism in the public interest.


Also joining the board for her first term is Alisa Parenti, breaking news editor at Bloomberg News and vice president of the National Press Club’s Board of Governors. Parenti joins Kelley and 13 returning board directors. Learn more about the board of directors here.

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.
 

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