The hottest Journalism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

Inside the Writerly Life of Joan Didion

MILLER’S BOOK REVIEW 📚 • 1159 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
📚 Literature Author Writing process Influences Journalism Self-reflection
  1. Joan Didion's early writing experiences shaped her as a writer since childhood, emphasizing the importance of practicing and developing writing skills from a young age.
  2. Joan Didion's keen attention to sentence structure and style was influenced by authors like Hemingway, Conrad, and James, showcasing how studying others' works can inform one's writing.
  3. Joan Didion viewed writing as an integral part of her thought process, using writing as a tool for exploration and self-discovery, and recognizing the impact of her writing tools on her thought process.

kitten corner: scooping the media

bad cattitude • 223 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Democrats Elections Journalism Political Commentary
  1. The Democratic National Committee is not planning to buy CNN. They feel like they've owned it long enough and it hasn't worked well.
  2. An insider shared a funny quote about Anderson Cooper, suggesting it's time for someone else to deal with him.
  3. This is an ongoing story that has people curious about the future of CNN and how it will change hands.

My Family Was Hunted by Nazis. But I Was Fired After ‘Defending Hitler.’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5499 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Social media Political Extremism Discourse Freedom of Speech
  1. The author was fired from their job at _The Seattle Times_ after a Twitter post comparing Lenin and Hitler, leading to accusations of defending Hitler.
  2. The author's work as a journalist focused on stories of structural oppression in Asia, including sexism and neo-Nazi trends, driven by personal family history.
  3. The situation highlights the challenges of engaging in divisive discussions online and the impact of social media controversies on personal and professional life.

My Story Structure Lesson At San Quentin

Technohumanism • 99 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Incarceration Race Journalism Imagination Storytelling
  1. In discussing race, people often see others through the lens of their own freedom or lack thereof. This can lead to powerful and thought-provoking conversations.
  2. Powerful storytelling can evoke strong emotional reactions and provoke thoughts about the realities faced by different groups in society.
  3. Words have the ability to engage our imaginations and encourage us to think deeper about the experiences of others, especially those in difficult situations.
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Welcome to my words

Technohumanism • 139 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Art Technology Humanities Journalism Philosophy
  1. Connecting art and science is important to understand human experiences and creativity. Both play a role in helping us find meaning in our lives.
  2. The author has a diverse background in journalism and tech, sharing unique stories and insights from various industries. Their experiences aim to bring a fresh perspective on complex topics.
  3. The aim of this Substack is to explore intriguing ideas and offer guidance about navigating the changing world, especially in relation to technology and its impact on society.

NOTE TO SUBSCRIBERS

Glenn Greenwald • 4165 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
📰 News Journalism Platforms Podcasts Subscribers
  1. Glenn Greenwald's content moved from Substack to Rumble and Locals platforms for greater reach and independent journalism.
  2. Greenwald focuses on a 90-minute live nightly show called SYSTEM UPDATE, reaching a larger audience through videos and podcasts.
  3. Daily transcripts of the show are available to Locals subscribers, along with exclusive after-show sessions for audience engagement.

Why the HQ Doc was pulled from the air

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 627 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Documentary Entertainment Journalism
  1. The documentary 'Glitch' about HQ Trivia was pulled from HBO/CNN because of a lawsuit from the former CEO, who claimed an email in the film was doctored.
  2. The author clarified that they had no involvement with the film and did not even see it, but are being blamed for errors they did not make.
  3. Despite the author notifying a reporter of their non-involvement, the reporter plans to write a piece blaming them for the situation, showcasing a disregard for the truth.

How to fix The Observer

Odds and Ends of History • 670 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Journalism News Public Opinion Civic engagement
  1. The Observer is facing a potential sale that many staff members oppose, fearing it goes against its founding values. 93% of the voting staff are in favor of striking against the sale.
  2. There's a debate about whether the sale could actually help The Observer, despite the backlash. Some believe it might lead to a better future for the outlet.
  3. The situation highlights the struggles within traditional media and raises questions about its future in the digital age. It's an important moment for both journalists and media consumers.

‘It’s like getting a raise every single day’

Substack • 733 implied HN points • 24 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Media Journalism Writing Community Personal Growth
  1. Moving to Substack helped Bob earn more money than he did at his old newspaper job. He feels like he's getting a raise every day.
  2. Bob enjoys a closer connection with his audience now. Readers reach out to him with messages and comments, making it more personal.
  3. He believes that Substack is a great place for writers who want to share their honest opinions without the constraints of traditional media.

Some big news about The Mill

The Mill • 1808 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
💼 Business Media Investment Expansion Journalism Funding
  1. The Mill has successfully raised a total of £350,000 in funding from supporters to hire journalists around the country.
  2. The funding will be used for expanding the company and hiring new staff members in different cities.
  3. The success of The Mill's funding round is attributed to the support and belief of paying members and prominent figures in the media industry.

Assange, Gaza, And The Ugly Reality Of War Crimes

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1792 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics War Crimes Journalism Palestine US
  1. The post discusses the gruesome reality of war crimes, portraying them as cruel and brutal power abuses against civilians.
  2. Journalists play a crucial role in documenting and exposing war crimes, highlighting the importance of press freedom.
  3. The article emphasizes the potential consequences of extraditing journalists like Julian Assange, setting a dangerous precedent for press freedom worldwide.

The Empire's Weakness Is That It Still Needs Normal People To Turn Its Gears

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1681 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Propaganda Journalism Leaks Imperialism Genocide
  1. The empire relies on regular people to keep running but these people are starting to realize the lies they've been fed.
  2. Internal conflicts within mainstream media outlets reveal cracks in the system, causing concern and leaks amongst staff.
  3. The empire's dependence on ordinary individuals and constant propaganda is causing a clash, leading to a struggle in maintaining control.

I'm Back!

Silent Lunch, The David Zweig Newsletter • 13 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health Education Policy decisions Journalism Books
  1. The newsletter is back after a long break due to work on a book and other opportunities. Readers can expect new posts, but the schedule might be a bit irregular.
  2. The author's new book, _An Abundance of Caution_, will be released soon. It focuses on the impact of school closures during the pandemic and has received good feedback from respected figures.
  3. Preordering the book is very important. It helps with marketing and shows bookstores how much demand there is for it.

Aimee Walleston: War Lore

Do Not Research • 439 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Film Photography Art Social media Journalism
  1. Many people struggle to engage with fiction and film outside of their own beliefs and expectations, as seen in reactions to a movie trailer depicting a civil war scenario.
  2. The way we interact with images, particularly technical images, has changed drastically, leading to a shift in how we interpret and relate to them.
  3. There is a tendency in today's society to manipulate and be manipulated by images, often refusing to engage critically and instead seeking comfort in familiar narratives, even if they are fictional or misleading.

Welcome to Striking 13

Striking 13 • 1457 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
📰 News Journalism Politics Media
  1. Striking 13 is dedicated to providing good, clean, and honest journalism that is easy to understand and grounded in evidence and expertise.
  2. The newsletter prides itself on not providing impartial reporting like on TV, but instead offers coverage committed to values like reason, tolerance, truth, and empiricism.
  3. Readers can expect objective political coverage based on evidence, research, reliable sources, and interviews with specialists, even when it may not align with the author's own political biases.

Legacy Media is an Antiquated, Obsolete Relic

DARK FUTURA • 1395 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
📰 News Media Censorship Journalism Narrative Propaganda
  1. Legacy media is becoming outdated and irrelevant in the face of democratized citizen journalism.
  2. The internet has revolutionized news delivery, allowing direct access to information and challenging traditional media sources.
  3. Legacy media is resorting to censorship and biased reporting to maintain control over the narrative as their power diminishes.

If You Can’t See That Adam Rubenstein Was Treated Unfairly, You’re Being A Jerk

Singal-Minded • 1268 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Journalism Opinion Ethics Bias
  1. Adam Rubenstein was treated unfairly in his journalistic career due to misinformation spread by his own colleagues.
  2. The incident involving Rubenstein's sandwich preference was used as a focal point to smear him professionally, showcasing a lack of empathy and journalistic integrity in some of his peers.
  3. The response from certain journalists highlights a lack of reflection and remorse in the industry, pointing to broader issues concerning truth and fair reporting in journalism.

Advice for Young Writers

Reactionary Feminist • 22 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Criticism Journalism Education
  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.

The Latest Media Death Is Somehow Even Darker Than Usual

Discourse Blog • 668 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📰 News Media Journalism Layoffs Investment
  1. The Messenger, a media company, shut down abruptly after burning through a large investment and employing 300 journalists with no severance.
  2. The way The Messenger handled layoffs was exceptionally cruel and poorly managed, even by industry standards.
  3. The closure of The Messenger is an example of how some companies fail to treat their employees with decency during layoffs.

CNN's CEO Is Making Staff Churn Out Israel Propaganda

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1443 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
📰 News Media bias Propaganda Journalism Israel
  1. Western journalists often fail to expose mainstream press propaganda due to viewing them as allies or potential employers.
  2. CNN staff reveal backlash over biased coverage of Israel, citing top-down pressure from new CEO Mark Thompson.
  3. Those in executive positions within influential media platforms often shape biased narratives to serve the ruling power structure, hindering revolutionary change.

What a COVID-19 Food Fight Says About Scientific Discourse

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1089 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🔬 Science Discourse Partisanship Debate Journalism COVID-19
  1. One strategy in science partisanship is to associate opponents with unpopular political figures to discredit their views without engaging with the substance.
  2. Another strategy is to argue that certain debates are harmful to scientific goals, leading to avoiding critique that might impact funding or research opportunities.
  3. Partisanship in science can also involve associating legitimate arguments with totally unacceptable views, like labeling individuals with terms that discredit their opinions.

It's The End of the Media As We Know It

Castalia • 599 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Media Journalism Communication Society History
  1. Many traditional media outlets are struggling or shutting down, marking a significant change in how we consume news and entertainment. This shift is linked to the rise of digital media and changing audience preferences.
  2. The old media model relied on a single, large audience with homogenous interests, but now people can connect with niche communities online. This is leading to a more diverse and fragmented public.
  3. Writers are now finding their voices outside of big institutions, allowing them to create authentic content for smaller, like-minded audiences. This could change what it means to be a journalist in today's world.

Notebook: Bad News Day

Book Post • 628 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
📰 News Journalism Local news Media industry AI Advertising
  1. Recent years have seen a significant decline in journalism, with many major news outlets facing layoffs and cutbacks.
  2. Local news has been especially hard-hit, with many newspapers closing down, leaving 'news deserts' in over 200 counties.
  3. The rise of artificial intelligence is also impacting journalism, with AI tools changing how news is consumed and altering the media landscape.

Burnage Garden Village is at war - and the stakes couldn't be lower

The Mill • 1100 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Community Conflict Cooperation Journalism Rules
  1. Burnage Garden Village faced a small-scale war driven by internal power struggles within the housing cooperative.
  2. The community's fixation on rules and structure led to tensions and a departure from the original goal of fostering warmth and community.
  3. The story highlights the challenges of cooperative living and the complexities that can arise in tightly knit communities.

Andrea Long Chu’s ‘New York’ Cover Story About Trans Kids Is, Above All Else, Lazy

Singal-Minded • 941 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transgender rights Journalism Medicine
  1. The article discussed critiques about a cover story on trans kids, emphasizing that the argument for everyone to have access to sex-changing medical care was poorly defended and seemed more like trolling than meaningful discourse.
  2. There was criticism of the way the coverage of youth gender medicine was framed as a rights versus medical issue, highlighting that minors' decision-making capacities are different from adults and need to be considered.
  3. The piece also highlighted how the author viewed the anti-trans movement, pointing out that, according to them, the biggest opposition surprisingly came from liberals rather than the expected groups.

THE SCENE OF THE CRIME

Seymour Hersh • 54 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
💾 History War history Vietnam War Journalism Political History
  1. The My Lai massacre during the Vietnam War involved the brutal killing of civilians, including women and children, by American soldiers who believed they were following orders. This horrific event revealed the dark side of war and highlighted how soldiers could become desensitized to violence.
  2. Many veterans left Vietnam with deep psychological scars and guilt, questioning their actions and the morality of the war. Some, like Paul Meadlo, openly expressed remorse for their involvement in the killings.
  3. The aftermath of My Lai not only fueled anti-war sentiment in the U.S. but also led to a greater awareness of the need for accountability in military actions. It served as a reminder of the atrocities committed during war and the importance of protecting civilians.