The hottest Journalism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

My year in review

Kyle Chayka Industries • 143 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. The newsletter covers Kyle Chayka's favorite pieces and updates for the year, including a list of tour dates for his new book.
  2. Kyle Chayka started a new newsletter project called One Thing, focusing on curation of authentic content in digital spaces.
  3. Kyle Chayka reflects on his New Yorker columns, discussing topics like AI in art, AI-generated imagery, and the impact of social media on news consumption.

What REALLY happened in Afghanistan?

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 37 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🌍 World Politics Journalism
  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.

Jobs and Opps at Faber Academy, SWNS, the BBC, Channel 4, and Many, Many More 📻

Journo Resources - The Opportunities • 59 implied HN points • 02 May 23
💼 Business Journalism
  1. Various job opportunities are available at companies like Faber Academy, SWNS, the BBC, and Channel 4.
  2. The media industry is facing challenges such as layoffs, but it is important to stay hopeful and keep honing your craft.
  3. There are diverse roles in journalism and adjacent fields, with opportunities for writers, editors, reporters, and content coordinators.

RIP Pitchfork

The Rectangle • 113 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎶 Music Journalism
  1. Pitchfork music website is shutting down and moving under GQ.
  2. Music journalism is facing challenges with major publications closing.
  3. Professional music journalism is important for valuing and discussing art.

On Being Seen, Whatever The Cost.

Technohumanism • 1 HN point • 11 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. Self-expression is really important for everyone, even in tough situations like being in prison. When people can't express themselves, it feels like a type of punishment.
  2. Inmates at San Quentin show their individuality through small style choices, like the shoes they wear or how they layer their clothes. Even though they have limited clothing, they still find ways to stand out.
  3. Teaching writing to incarcerated people can lead to deep conversations about creativity and identity. They take the opportunity to learn and share their ideas seriously.
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The Fall and Rise of Science Writing

Asimov Press • 180 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🔬 Science Journalism
  1. Science journalism is shifting towards automation using AI, but there is a potential for a renaissance in science writing led by scientists and physicians.
  2. Current news articles often follow a templated structure rooted in historical newspaper layout practices from the past.
  3. The future of impactful science writing lies in personal experiences and unique perspectives, which AI cannot replicate.

Athletes Doing the Trump Dance, Sports Journos Going to BlueSky

House of Strauss • 41 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Journalism
  1. There is a growing separation between athletes and sports journalists. It seems like journalists are feeling pushed out or disconnected from the athletes they cover.
  2. Many sports journalists are leaving Twitter/X for a new platform called BlueSky. This shift shows concerns about the current social media landscape and its impact on communication.
  3. The changing dynamics in the sports world reflect broader societal shifts. Athletes are taking control of their narratives while traditional media is struggling to keep up.

Two podcasts and some jellyfish

The Abbey of Misrule • 171 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🎙 Podcasts Journalism
  1. The post mentions two recent podcasts by the author with interesting conversations on history, religion, and Christianity.
  2. A subscriber's creative designs inspired by the author's essay on jellyfish are highlighted as a modern-day acknowledgment and symbol.
  3. The text reflects on the current shift away from disenchanted modernity towards something bigger, urging readers to be prepared to navigate change.

Jobs and Opps at The Royal Television Society, The British Library, The Grand Opera House, and Many, Many More🎭

Journo Resources - The Opportunities • 39 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
💼 Business Journalism
  1. Retro tech trend with 'dumbphones' is emerging among Gen Z to switch off more effectively
  2. Journalists face challenges in completely switching off due to constant access to work through smartphones
  3. Various job opportunities in journalism and media industry, from editing to content creation roles

Give Stephen Glass a Break

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 78 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. The story of Stephen Glass, a journalist involved in a major scandal, continues to be retold in different forms over the years.
  2. Despite his past mistakes, Stephen Glass has led a life focused on redemption, showing dedication to ethical work and helping others.
  3. Society may struggle to grant second chances, despite the potential for growth and positive change by individuals like Stephen Glass.

THANK YOU!

Unreported Truths • 13 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Your support is really important and appreciated. It helps me feel less alone while uncovering the truth.
  2. Taking on tough topics is exciting, but it can also be challenging without the backing of a big news organization.
  3. I’m always looking to improve and make things easier for subscribers, and I appreciate everyone's patience.

The Comet King From Unsong Is Kanye West

Skunk Ledger • 143 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. The concept of the Comet King from Unsong being compared to Kanye West is explored, drawing parallels between their stories and personas.
  2. Kanye West's album 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' is analyzed in relation to the Comet King's journey in Unsong, showing similarities in themes and character arcs.
  3. Symbolism and deeper meanings are uncovered in the comparison, revealing kabbalistic connections and the merging of good and evil through the characters of Unsong and Kanye West.

Jack Sweeney: Troll? Stalker? Or Free Speech Hero?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 74 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. Jack Sweeney faced legal challenges for his social media accounts tracking celebrities' private jets. Celebrities like Taylor Swift and Elon Musk took legal action against him for privacy concerns.
  2. Sweeney's interest in tracking celebrity jets began as a tech and aviation fascination. He uses various sources like FAA databases and aviation enthusiasts to update his spreadsheets.
  3. Despite facing legal threats and backlash, Sweeney maintains his accounts are journalistic and informative. He relies on his instincts when dealing with offers from celebrities like Elon Musk and Mark Cuban.

Me and Elon Musk - A Conversation

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 74 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Journalism
  1. The interview with Elon Musk delved into topics like freedom of speech, journalism, AI, and more, showcasing different perspectives on the future of journalism.
  2. The conversation unexpectedly lasted over three hours, involving an array of audience questions and chaotic, entertaining moments, highlighting the unpredictable nature of live discussions.
  3. Elon Musk hinted at news about Neurolink and a potential partnership with Midjourney, indicating ongoing developments in technological advancements.

Story Eighteen

Stories From The Rail • 79 implied HN points • 20 Apr 22
🌐 International Journalism
  1. Packing when disabled requires adjustments like carrying medication and rethinking storage space
  2. Adapting to physical limitations involves changing equipment and accessories for practicality and safety
  3. Accepting one's limitations and finding new ways to navigate life can lead to discovering unexpected opportunities

🌟 A gold star for every crypto journo and researcher 🌟

Association of Cryptocurrency Journalists and Researchers • 19 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
💰 Finance Journalism
  1. Summer has been busy in the crypto world, with many important stories and events.
  2. The best crypto journalism from June and July covers a variety of topics such as SEC actions, hoaxes, and industry updates.
  3. Top crypto research and policy discussions focus on DAOs, stablecoins, cryptography, and global identity issues.

Bring Back Frivolous Long-form Thinkpieces

The Elbow • 19 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. Frivolous long-form journalism from the Web 2.0 era is missed for its clever yet inconsequential content.
  2. The niche may still exist, possibly shifting to podcasts for similar content.
  3. There is a consideration that attention spans might have gotten shorter, impacting the reception of long-form thinkpieces.

Hacker “Bentley” indicted; China weaponizing vulnerabilities; Journalists suspect poisoning; Breakfast on the Verge of the Apocalypse; Free WIFI in China comes with a cost; Disinformation wins a round

Natto Thoughts • 19 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Journalism
  1. Russian hackers 'Bentley' have used Trickbot and Conti malware to steal funds, leading to indictments and sanctions from the US and UK.
  2. China has a system that nationalizes vulnerability disclosures, sharing data with agencies like the CNCERT/CC and Ministry of Public Security, raising concerns.
  3. Journalist Elena Kostyuchenko suspected of being poisoned, highlights the dangers faced by critical journalists in Russia, with a forthcoming book 'I Love Russia'.

Enemy of the State

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 70 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
📰 News Journalism
  1. An enemy of the state is someone accused of political crimes like treason, targeted for repressing political dissent, under the guise of protecting national security.
  2. Julian Assange faces opposition for publishing leaked data and exposing U.S. military actions like the 'Collateral Murder' video, leading to a potential 175-year sentence.
  3. It's crucial to recognize the impact of such exposures on democracy, human rights, and the concept of state-sponsored violence.

The Death of Captain Waskow

Comment is Freed • 118 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
💾 History Journalism
  1. Captain Waskow was deeply respected by his soldiers, as seen in their reactions to his death
  2. Ernie Pyle's war reporting focused on humanizing ordinary soldiers and their experiences
  3. Infantry soldiers play a crucial and challenging role in wars, facing death and being vital for combat operations

Journalism is Broken, but so is Alternative Media

Unfashionable • 68 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
📰 News Journalism
  1. Mainstream media and alternative media both have flaws; it's important to seek the truth beyond just opposing mainstream narratives.
  2. Alternative media can fall into the trap of misrepresenting facts or overlooking important details for the sake of supporting a particular narrative.
  3. Maintaining credibility and integrity is crucial for alternative media platforms to succeed; building a reputation for honesty and commitment to uncovering truth is key.

The financial side of journalism

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 112 implied HN points • 26 May 23
💼 Business Journalism
  1. The financial model of journalism has undergone significant changes with the rise of the Internet.
  2. Monetization challenges impact the quality of journalism, often favoring sensational content over in-depth reporting.
  3. There is a need to explore alternative financial models to address journalism's current challenges.

A REPORTER'S LAWYER

Seymour Hersh • 71 implied HN points • 25 Dec 23
📰 News Journalism
  1. The post is a remembrance for a lawyer named Michael Nussbaum.
  2. The writer reflects on the importance of family and friends, especially during the holiday season.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives with a 7-day free trial.

Advice for Young Writers

Reactionary Feminist • 22 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
📚 Literature Journalism
  1. Writing for politics can be a specific career path if you're social and good at following trends. If you like engaging with popular ideas and have a good writing style, consider internships and networking.
  2. If you're more of a lone thinker and have unique interests, traditional paths might not suit you. Instead of chasing a flashy job, think about how to create your own space to learn and share ideas.
  3. It's important to recognize that gaining experience and refining your writing skills takes time. Focus on learning and growing rather than expecting immediate attention for your opinions.

I Begged Them to Let Me Cover the Iran War but Here Is My Report on the Diddy Trial

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. The author feels frustrated because instead of covering an important topic like the Iran war, they were assigned to report on Sean Combs' trial, which they consider less significant.
  2. Despite their experience as a war correspondent, they feel insulted by their editor's decisions and believe that the more sensational story about Diddy is prioritized over important world events.
  3. They are dealing with personal feelings of longing as they try to reconnect with a former colleague from their past, but are hindered by communication issues and their unwanted assignment.

Introducing Media Copilot

Startup Strategies • 71 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Journalism
  1. Pete Pachal started a successful Substack called The Media Copilot focusing on AI in media, journalism, and news.
  2. The Substack aims to delve into how AI is influencing the media landscape.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives with a 7-day free trial.

They're All Like That

Unpopular Front • 88 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Anti-woke sentiment can be a gateway to extreme politics on the right.
  2. Many in the right-wing intellectual circles have close proximity to fascist or white supremacist propaganda.
  3. Personal relationships and camaraderie can be tested and broken by ideological differences over time.

Returning From A Leave Of Absence

Very Fine Day • 85 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. The author reflected on their leave of absence and the importance of processing emotions fully.
  2. Discussion on power, money, desperation, and the evolving landscape of social platforms.
  3. Observation on the slowing news cycle due to online fragmentation and a potential return to traditional media.

✅ Monday briefing: WaddsCon replay, newsroom targets, trust in news declines, interview technique, dirty rosters, board operator, pricing dispute, brand backlash, BledCom report, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 04 Jul 22
📰 News Journalism
  1. Trust in news is falling, especially for major UK outlets like The Times and the BBC. This change shows people are becoming more skeptical of the news they read.
  2. Brands need to stand by their values and be clear about who they support. Companies like Halifax are taking a bold stance, making it clear what they stand for.
  3. Getting media attention requires new skills like knowing how to navigate interviews. Interviewees should understand that everything said can be quoted, and they shouldn't try to control the quotes.

Hey Unreported Truths readers: Which is more annoying: temporarily paywalled articles or subscriber drives?

Unreported Truths • 23 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
📰 News Journalism
  1. Paywalled articles and subscriber appeals can be annoying for readers. It's important to find a balance so readers feel appreciated without being overwhelmed.
  2. Subscriber churn is a natural part of reader-supported journalism. It’s crucial for content creators to encourage existing subscribers to stay engaged.
  3. The goal should be to spread true news widely, so any method that complicates this mission, like frequent paywalls, should be reconsidered.

In Memoriam: Legendary Journalist And FIN Founder James Ledbetter Dies at 60

James Ledbetter's FIN • 25 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
📰 News Journalism
  1. James Ledbetter was a talented journalist who understood complex topics and wrote about them clearly. He had a way of explaining things that made them easy to grasp.
  2. He founded the newsletter FIN, focusing on fintech and important trends in finance. His insights helped many people stay updated on the fast-changing financial world.
  3. Ledbetter was also a great mentor and friend to many. His warm personality and generosity made a lasting impact on those around him.

Lament the Post-Journalism World

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 16 Sep 22
📰 News Journalism
  1. Chris Stirewalt's book 'Broken News' highlights the negative impact of post-journalism and the cultivation of specific content for a focused audience.
  2. The shift in media landscape towards hyper-competitive, attention-seeking models through social media and cable TV has led to a decline in the quality of news and public discourse.
  3. Stirewalt offers a fresh perspective in 'Broken News' that is accessible for readers, urging them to improve their consumption of news and be discerning citizens.

The "bot farm" that wasn't

Conspirador Norteño • 56 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. The accusations of a 'bot farm' associated with the DeSantis campaign lacked substantial evidence.
  2. Key claims made in articles by The Daily Beast were disproven upon further scrutiny.
  3. The source of misinformation, Steven Jarvis, has a history of spreading falsehoods and should have been vetted more thoroughly.