The hottest Journalism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

Note on "Timelines"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 10237 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
📰 News Journalism Media Information Current Events
  1. A new interactive library is being created to help people find important news documents much more easily. This project aims to gather primary sources that are often hard to locate.
  2. There is a problem with many news outlets not linking to original documents in their stories, making it tough for readers to find the truth. Having direct access to these sources can help people make better decisions.
  3. The project encourages readers to contribute by suggesting documents that deserve attention. It's a community effort to protect important information and combat the issue of disappearing online sources.

Bari Weiss: American Regeneration

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5439 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Media Independence Culture Journalism
  1. The importance of unity is highlighted through Benjamin Franklin's cartoon from 1754, which called for American colonies to come together against common threats. Fighting together was seen as crucial for survival back then.
  2. The cartoon represents America's early form of media and communication, showing how ideas could spread before modern technology existed. It was like the first American meme when it was published.
  3. As we celebrate Independence Day, it's a reminder not just of historical events, but of the ongoing choice to uphold the values of freedom and togetherness that those events represent.

Does the Pulitzer Prize Hate Substack?

The Honest Broker • 14894 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media Journalism Awards Indie Society
  1. The Pulitzer Prize has a history of ignoring or refusing to acknowledge the achievements of alternative media like Substack, despite its growing influence.
  2. Indie journalists and platforms like Substack might not need recognition from traditional institutions like the Pulitzer anymore, as they can create their own awards and communities.
  3. Building a new ecosystem for independent media is crucial, as legacy media continues to face trust issues and declines in relevance.

Aviation Report: An Example of Honesty, and One of Deceit.

Breaking the News • 1346 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
📰 News Aviation Writing Obituary Journalism Politics
  1. William Langewiesche was a well-respected figure in aviation and writing, known for his unique storytelling style. His work changed how many people view aviation and its complexities.
  2. He wrote a famous book called 'Stick and Rudder,' which is essential reading for pilots. His father's influence helped him become a skilled pilot from a young age.
  3. The FAA keeps public records of pilots, showing transparency about who has trained to fly. This information includes many famous personalities, highlighting the wide interest in aviation.

Trump is Trolling the AP

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11641 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Criticism Censorship Trump Era Journalism
  1. The Associated Press claims the White House is telling them how to report, which some see as censorship. This seems ironic since the AP has always had strict rules about language in their articles.
  2. People are discussing how Trump is mocking the AP's situation, pointing out the contradiction in their messages about free speech.
  3. There's a lot of debate about what it means for the government and the media to control language and how it affects honest reporting.
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Have You Heard the Good News?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1414 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political divide Current Events Public Debate Journalism Social Issues
  1. The current public debate makes it sound like everything is terrible, but that's not the whole truth. While we do have problems, things today are actually better than they used to be.
  2. Media often focuses on negative stories because they get more attention and views. This can create a skewed view of reality where everything feels worse than it really is.
  3. It's important to look at the bigger picture and recognize the good alongside the challenges. Recognizing progress can help us focus on solutions rather than feeling hopeless.

The Media is Busted

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 21299 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Government Journalism Public Opinion Policy
  1. The media is facing significant trust issues and may be failing in its responsibilities. Many people feel let down by traditional media outlets.
  2. There are concerns about unnecessary spending by government agencies on media partnerships. This has raised questions about accountability and responsible use of taxpayer money.
  3. The legacy media's reputation is suffering, and some believe it's time for a major change or even an end to its current structure. Many are frustrated with how the media has evolved over time.

On "Internews"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 13541 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Public Policy Journalism Censorship
  1. USAID has secretly funded a group called Internews Network with nearly half a billion dollars. This money has helped create a lot of media outreach and training for journalists.
  2. Internews Network has worked with thousands of media outlets and has produced many broadcasts that have reached millions of people.
  3. There are concerns about Internews supporting social media censorship, which raises questions about freedom of speech and information.

Lara Logan Did Nothing Wrong (Classic Takes)

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 3194 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Scandals Conspiracy Political Commentary Journalism
  1. Lara Logan has faced criticism from mainstream media for discussing ideas that some believe are now widely accepted as true. It's argued that certain significant scandals were initially dismissed as conspiracy theories.
  2. She emphasizes traditional values like sovereignty, national identity, and family as important aspects of society. Logan suggests that current challenges, like open borders, are linked to broader negative influences.
  3. There is a belief that influential figures and organizations are trying to shape the world in troubling ways. Logan expresses a strong conviction that these efforts will ultimately fail.

The Ugly Truth About Spotify Is Finally Revealed

The Honest Broker • 155259 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🎶 Music Streaming Production Journalism Industry Ethics
  1. Spotify has been using fake artists to fill playlists, leading to confusion about real musicians. Many tracks are distributed under different names, suggesting a strategy to minimize royalty payments.
  2. An investigative journalist revealed that Spotify has a program aimed at promoting cheaper music, often created without the involvement of human musicians. This raises concerns about the ethical treatment of artists.
  3. There is a call for greater transparency and regulation in the music streaming industry. Some believe that a cooperative platform owned by musicians and labels could be a better solution.

New Recordings Point to Smear by Los Angeles Times Columnist Michael Hiltzik

The DisInformation Chronicle • 380 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Ethics Journalism Vaccine debate Public Health Political Discourse
  1. Michael Hiltzik, a columnist, has been accused of unethical behavior in his journalism, particularly related to COVID-19 vaccine injuries. This raises concerns about the integrity of the information being shared.
  2. Dr. Danice Hertz and Brianne Dressen, both of whom suffered from vaccine injuries, highlight that their experiences are often dismissed and labeled unfairly, emphasizing the need for more open dialogue and research into vaccine side effects.
  3. The reactions and symptoms reported by these individuals are real and significant, stressing the importance of informed consent and proper medical attention for those who experience adverse reactions to vaccines.

A Golden Age of Letters

Wrong Side of History • 527 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
📚 Literature Journalism Writing Publishing Media Culture
  1. Being a journalist can be tough and not very rewarding, so it's better to think about becoming a writer with your own audience. It's a different path that offers more creative freedom.
  2. Platforms like Substack are growing because they let writers earn money directly from their readers, rather than going through traditional media. This makes it a good time for independent writers.
  3. Successful independent writers tend to have moderate views and focus on building steady relationships with their audience, rather than chasing after controversy for short-term gains.

Journalists should start building life rafts earlier in their careers

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 523 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media Filmmaking Journalism Content creation Storytelling
  1. Journalists should think about creating their own platforms early in their careers. Having a personal website or newsletter can help them connect better with their audience.
  2. The situation at CNN is uncertain as they transition away from traditional cable. There is a need for major changes to adapt to the future of media.
  3. Support for indie filmmakers is growing, with new partnerships like Tubi and Kickstarter helping fresh talent get their movies made.

Transcript - America This Week, Feb 7, 2025: "The Big Store: Politico, USAID, and Managed Reality."

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1375 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Government Scandals Journalism Influence
  1. Mainstream media often receives significant funding from government contracts, which raises questions about their independence. It's hard to believe they can remain unbiased when they rely on such large amounts of money from the government.
  2. The money that media companies like Politico take from government sources can be seen as a form of corruption. This compromises their credibility when they report on issues like election integrity.
  3. Critics argue that publications that heavily report on political scandals should be held to high ethical standards. If they engage in questionable practices while accusing others of corruption, it undermines their trustworthiness.

This Is CBS News

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1758 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media bias Political Commentary Journalism Censorship Public Opinion
  1. CBS News faced criticism for how it handled an interview with an author who made antisemitic comments. Instead of supporting the interviewer, they punished him for not following their editorial line.
  2. There are concerns about CBS's stance on the status of Jerusalem, as employees were told not to refer to it as being in Israel, highlighting a perceived bias in their reporting.
  3. The network has a history of fact-checking certain politicians against their agreements, suggesting a possible agenda in their news coverage.

Contra Evan Urquhart On The Right To Journalistic Exclusion

Singal-Minded • 798 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Ethics Gender Issues Journalism Activism Public Debate
  1. Activists often want to shut down debates over youth gender medicine before they even start. They believe that there shouldn't be public discussions about how best to handle such a sensitive topic.
  2. Journalists have the right to use recorded audio from public spaces, even if someone doesn't want their voice in a story. If someone speaks where media can record, their words can be shared.
  3. Just because a source is unhappy about how they were portrayed in a story doesn't mean the journalism is bad or wrong. Journalism can upset people, and that's a normal part of the profession.

Another Journalist Arrested In Another Western Nation For Wrongthink About Israel

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2631 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Journalism Activism Censorship Israel-Palestine
  1. Journalists are facing arrests in Western countries for expressing pro-Palestinian views. This shows a growing trend of limiting free speech about controversial issues.
  2. Social media platforms and governments are increasingly censoring information that criticizes Israel or supports Palestine. This reflects a wider attempt to control public discourse.
  3. The current climate poses risks to truth-tellers and activists. Many are concerned about rising authoritarian measures meant to silence dissenting opinions.

What REALLY happened in Afghanistan?

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 37 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict Journalism Afghanistan Taliban Society
  1. Habib Khan Totakhil witnessed the events in Afghanistan first-hand and shares those experiences. It's important to hear stories from people who lived through major changes, like the Taliban takeover.
  2. He emphasizes that we should support the Afghan resistance and not accept Taliban rule as normal. This helps us understand the ongoing struggles in Afghanistan.
  3. The role of journalism in conflict zones is crucial for revealing the truth about situations. Totakhil’s work highlights how important it is to share accurate information during times of war.

A Peek Behind the Curtain at CBS Reveals Journalism in a Death Spiral

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 515 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
📰 News Journalism Media Trust Ethics Corporate
  1. Recent events at CBS have shown a lack of clear leadership and professionalism in journalism. It seems like the environment there is chaotic and not focused on real journalistic practices.
  2. Trust in media is at an all-time low, partly because of how CBS handled a situation with journalist Tony Dokoupil. He was reprimanded for asking tough questions, while another journalist was praised for preparing her interviewee in advance.
  3. The internal reactions at CBS were intense, with reports of shouting and tears. This highlights a deep dysfunction within the newsroom, which makes it hard to maintain trust in media organizations.

Old Media Finally Wakes Up from a Coma

The Honest Broker • 31251 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
📰 News Media Trends Journalism Digital Platforms Public Discourse Audience engagement
  1. Old media is realizing that it needs to change in order to survive. They can't continue doing things the same way as before.
  2. Influencers and new media figures like Joe Rogan and Elon Musk are now more powerful than traditional journalists. Their ability to reach large audiences is forcing old media to adapt.
  3. Legacy media organizations, like CNN and the New York Times, are starting to imitate the styles and formats of new media to attract viewers. They are trying to be more conversational and engaging.

When it comes to scams, journalism is letting down the public

How to Survive the Internet • 139 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
📰 News Journalism Scams Public interest Media Ethics Investigative Reporting
  1. Many people have shared their scam experiences, highlighting how common these issues are. They often feel lost because police and mainstream media aren't helping them.
  2. Journalists can play a crucial role in exposing and stopping scams. It's important for them to recognize this responsibility beyond just informing the public.
  3. The media often misses ongoing scams because they lack the resources or willingness to investigate them. This can lead to many victims not receiving the help they need.

Google-affiliated military AI expo cracks down on journalists amid Code Pink disruptions

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 1058 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Military AI Technology Protests Government
  1. Journalists faced harassment at a military AI expo organized by Eric Schmidt, highlighting tensions between security and freedom of the press.
  2. Protests against U.S. and Israeli military actions gained attention at the event, revealing strong opposition to the narratives being presented.
  3. The expo focused on using AI for military and national security, with discussions around how technology can be used for 'regime change' and information control.

Mainstream Is Now Fringe, and Fringe Is Mainstream

The Honest Broker • 30220 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Influence Entertainment Streaming Journalism
  1. The gap between mainstream media and fringe content is closing. People now watch popular streamers and influencers way more than traditional news outlets.
  2. Legacy media companies are struggling and may not survive unless billionaires buy them. Many journalists might find it tough to work in this environment.
  3. The rise of alternative media is changing the game for all creative industries. In the future, small teams or solo creators might take on major companies in music, movies, and games.

The diminishing returns of commodity news content

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
📰 News Journalism Media Digital Content Trends
  1. News content that simply repeats information is losing its value. Outlets need to focus more on original reporting and deep analysis to stay relevant.
  2. Many successful YouTube journalists started at Vox, where they learned to tell stories creatively through video. Their experience helps them connect better with online audiences.
  3. Artists have mixed feelings about AI. Some feel it steals their work, but others see it as a helpful tool to create faster and tackle misinformation quickly.

New Issue Of JOHNSTONE: When Journalists Are Your Enemy, Truth Is Not Your Friend

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 628 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Foreign Policy Free speech Media Critique Civil Rights Political Commentary
  1. Journalists can sometimes face severe consequences for questioning powerful figures, as shown by the removal of journalist Sam Husseini during a press conference.
  2. There's a growing concern over censorship and the treatment of journalists, especially those who report on sensitive topics like the Israel-Palestine conflict.
  3. The impact of wars and conflicts can be felt worldwide, tying into broader issues such as homelessness and societal well-being.

My Survey of 16 Classic Works of New Journalism

The Honest Broker • 15725 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
📚 Literature Journalism Non-fiction Cultural criticism Writing Techniques Historical context
  1. Journalism is changing fast, and traditional media must adapt to survive. Many new outlets are thriving while others struggle and lay off staff.
  2. New Journalism from the 1960s and 70s changed the way stories were told. It blended facts with storytelling, making journalism more engaging.
  3. Today, writers can explore bold stories without corporate limits. This encourages new voices to emerge and could lead to the next generation of impactful journalism.

Happy Anniversary!

Steady • 32155 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
📰 News Community Newsletter Journalism
  1. Dan Rather and Team Steady are celebrating their anniversary on Jan 20, 2024.
  2. The Steady community's support, guidance, and friendship have been crucial to their success.
  3. Dan Rather expresses gratitude and dedication to the readers for their continued support.

If Paul Krugman Didn't Have Enough Juice at the New York Times, Who Could?

Freddie deBoer • 9560 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Journalism Public Opinion
  1. Heavy editing can take away a writer's unique voice. It's important for writers to maintain their style even when being edited.
  2. Big organizations may see their employees as replaceable, which can affect morale and creativity. This can lead to a competition where everyone fears losing their job.
  3. The pressures of being in an elite institution can change how content is produced. Writers may face strict guidelines that limit creative freedom.

The 25 Best Online Articles of 2024

The Honest Broker • 13863 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Literature Art Media Journalism
  1. The list features 25 of the best longform articles from the past year. These articles cover a variety of topics, showing that good writing can be found in many different subjects.
  2. Supporting quality journalism is important. The writers highlighted in the list often rely on the support of their readers, so consider helping them as a new year's resolution.
  3. Many pieces explore unique personal stories and experiences. From a former Goldman Sachs trader to a psychic, these articles are interesting and reflect a wide range of human experiences.

Interview with the Previously Prohibited podcast

Karlstack • 91 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Media Journalism Conservatism International relations
  1. Chris Brunet went from being popular in the anti-woke Right to being an outcast for speaking the truth about Israel's support in conservative media.
  2. He recently wrote about new laws that target BDS and free speech, showing a growing trend among some Republicans.
  3. The interview discusses how these changes affect freedom of expression and highlights the challenges faced by journalists.

Google throws publishers a bone

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 28 May 25
💼 Business Media Publishing Streaming Technology Journalism
  1. Google's Discover feature is helping some publishers offset losses from search traffic. This shift shows that not all platforms are the same and offers a small boost to those adapting.
  2. Ghost, a publishing platform, has hit a milestone with over $100 million in subscription revenue. This highlights the growing importance of independent platforms for publishers.
  3. The growing popularity of IMAX theaters is great for premium experiences, but it could hurt traditional cinemas. It's a tricky balance between offering luxury options and keeping it affordable for everyone.

That Which Can Be Destroyed By The Truth, Should Be

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1937 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Journalism Secrecy Truth
  1. Truth can be really powerful, and it often challenges the lies that support unfair systems. When we know the truth, it becomes harder for those in power to take advantage of others.
  2. In a fair society, those with more power should be more transparent, while those with less power need protection from being exploited. This way, everyone can feel safe and treated fairly.
  3. Facing the truth can be scary because it may change relationships and challenge our beliefs. However, embracing truth is essential for growth and a healthier society.

Jake Tapper's Unoriginal Sin

Unreported Truths • 61 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Government Elections Public Policy Media Criticism
  1. Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson's book 'Original Sin' lacks new and important information about Joe Biden's mental decline. It mostly restates what many already knew.
  2. The media has praised the book as groundbreaking, but it does not address its own failures in covering Biden's issues during his presidency.
  3. Good journalism should question authority and seek the truth, rather than just echoing popular opinions or the status quo.

Bari Weiss: Against the Vandals

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5318 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies Conservatism Activism Political Events Journalism
  1. The Alliance for Responsible Citizenship aims to create a hopeful vision for the future and preserve the foundations of civilization. This shows a collective desire to bring about positive change in society.
  2. Recent political leaders like Javier Milei in Argentina and Giorgia Meloni in Italy have shown that strong leadership can lead to significant change, challenging the idea that decline is inevitable.
  3. Attending and participating in gatherings like ARC can feel energizing and affirming, especially when surrounded by like-minded individuals who care about important issues.

Why did CNN do it?

Robert Reich • 30051 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Republicans Democracy Journalism
  1. CNN's decision to give Donald Trump an hour of prime-time television was criticized for promoting lies and insults.
  2. The shift in CNN's news coverage towards more conservative guests and avoiding certain terms was linked to corporate interests and right-wing billionaire influence.
  3. Criticism of CNN's decisions highlights the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity and not giving a platform to misinformation and demagoguery.

Old Friends, Memories, And The Work

Steady • 29265 implied HN points • 10 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Memories Documentary Journalism
  1. New York City was a significant part of the author's life, professionally and personally.
  2. The author reflects on their career through a documentary that was premiered at a film festival.
  3. The author highlights the importance of journalism and the support they received from friends and colleagues.

Letters to the Editor: Anthony Bourdain Is Good for Culture

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 208 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Food culture Media Critique Culinary Arts Journalism
  1. Anthony Bourdain had a significant impact on food culture, inspiring people to explore and enjoy diverse culinary experiences. Many believe he opened up conversations about food in a fun and adventurous way.
  2. Some critiques of Bourdain's influence suggest that it created a trend of people aiming for extreme food experiences. Critics argue that this might detract from genuine appreciation for food.
  3. In contrast to Bourdain, figures like Stanley Tucci offer a more polished and traditional view of food culture, which some view as more suitable for mainstream audiences. This has sparked a debate on what kind of food culture we should promote.