https://pressthink.org/j/rosen-archive Articles and essays from Jay Rosen's journalism scholarship en-us Thu, 18 Jun 2026 18:15:48 GMT Jay Rosen Internet Archive RSS Generator https://pressthink.org/2026/04/subscribers-buy-a-product-members-join-the-cause/ https://pressthink.org/2026/04/subscribers-buy-a-product-members-join-the-cause/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT PressThink essay in which Rosen draws a distinction at the heart of journalism's funding debate: subscribers buy a product, members join the cause -- one a transaction, the other a commitment. Drawing on his 2017-2021 Membership Puzzle Project and Talking Points Memo's membership drive, he contrasts subscription models (Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, New York Times's "journalism worth paying for") with membership models such as the Salt Lake Tribune's decision to drop its paywall and treat trustworthy journalism as a right, not a luxury. He argues membership is about solidarity with a cause -- increasingly, chronicling an authoritarian crisis -- and predicts that donating one's knowledge and civic skills will become common practice in journalism. Audience & Public Engagement Journalism Theory & Practice Press & Media Criticism https://jpinyu.com/2026/02/16/jay-rosen-american-press-become-more-pro-democracy/ https://jpinyu.com/2026/02/16/jay-rosen-american-press-become-more-pro-democracy/ Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT Interview with Jay Rosen for NYU's Journal of Political Inquiry, conducted by Pau Torres Pages. Rosen argues this is the worst time for American journalism because it is the worst time for American democracy, and presses his case that the American press must become more explicitly pro-democracy -- distilled in his slogan "not the odds but the stakes." He diagnoses the collapse of the Washington Post under Jeff Bezos, proposes a Washington Post Foundation/trust to insulate it from owners, assesses the defunding of public media and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and questions Bari Weiss's ideologically driven leadership of CBS. He closes that the powerful will always find ways to be informed; the open question is whether publics, in the plural, will remain so. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy Journalism Theory & Practice https://www.cjr.org/kicker/jay-rosen-digital-revolution-that-wasnt.php https://www.cjr.org/kicker/jay-rosen-digital-revolution-that-wasnt.php Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT In CJR's Kicker podcast (Journalism 2050 series), Emily Bell and Heather Chaplin interview Rosen about the digital revolution that didn't deliver on its promises. He reflects on his 2006 essay 'The People Formerly Known as the Audience' and how what was initially understood as a technology of liberation became a mechanism of control and surveillance. The Financial Times data shows social media has become 'less social' -- the people formerly known as the audience are once again the audience. Technology & Digital Media Press & Media Criticism https://www.niemanlab.org/2025/10/a-new-fellowship-is-all-about-putting-the-news-in-news-creator/ https://www.niemanlab.org/2025/10/a-new-fellowship-is-all-about-putting-the-news-in-news-creator/ Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT The Columbia Journalism School is launching the News Creator Fellowship, a year-long program designed to support independent journalists and content creators producing original news outside traditional media. The fellowship will provide a $75,000 stipend, access to university resources, mentorship, workshops, workspace, and collaboration opportunities. The program aims to support individuals from diverse backgrounds producing news content on various platforms and who demonstrate a commitment to public service and pushing the boundaries of news. Applications for the inaugural cohort, starting in September 2026, are open now. Journalism Education Journalism Theory & Practice Technology & Digital Media https://dankennedy.net/2025/10/16/public-journalism-redux-post-academia-jay-rosen-returns-to-where-he-started/ https://dankennedy.net/2025/10/16/public-journalism-redux-post-academia-jay-rosen-returns-to-where-he-started/ Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT Dan Kennedy profiles Rosen's post-retirement career move as president of News Creator Corps, a new organization that works with content creators to adopt journalism tools without giving up their independence. Kennedy traces Rosen's career from public journalism and Assignment Zero through his media criticism, noting this new role represents a return to Rosen's original mission of involving the public more directly in journalism. Journalism Theory & Practice Technology & Digital Media https://newscreatorcorps.org/2025/10/news-consumers-content-creators/ https://newscreatorcorps.org/2025/10/news-consumers-content-creators/ Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT The lines between news consumers and content creators are fading because of artificial intelligence. This shift began with the rise of the internet, social media, and smartphones, leading to participatory journalism and citizen reporting. AI tools now amplify this trend, providing automated content generation, media editing, and personalized curation, along with potential for fact-checking. Consumers are also curators and gatekeepers, influencing the visibility of information through their interactions. This new reality brings responsibilities, including combating misinformation, understanding AI's role, and promoting media literacy. The future of news involves active consumer participation, offering opportunities for a diverse information landscape alongside challenges in maintaining accuracy. Technology & Digital Media Audience & Public Engagement Journalism Theory & Practice https://pressthink.org/2025/10/some-more-personal-news-october-2025/ https://pressthink.org/2025/10/some-more-personal-news-october-2025/ Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT Jay Rosen is announcing his retirement from NYU, effective January 1, 2026. His final day of teaching will be December 18, 2025, and his last day on salary will be December 31, 2025. He will continue as Professor Emeritus of Journalism and plans to maintain Pressthink. He expresses gratitude to NYU and his students and readers. He also mentions he will be teaching two courses in the Fall of 2025 and provides enrollment details for interested NYU students. Journalism Education Journalism Theory & Practice https://www.stopthepresses.news/p/q-and-a-with-jay-rosen-how-trump https://www.stopthepresses.news/p/q-and-a-with-jay-rosen-how-trump Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT Mark Jacob interviews the recently-retired Rosen about his concept of 'verification in reverse' -- taking established facts and introducing doubt to power political movements. Rosen explains how authoritarian rulers can nullify reality itself rather than just lying to the press, and offers recommendations for journalists including developing 'reality rejection checks,' treating denialism as a beat, and being aggressive in democracy's defense. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy Journalism Theory & Practice https://bsky.app/profile/jayrosen.bsky.social/post/3ltz4oceik22w https://bsky.app/profile/jayrosen.bsky.social/post/3ltz4oceik22w Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT A 4-post Bluesky thread by Jay Rosen. Thread depth: 3 levels. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://dankennedy.net/2025/06/11/abc-goes-too-far-in-pushing-out-terry-moran-plus-googles-ai-assault-and-jay-rosen-moves-on/ https://dankennedy.net/2025/06/11/abc-goes-too-far-in-pushing-out-terry-moran-plus-googles-ai-assault-and-jay-rosen-moves-on/ Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT This episode of the podcast 'Drilled' discusses the impact of Big Oil's propaganda machine and explores potential solutions to the current disinformation crisis. NYU journalism professor Jay Rosen and former FCC commissioner Nicholas Johnson discuss various approaches, from the Fairness Doctrine and cable access to navigating the 'post-fact' world. Politics & Democracy Press & Media Criticism Technology & Digital Media https://pressthink.org/2025/06/some-personal-news/ https://pressthink.org/2025/06/some-personal-news/ Tue, 10 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Jay Rosen reflects on his 39-year career as an NYU journalism professor, highlighting his work on the concept of a public service press, his engagement with the rise of digital media and blogging, and his contributions to journalism education. He emphasizes the importance of seeing people as a public, critiquing detached journalism and advocating for increased audience participation. Rosen's work, from his book 'What Are Journalists For?' to his blog PressThink and collaborations like 'Off the Bus', aimed to bridge the gap between journalists and their audiences. Journalism Education Journalism Theory & Practice Press & Media Criticism Technology & Digital Media https://bsky.app/profile/jayrosen.bsky.social/post/3lrbmko44y22x https://bsky.app/profile/jayrosen.bsky.social/post/3lrbmko44y22x Tue, 10 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT A 33-post Bluesky thread by Jay Rosen. Thread depth: 32 levels. Journalism Education Audience & Public Engagement https://www.bylinesupplement.com/p/trump-truth-and-freedom-from-fact https://www.bylinesupplement.com/p/trump-truth-and-freedom-from-fact Mon, 12 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT Jay Rosen discusses the potential implications of a Trump election in 2024, focusing on Trump's freedom from fact approach to politics and the changing media landscape. He highlights the Republican Party's support for Trump, the dangers of Project 2025, and Trump's manipulation of the media to create chaos and undermine established facts, as well as the fragmentation of the media world and the isolation of Trump's supporters from mainstream news sources. Politics & Democracy Press & Media Criticism Technology & Digital Media https://bsky.app/profile/jayrosen.bsky.social/post/3lnqic4ckqk2f https://bsky.app/profile/jayrosen.bsky.social/post/3lnqic4ckqk2f Sat, 26 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT A 26-post Bluesky thread by Jay Rosen. Thread depth: 25 levels. Journalism Theory & Practice Press & Media Criticism https://youtu.be/cD1Hx5nBLYc https://youtu.be/cD1Hx5nBLYc Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT The decline in trust in journalism, coupled with the rise of unreliable information sources like social media influencers and partisan platforms, is contributing to a post-truth environment. This crisis is impacting public understanding of critical issues such as climate change and election integrity. The article highlights Jay Rosen's perspective on the shared responsibility of journalists in this situation, suggesting that the profession itself needs critical examination and reform. Audience & Public Engagement Journalism Theory & Practice Politics & Democracy Press & Media Criticism https://ethanzuckerman.com/2025/03/13/jay-rosen-and-taylor-owen-can-journalism-survive-trump-can-democracy/ https://ethanzuckerman.com/2025/03/13/jay-rosen-and-taylor-owen-can-journalism-survive-trump-can-democracy/ Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT This podcast discussion between Jay Rosen and Taylor Owen explores the decline of trust in journalism and the challenges facing the profession in the face of political polarization and the rise of misinformation. They discuss the shift from traditional journalism's 'view from nowhere' to a more subjective approach, the impact of 'savvy journalism' focusing on political gamesmanship, and the phenomenon of 'verification in reverse' used by figures like Donald Trump to undermine established facts. The conversation highlights the need for a new approach to journalism that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and a commitment to democracy while acknowledging the inherent limitations and evolving nature of the media landscape. Journalism Theory & Practice Politics & Democracy Press & Media Criticism https://dicktofel.substack.com/p/thinking-about-the-people-formerly https://dicktofel.substack.com/p/thinking-about-the-people-formerly Thu, 05 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT The concept of the audience has evolved due to the internet, transforming passive recipients of news into active participants. The author reflects on this shift, highlighting how individuals now contribute to the conversation through comments, social media, and sharing information. While acknowledging the challenges of managing online engagement, such as dealing with negativity and misinformation, the core idea remains: the traditional passive audience is obsolete. News organizations and journalists must adapt by engaging with and involving individuals in the ongoing journalistic process, recognizing them as potential interlocutors. Audience & Public Engagement Technology & Digital Media Journalism Theory & Practice https://time.com/7199622/trump-media-coverage-2025/ https://time.com/7199622/trump-media-coverage-2025/ Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT Jay Rosen reflects on a quote by Raymond Williams, arguing that the concept of "the public" is not inherent but rather a constructed understanding of people as a collective. He posits that a failure to actively see people as a public will lead to declining support for public service journalism. Audience & Public Engagement Journalism Theory & Practice Press & Media Criticism https://www.media-diversity.org/inclusive-journalism-and-the-2024-us-elections-tracking-the-coverage/ https://www.media-diversity.org/inclusive-journalism-and-the-2024-us-elections-tracking-the-coverage/ Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT This essay, published in TIME shortly before the 2024 election, urges political reporters to shift their focus from speculative worst-case scenarios and the “horse race” aspects of campaign coverage to a focus on the factual consequences of candidates' actions and policies. Rosen argues that excessive attention to threats and promises, rather than verifiable facts and their impact, fuels cynicism, breeds anticipatory obedience, and ultimately aids those in power. Rosen advocates for a reporting approach that prioritizes verifiable effects of policies over speculation and premonition, urging journalists to hold power accountable for what is actually done rather than what is said. Journalism Theory & Practice Politics & Democracy Press & Media Criticism https://www.insidehighered.com/news/tech-innovation/digital-publishing/2024/11/13/more-academics-flee-x-after-election https://www.insidehighered.com/news/tech-innovation/digital-publishing/2024/11/13/more-academics-flee-x-after-election Wed, 13 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT Josh Moody reports on a second wave of academics leaving X/Twitter after the 2024 presidential election. High-profile professors cite platform toxicity, disinformation, and Elon Musk's open support for Donald Trump as reasons for departing. Some see this as the end of Academic Twitter, while others debate whether ceding the platform serves anyone's interests. Technology & Digital Media Audience & Public Engagement https://www.offmessage.net/p/36-thoughts-on-the-2024-campaign https://www.offmessage.net/p/36-thoughts-on-the-2024-campaign Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT Brian Beutler's election-day assessment of the 2024 presidential campaign, published as a numbered list of reflections. References Jay Rosen's 'not the odds but the stakes' framework as a test for the national press corps. Discusses press coverage failures, the fascism discourse, and what a Harris win or Trump win would mean for democracy. Partially paywalled. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://margaretsullivan.substack.com/p/a-media-critic-urged-not-the-odds https://margaretsullivan.substack.com/p/a-media-critic-urged-not-the-odds Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT Margaret Sullivan interviews Jay Rosen on the eve of the 2024 election about whether his influential phrase 'not the odds, but the stakes' changed campaign coverage. Rosen says it may have reminded journalists of what they already know but didn't fundamentally change the dynamic of horse-race coverage, which remains 'too easy, too available.' Sullivan argues Rosen's influence was greater than he admits, noting that many outlets organized coverage under 'stakes' framing. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://www.platformer.news/jeff-bezos-washington-post-endorsement-view-from-nowhere/ https://www.platformer.news/jeff-bezos-washington-post-endorsement-view-from-nowhere/ Tue, 29 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT The article critiques Jeff Bezos's view that the Washington Post should avoid endorsing political candidates to maintain credibility. It argues that this "view from nowhere" is outdated and trust-destroying in the modern media landscape where audiences expect transparency and authenticity. The author contends that building trust requires sharing perspectives and biases upfront, rather than pretending to be neutral. Press & Media Criticism Journalism Theory & Practice Politics & Democracy https://www.gazettenet.com/Reporters-speak-at-Deerfield-Academy-on-the-landscape-of-political-journalism-57634448 https://www.gazettenet.com/Reporters-speak-at-Deerfield-Academy-on-the-landscape-of-political-journalism-57634448 Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT A panel featuring Wall Street Journal's Annie Linskey, Politico's Meridith McGraw, and NYU professor Jay Rosen discussed the role of the press in shaping American elections at Deerfield Academy. The conversation covered journalistic bias, the pursuit of truth amidst misinformation, and the evolving dynamics of information flow. Panelists addressed concerns about echo chambers and the increasing tendency of audiences to seek information that confirms pre-existing beliefs, as well as the impact of AI and deepfakes on political journalism. Politics & Democracy Press & Media Criticism Journalism Theory & Practice https://revkin.substack.com/p/the-nonstop-dangerous-trump-liestream https://revkin.substack.com/p/the-nonstop-dangerous-trump-liestream Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT Andrew Revkin revisits a 2020 Sustain What conversation with Jay Rosen about presidential propaganda and the press's unpreparedness for it. Rosen is quoted extensively warning about 'the biggest propaganda moment in modern U.S. history.' The piece links to the full 2020 video discussion and connects it to the 2024 Trump campaign's disinformation strategy. Also recommends Mark Jacob's Stop the Presses and reviews a book on Musk's destruction of Twitter. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy Technology & Digital Media https://bsky.app/profile/jayrosen.bsky.social/post/3l3v6sbvlef2l https://bsky.app/profile/jayrosen.bsky.social/post/3l3v6sbvlef2l Wed, 11 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT A 6-post Bluesky thread by Jay Rosen. Thread depth: 5 levels. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://x.com/newsbusters/status/1975986251527254140 https://x.com/newsbusters/status/1975986251527254140 Sun, 08 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT Twitter is reportedly allowing foreign governments, including China, to pay for the promotion of propaganda on its platform, despite its own policies. Press & Media Criticism Technology & Digital Media Politics & Democracy https://localnewsmatterspodcast.com/reimagining-local-election-coverage-for-community-trust-with-nyus-jay-rosen-lnm-episode-36/ https://localnewsmatterspodcast.com/reimagining-local-election-coverage-for-community-trust-with-nyus-jay-rosen-lnm-episode-36/ Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT LNM Episode 36 with Rosen on the critical role of local election coverage and the Citizens Agenda model as an alternative to the traditional horse-race approach. Rosen presses for local journalists to ground election coverage in their communities' concerns and addresses the polarisation in American politics. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy Audience & Public Engagement https://bsky.app/profile/jayrosen.bsky.social/post/3kp656ofrrl2g https://bsky.app/profile/jayrosen.bsky.social/post/3kp656ofrrl2g Tue, 02 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT A 4-post Bluesky thread by Jay Rosen. Thread depth: 3 levels. Audience & Public Engagement Politics & Democracy https://www.offmessage.net/p/the-political-economy-of-normalization https://www.offmessage.net/p/the-political-economy-of-normalization Wed, 27 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT An analysis of how mainstream institutions (news outlets, think tanks, universities) rehabilitate enemies of democracy through the revolving door, using the Ronna Romney McDaniel/NBC News hiring as the central case. Argues that 'normal' has multiple meanings and that the solution is to 'abnormalize' MAGA rather than asking institutions not to normalize it. References Jay Rosen's analysis of what service McDaniel could provide NBC regarding Trump's threats. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://www.cjr.org/campaign_desk/jay_rosen_in_oz_horserace_jour.php https://www.cjr.org/campaign_desk/jay_rosen_in_oz_horserace_jour.php Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT So-called “horse-race” reporting—sound bite-driven, he-said-she-said, stat-obsessed, poll-heavy, strategy-focused—is a major draw whichever end of the equator you’re on. Rosen, scathing as ever about the state of modern electoral coverage, has been on TV, behind podiums, and in meeting rooms discussing “horse-race journalism,” which he defined in an interview on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC) Lateline as “a reusable model for how to do campaign coverage in which you focus on who’s going to win rather than what the country needs to settle by electing a prime minister.” “But the biggest advantage of horse-race journalism is that it permits reporters and pundits to ‘play up their detachment,’” Rosen has written. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://bsky.app/profile/jayrosen.bsky.social/post/3kmh4prf2xl2o https://bsky.app/profile/jayrosen.bsky.social/post/3kmh4prf2xl2o Wed, 28 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT A 10-post Bluesky thread by Jay Rosen. Thread depth: 9 levels. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://bsky.app/profile/jayrosen.bsky.social/post/3kk2idbxwcd2y https://bsky.app/profile/jayrosen.bsky.social/post/3kk2idbxwcd2y Sun, 28 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT A 14-post Bluesky thread by Jay Rosen. Thread depth: 13 levels. Press & Media Criticism Technology & Digital Media https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/otm/segments/year-threat-democracy-on-the-media https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/otm/segments/year-threat-democracy-on-the-media Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT A year-end compilation episode where On The Media revisits 2023 political coverage to extract lessons for the 2024 election year. The episode includes excerpts from multiple guests, with Rosen's contribution drawn from the CNN impossible dilemma segment. It covers the threat to democracy, media accountability, and how journalism must adapt for an election cycle featuring Trump as a candidate. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://www.newspapers.com/image/1254405332/ https://www.newspapers.com/image/1254405332/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT Article discusses challenges journalists face when covering Donald Trump and potential second presidency. Jay Rosen is mentioned in context of 'stakes journalism' - questioning what is at stake in an election. Politics & Democracy https://bsky.app/profile/jayrosen.bsky.social/post/3kced2tuzmy2u https://bsky.app/profile/jayrosen.bsky.social/post/3kced2tuzmy2u Sun, 22 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT A 7-post Bluesky thread by Jay Rosen. Thread depth: 6 levels. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://bsky.app/profile/jayrosen.bsky.social/post/3kblgt64ysj27 https://bsky.app/profile/jayrosen.bsky.social/post/3kblgt64ysj27 Thu, 12 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT A 9-post Bluesky thread by Jay Rosen. Thread depth: 8 levels. Politics & Democracy Press & Media Criticism https://reason.com/2023/09/20/media-critics-agree-stop-interviewing-the-bad-people/ https://reason.com/2023/09/20/media-critics-agree-stop-interviewing-the-bad-people/ Wed, 20 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT The article discusses the debate within the media regarding whether to interview Donald Trump. Critics argue that interviewing him legitimizes his actions and spreads misinformation, while others contend that avoiding him deprives the public of crucial information and strengthens his position. The author ultimately argues against deplatforming Trump, emphasizing the importance of journalistic perseverance and the potential for impactful reporting even when dealing with difficult figures. Technology & Digital Media Journalism Theory & Practice Politics & Democracy Press & Media Criticism https://bsky.app/profile/jayrosen.bsky.social/post/3k7s2mw56jy2g https://bsky.app/profile/jayrosen.bsky.social/post/3k7s2mw56jy2g Wed, 20 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT A 9-post Bluesky thread by Jay Rosen. Thread depth: 8 levels. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://presswatchers.org/2023/08/a-desperate-appeal-to-newsroom-leaders-on-the-eve-of-a-chaos-election/ https://presswatchers.org/2023/08/a-desperate-appeal-to-newsroom-leaders-on-the-eve-of-a-chaos-election/ Wed, 30 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT Following Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter (now X), a second wave of academics are leaving the platform, citing concerns about disinformation, toxicity, and Musk's support for Donald Trump. While some argue that academics should remain on X to reach a broader audience, others are migrating to platforms like Bluesky, highlighting a potential decline in the use of X by academics and a shift in how they engage with the public. Politics & Democracy Press & Media Criticism Technology & Digital Media https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jay-rosen/id1686973843?i=1000623902777 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jay-rosen/id1686973843?i=1000623902777 Wed, 09 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT Washington Post columnist Jen Rubin hosts Rosen on her Green Room podcast for a 49-minute discussion of the modern media ecosystem. They cover how the classic both-sides approach and opinion-free corporate coverage fail audiences and democracy, with repeated coverage choices Rosen frames as institutional, not individual. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/otm/segments/cnn-impossible-dilemma-on-the-media https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/otm/segments/cnn-impossible-dilemma-on-the-media Fri, 09 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT Following CNN CEO Chris Licht's firing, Rosen and Gladstone discuss the impossible dilemma CNN faces: the network's Trump town hall was a disaster that demonstrated the failure of conventional formats, yet the 'business as usual' approach Licht promised advertisers was itself the problem. Rosen argues that journalism still needs an emergency mode and that the firehose of falsehood continues to overwhelm traditional coverage methods. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy Journalism Theory & Practice https://www.msnbc.com/11th-hour/watch/fallout-from-trump-town-hall-174063173939 https://www.msnbc.com/11th-hour/watch/fallout-from-trump-town-hall-174063173939 Thu, 11 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT Rosen returns to The 11th Hour to analyze the fallout from CNN's Trump town hall, which was widely criticized for giving Trump an unchallenged platform. He discusses the structural dilemma news organizations face when covering Trump: traditional formats like town halls and debates are exploited by a figure who operates outside normal political norms, yet ignoring him is not an option either. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://youtu.be/OUTTBI0I67U https://youtu.be/OUTTBI0I67U Sat, 15 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT Jay Rosen discusses the concept of "verification in reverse," where established truths are questioned and denied to create energy and power for political movements, particularly within the conservative media landscape. He argues this approach, exemplified by figures like Trump and events like "Stop the Steal," fuels political asymmetry and challenges the traditional understanding of shared facts between parties. Rosen acknowledges the uncertain future of this dynamic, questioning whether it will lead to a crash or continue to shape American politics. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://www.mediamatters.org/fox-news/nyu-journalism-professor-jay-rosen-fox-commercial-wing-maga-movement-has-overtaken https://www.mediamatters.org/fox-news/nyu-journalism-professor-jay-rosen-fox-commercial-wing-maga-movement-has-overtaken Thu, 23 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT Jay Rosen, in an interview on MSNBC, argues that Fox News is not a news organization but rather the commercial wing of the MAGA movement, producing "resentment news." He explains that the Dominion court documents reveal how Fox News's power to manipulate its audience through resentment backfired when some Fox employees reported truthfully, causing an internal crisis. This crisis, Rosen contends, demonstrates that Fox News prioritizes its political agenda over journalistic integrity. Politics & Democracy Press & Media Criticism https://www.msnbc.com/11th-hour/watch/one-on-one-with-jay-rosen-163866693833 https://www.msnbc.com/11th-hour/watch/one-on-one-with-jay-rosen-163866693833 Wed, 22 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT Rosen appears on The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle to analyze how Trump and conservative media exploited the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment to attack the Biden White House. The segment examines the media dynamics of disaster coverage and how partisan outlets frame events for political advantage. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://youtu.be/Za7ssuNyzE0 https://youtu.be/Za7ssuNyzE0 Wed, 14 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT This transcript captures a discussion from a virtual NYC Media Lab open house. The panel, titled "Why News Matters: Exploring Journalism Solutions," features Craig Newmark, Vivian Schiller, and Jay Rosen. The conversation explores the challenges facing local news, the role of technology in supporting journalism, and the impact of political polarization on the media landscape. Participants reflect on past experiences and brainstorm potential solutions for improving the state of journalism. Press & Media Criticism Journalism Theory & Practice Technology & Digital Media https://presswatchers.org/2022/11/why-arent-mainstream-journalists-sounding-the-alarm-about-the-threat-to-democracy/ https://presswatchers.org/2022/11/why-arent-mainstream-journalists-sounding-the-alarm-about-the-threat-to-democracy/ Wed, 02 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT The article explores why mainstream political journalists aren't aggressively addressing the threat to democracy. It posits several theories, including the possibility that journalists are not truly alarmed by the threat or are unable to grasp its significance due to a lack of understanding of democracy's fragility, a lack of diversity in newsrooms, and a reliance on outdated journalistic norms of 'balance' that fail to adequately address a fundamentally asymmetric threat. The author highlights a Twitter discussion with prominent journalists and academics who agree that the issue is less about capability and more about will, perspective, and the profession's outdated practices. Politics & Democracy Press & Media Criticism https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1H0Z8V2uag https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1H0Z8V2uag Fri, 21 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT This article analyzes the current state of political journalism, particularly in the context of Donald Trump and the Republican party. It discusses the challenges journalists face in reporting on anti-democratic candidates who perpetuate lies and undermine the electoral system. The piece also explores the conflict within newsrooms between older journalists clinging to traditional practices and a new, more diverse generation that questions objectivity and demands a more agile approach to covering abnormal times. Politics & Democracy Press & Media Criticism Journalism Theory & Practice https://www.publicnotice.co/p/jay-rosen-both-sides-journalism-cnn https://www.publicnotice.co/p/jay-rosen-both-sides-journalism-cnn Mon, 12 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT Thor Benson interviews Jay Rosen for Public Notice about CNN's purge of Trump critics under new management, the perils of 'both sides' journalism, and why the decades-long campaign to convince journalists of 'liberal bias' ranks among the most successful propaganda campaigns in post-war America. Rosen advocates for pro-democracy journalism and suggests reframing political coverage as a three-way fight: MAGA, the Republican Party, and Democrats. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://medium.com/centerforcooperativemedia/beyond-the-democracy-desk-why-u-s-newsrooms-need-to-become-explicitly-pro-democracy-a650d7ddd0cd https://medium.com/centerforcooperativemedia/beyond-the-democracy-desk-why-u-s-newsrooms-need-to-become-explicitly-pro-democracy-a650d7ddd0cd Fri, 22 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT The U.S. is experiencing democratic backsliding, weakening the informal systems that underpin democracy. The American press needs to become more explicitly pro-democracy, rather than treating it as an assumed background condition. This requires experimentation and a willingness to show what's at stake in the battle for American democracy, despite concerns about being perceived as partisan. Politics & Democracy Press & Media Criticism Journalism Theory & Practice https://pressthink.org/2022/06/he-used-to-edit-political-stories-at-the-chicago-tribune-now-he-says-the-press-is-failing-our-democracy/ https://pressthink.org/2022/06/he-used-to-edit-political-stories-at-the-chicago-tribune-now-he-says-the-press-is-failing-our-democracy/ Mon, 20 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT Rosen is an interview with Mark Jacob, a retired journalist, who reflects on his experience in political journalism and critiques the "he said/she said" approach to news reporting. Jacob argues that this approach, prioritizing equal representation of both sides regardless of truthfulness, has been exploited by propagandists and has ultimately failed to serve democracy. He details how this approach, while intended to appear fair and objective, unintentionally enabled the spread of misinformation and undermined the power of fact-checking. He also discusses the various motivations behind this flawed approach, including commercial pressures, the pursuit of attention, and the fear of upsetting powerful figures or the public. Politics & Democracy Journalism Theory & Practice Press & Media Criticism https://www.newspapers.com/image/1049755607/ https://www.newspapers.com/image/1049755607/ Mon, 13 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT Opinion piece discussing coverage of the January 6th hearings by various news networks. The author praises networks for treating Americans as adults and contrasts this with Fox News's decision not to air the hearings, referencing Jay Rosen's sarcastic description of this as 'the public's right not to know.' Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/otm/episodes/on-the-media-again-and-again https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/otm/episodes/on-the-media-again-and-again Fri, 20 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT On the Media episode anchored in the aftermath of the Buffalo mass shooting. Rosen restates the emergency-mode argument and reframes horse-race coverage as a portable lens that fails the moment democracy disintegrates. The Republican Party's continued investment in Trump's lies, Rosen argues, is itself a civic emergency that newsrooms keep failing to confront. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy Journalism Theory & Practice https://www.bonn-institute.org/news/what-does-constructive-journalism-construct https://www.bonn-institute.org/news/what-does-constructive-journalism-construct Wed, 27 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT A keynote speech by Jay Rosen at the Bonn Institute on constructive journalism. The original German-language listing title translates to 'Jay Rosen on the question of what constructive journalism constructs.' The page was unavailable (404) at the time of scraping; content could not be extracted. Journalism Theory & Practice https://publicnotebook.wordpress.com/2022/03/30/andrew-tyndall-comments-on-cbs-news-hiring-trumps-former-chief-of-staff-mick-mulvaney-as-a-news-analyst-and-paid-contributor/ https://publicnotebook.wordpress.com/2022/03/30/andrew-tyndall-comments-on-cbs-news-hiring-trumps-former-chief-of-staff-mick-mulvaney-as-a-news-analyst-and-paid-contributor/ Wed, 30 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT Andrew Tyndall analyzes the controversy surrounding CBS News's hiring of Mick Mulvaney, Donald Trump's former chief of staff, as a paid contributor. The analysis includes excerpts from a broadcast discussing the hiring, which was quickly reversed after internal criticism. The main reasons for the controversy were the impression that CBS was actively recruiting former Trump officials and Mulvaney's strong opinions on current national security issues. The author also notes that the hiring gave the impression of a move to bring more conservative voices to the network. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy Journalism Theory & Practice https://pressthink.org/2022/03/answers-to-craigs-questions/ https://pressthink.org/2022/03/answers-to-craigs-questions/ Thu, 24 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT Rosen presents a conversation between Rosen and Craig Newmark about lessons learned from the 2016 election regarding the trustworthiness of the press. Key takeaways include the press's flawed predictions, disconnect from large portions of the country, vulnerability to demagoguery, and challenges in dealing with disinformation and the erosion of truth in the Trump era. The conversation highlights shifts in journalistic practices, such as explicitly calling out lies and acknowledging the right-wing media's role in shaping reality, but also acknowledges ongoing challenges like the inability to effectively counter open corruption. Technology & Digital Media Journalism Theory & Practice Politics & Democracy Press & Media Criticism https://pressthink.org/2022/01/the-savvy-turn-in-political-journalism/ https://pressthink.org/2022/01/the-savvy-turn-in-political-journalism/ Mon, 17 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT Rosen examines the "savvy style" in American journalism, a tendency to prioritize political strategy and insider knowledge over factual accuracy and accountability. Rosen contrasts this approach with a "citizens agenda" model, exemplified by the Charlotte Observer's efforts to focus on voters' concerns. He argues that the savvy style, which accepts political maneuvering as a given, often prevents journalists from probing the justifications for actions and policies, as illustrated by the lack of scrutiny given to Republican opposition to voting rights legislation. Rosen concludes that the savvy temptation remains strong in American journalism, hindering effective public engagement. Politics & Democracy Audience & Public Engagement Journalism Theory & Practice Press & Media Criticism https://publicnotebook.wordpress.com/2022/01/14/after-six-years-of-asking-npr-interviewed-trump-a-journalist-for-vice-asked-me-how-it-went/ https://publicnotebook.wordpress.com/2022/01/14/after-six-years-of-asking-npr-interviewed-trump-a-journalist-for-vice-asked-me-how-it-went/ Fri, 14 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT Donald Trump was interviewed by NPR's Steve Inskeep, marking the first time in six years, and after Trump directly contacted Inskeep. Rosen, listening to the interview, found it interesting, commending Inskeep's handling of questions, including Trump's continued false claims about the 2020 election. A journalist from VICE then contacted Rosen for their thoughts on the interview, and Rosen conveyed their positive assessment, emphasizing the importance of NPR securing the interview despite Trump's false statements. The discussion also touched on the complexities of real-time fact-checking during interviews. Overall, Rosen considered the interview significant and valuable for hearing from different perspectives and challenging those in positions of power. Press & Media Criticism Journalism Theory & Practice Politics & Democracy https://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2021/12/12/professor-jay-rosen-on-pro-democracy-agenda-for-media.cnn https://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2021/12/12/professor-jay-rosen-on-pro-democracy-agenda-for-media.cnn Sun, 12 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT Jay Rosen discusses the challenges facing political journalism in an era where one of the two major political parties is exhibiting anti-democratic tendencies. He argues that traditional journalistic practices are inadequate when dealing with a party that rejects common facts and undermines democratic norms. Rosen suggests that news organizations should explicitly state their commitment to democracy, truth, science, evidence, and voting, and then revise their practices accordingly. He also advocates for a 'citizens' agenda' approach, focusing on voter priorities and using an 'urgency index' to assess the state of democratic backsliding. Politics & Democracy Press & Media Criticism Journalism Theory & Practice https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/12/media/jay-rosen-reliable-sources-political-coverage-democracy/index.html https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/12/media/jay-rosen-reliable-sources-political-coverage-democracy/index.html Sun, 12 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT A CNN article summarizing Rosen's appearance on Reliable Sources, where he argues news outlets should openly identify as pro-democracy. He contends that major news organizations should be pro-truth, pro-science, pro-evidence, and pro-voting, and that taking these positions does not compromise journalistic integrity but rather defends the conditions that make journalism possible. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy Journalism Theory & Practice https://www.npr.org/2021/12/09/1062742421/the-possible-end-of-american-democracy-as-we-know-it https://www.npr.org/2021/12/09/1062742421/the-possible-end-of-american-democracy-as-we-know-it Thu, 09 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Barton Gellman argues in his new Atlantic article, "Trump's Next Coup Has Already Begun," that the Republican party is increasingly unwilling to accept defeat and is "prepared to win by sacrificing the essential elements of democracy." The text also mentions a review of Adele's album, 30, by Ken Tucker. Politics & Democracy Press & Media Criticism https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/11/15/journalists-also-have-an-obligation-fix-democracy/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/11/15/journalists-also-have-an-obligation-fix-democracy/ Mon, 15 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT Jennifer Rubin argues that mainstream media has been complicit in the crisis of democracy through trivialized coverage, false equivalency, amplification of GOP spin, and habitual treatment of Republican conduct as within normal political boundaries. The article discusses the press's obligation to actively support democratic norms rather than passively reporting on their erosion. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/12/podcasts/transcript-ezra-klein-show-jay-rosen.html https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/12/podcasts/transcript-ezra-klein-show-jay-rosen.html Fri, 12 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT This transcript of an interview on "The Ezra Klein Show" features Jay Rosen discussing the shortcomings of mainstream media coverage, particularly concerning complex legislation like the Build Back Better bill. Rosen critiques the focus on incremental updates and "inside game" reporting, arguing that this prioritizes daily content production over genuine public understanding. He highlights the lack of an "architecture of understanding" in news coverage, leading to an overemphasis on strategy, speculation, and drama, rather than informing the public. The interview also touches upon the problematic use of terms like "moderate" and "centrist" in political journalism, and the challenges faced by the news industry in the digital age. Journalism Theory & Practice Politics & Democracy Press & Media Criticism https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-time-for-the-media-to-choose-neutrality-or-democracy/id1548604447?i=1000541587609 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-time-for-the-media-to-choose-neutrality-or-democracy/id1548604447?i=1000541587609 Fri, 12 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT The Ezra Klein Show (guest-hosted by Nicole Hemmer for the New York Times) interviews Rosen on his argument that 'making it harder to vote, and harder to understand what the party is really about — these are two parts of the same project' for the Republican Party. The conflict with honest journalism is structural, not merely partisan. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://pressthink.org/2021/11/the-heres-where-were-coming-from-statement-in-journalism/ https://pressthink.org/2021/11/the-heres-where-were-coming-from-statement-in-journalism/ Mon, 08 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT The article discusses the shift from the traditional "view from nowhere" objectivity in journalism to a transparency-based approach where journalists disclose their perspectives and biases. It highlights examples like Casey Newton's newsletter Platformer and ProPublica, emphasizing the importance of journalists being upfront about their values and intentions to build trust with their audience. The piece also stresses the need for news organizations to adopt a broader transparency system, including disclosing ownership, funding, and decision-making processes. Journalism Theory & Practice Press & Media Criticism Audience & Public Engagement https://nyunews.com/news/2021/09/11/september-11-attacks-faculty-memories/ https://nyunews.com/news/2021/09/11/september-11-attacks-faculty-memories/ Sat, 11 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT This article recounts the experiences of NYU faculty members on September 11, 2001, sharing their personal accounts of the terrorist attacks and the aftermath. It highlights the impact of the events on the university community and reflects on the lessons learned that can be applied to navigating current crises like COVID-19 and climate change. Journalism Education Politics & Democracy Press & Media Criticism https://youtu.be/xWyAMD0ng4U https://youtu.be/xWyAMD0ng4U Mon, 05 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT Jay Rosen is criticized for alleging timidity and false balance on the part of public media journalists, with the main criticism being lazy reporting. The remarks were made at a live recording of "The Pub" at Mercer University’s Center for Collaborative Journalism. Press & Media Criticism Journalism Theory & Practice https://mediamasters.fm/jay-rosen/ https://mediamasters.fm/jay-rosen/ Thu, 24 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT UK-based Media Masters interviews Rosen at length. He argues the United States lives in a two-party system where one party is anti-democratic and the other is unsure that is a problem; attacks Fox News for deliberately and cynically provoking rage and loyalty; and condemns Facebook as ungovernable and a danger to democracy around the world. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy Technology & Digital Media https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jay-rosen-on-right-wing-tv-drifting-further-from-the/id466789756?i=1000525927837 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jay-rosen-on-right-wing-tv-drifting-further-from-the/id466789756?i=1000525927837 Thu, 17 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT CNN's Reliable Sources podcast hosts Rosen for a 44-minute discussion of the devolution of Fox News, the difficulty of describing a shifted political universe in the United States, and why journalists should rethink and rebuild to cover it. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/otm/segments/how-cover-ongoing-siege-democracy-on-the-media https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/otm/segments/how-cover-ongoing-siege-democracy-on-the-media Fri, 11 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT Rosen and Gladstone discuss how to cover democracy under sustained attack. Rosen introduces the truth sandwich method for reporting on misinformation, advocates for dedicated democracy beats at news organizations, and praises WITF's 'never forget' policy of contextualizing every GOP election story with the party's anti-democratic actions. He argues the civic emergency did not end with Trump leaving office. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy Journalism Theory & Practice https://www.minnpost.com/eric-black-ink/2021/05/jay-rosen-looks-at-what-happened-to-journalism-norms-during-the-trump-years/ https://www.minnpost.com/eric-black-ink/2021/05/jay-rosen-looks-at-what-happened-to-journalism-norms-during-the-trump-years/ Fri, 14 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT Eric Black reviews and extensively excerpts a Rosen PressThink post examining the collapse of journalism norms during the Trump years. Rosen argues that norms like objectivity, balance, and the church-state separation between news and opinion were already weakening before Trump, but his presidency exposed them as unable to handle a political figure who systematically exploited them. The article includes reader comments debating Rosen's analysis. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy Journalism Theory & Practice https://lucid.substack.com/p/lucid-interview-jay-rosen https://lucid.substack.com/p/lucid-interview-jay-rosen Wed, 12 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT Ruth Ben-Ghiat interviews Rosen about the press's struggles during the Trump administration. Rosen explains how presidential conventions became invisible assumptions that Trump exploited, discusses the dangers of expecting the press to function as political opposition, and identifies his central concern: that one of two major parties is anti-democratic and the political press doesn't know what to do about it. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://pressthink.org/2021/05/a-current-list-of-my-top-problems-in-pressthink-may-2021/ https://pressthink.org/2021/05/a-current-list-of-my-top-problems-in-pressthink-may-2021/ Fri, 07 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT The article discusses the challenges faced by journalism in the current political climate, particularly with the rise of an anti-democratic Republican party that relies on counter-majoritarian and counter-factual narratives. It examines the inadequacy of the 'both sides' model of news coverage and the difficulty of determining newsworthiness in an era of disinformation. Rosen grapples with the dilemma of platforming harmful viewpoints while also needing to inform the public. Politics & Democracy Press & Media Criticism Journalism Theory & Practice https://pressthink.org/2021/03/if-youre-worried-that-journalists-have-learned-nothing-from-the-trump-years/ https://pressthink.org/2021/03/if-youre-worried-that-journalists-have-learned-nothing-from-the-trump-years/ Sun, 21 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT Rosen discusses encouraging developments suggesting some journalists understand the need for change after the Trump presidency, the Stop the Steal movement, and the January 6th insurrection. It highlights examples such as WITF's policy of contextualizing future actions of officials who spread election fraud lies, the Cleveland Plain Dealer's refusal to amplify baseless claims, and ProPublica's creation of a democracy beat and Votebeat's efforts to build capacity within the American press to cover voting restrictions. Politics & Democracy Press & Media Criticism Journalism Theory & Practice https://youtu.be/EVfF3pBHwTc https://youtu.be/EVfF3pBHwTc Wed, 10 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT This is a discussion about media coverage of politics, particularly regarding Donald Trump, and lessons learned from the past five years. Participants discuss the press's struggle to deal with falsehoods, the importance of challenging amplification, and the need to stand against 'the big lie.' The January 6th events are highlighted as a critical moment of transition, revealing a moral vacuum. The conversation also touches on conservative media's manipulation of mainstream media, and the persistence of accepting Republican ideas about 'real Americans.' The lack of progress in addressing race and racism in newsroom leadership is also discussed. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy Journalism Theory & Practice https://journalism.nyu.edu/about-us/news-post/2021/01/25/prof-jay-rosen-was-a-guest-on-on-the-media-this-week-in-a-segment-titled-what-the-press-have-and-should-have-learned-from-the-trump-era-also-included-in-the-same-discussion-was-yamiche-alcindor/ https://journalism.nyu.edu/about-us/news-post/2021/01/25/prof-jay-rosen-was-a-guest-on-on-the-media-this-week-in-a-segment-titled-what-the-press-have-and-should-have-learned-from-the-trump-era-also-included-in-the-same-discussion-was-yamiche-alcindor/ Mon, 25 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT Jay Rosen discusses with Brooke Gladstone and Bob Garfield how the press has learned it is a subject in the story, especially during the Trump era, and argues that it must prioritize democracy over objectivity. He notes the emergence of a 'democracy beat' but criticizes the persistence of 'both-sidesism.' Rosen suggests the press should be more transparent and serve as a 'cheerleader' for the democratic process itself, holding power accountable for its commitment to democratic norms and values. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy Journalism Theory & Practice https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/otm/segments/what-press-have-and-should-have-learned-trump-era https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/otm/segments/what-press-have-and-should-have-learned-trump-era Fri, 22 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT Two days after Biden's inauguration, Gladstone assembles journalists including Yamiche Alcindor, Jay Rosen, Karen Attiah, David Leonhardt, and Masha Gessen to reflect on Trump-era lessons. Rosen advocates for pro-democracy, pro-voting, pro-truth journalism -- arguing that the press must take a stand for democratic values rather than hiding behind false neutrality. He pushes for journalism that openly supports the conditions that make journalism possible. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy Journalism Theory & Practice https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trump-vs-the-press-a-final-report-card-from-jay-rosen/id1080467174?i=1000506011822 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trump-vs-the-press-a-final-report-card-from-jay-rosen/id1080467174?i=1000506011822 Thu, 21 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT Peter Kafka's podcast (previously Recode Media) hosts Rosen for a final report card on the press's coverage of the Trump presidency, one day after the Biden inauguration. The 50-minute episode pairs the Rosen interview with a separate segment featuring Figure Four Online's Bryan Alvarez on Apple's potential venture into podcast subscriptions. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://pressthink.org/2020/11/two-paths-forward-for-the-american-press/ https://pressthink.org/2020/11/two-paths-forward-for-the-american-press/ Mon, 16 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT The article discusses the future of the American press after Donald Trump's presidency. It contrasts two potential paths: a restoration of order and a return to normalcy, or a democratic breakthrough in journalism. Rosen critiques the media's longing for symmetry and 'both sides' narratives, even when facts don't warrant it, and highlights the importance of defending democracy and truth, as demonstrated by some journalists during the 2020 election. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy Journalism Theory & Practice https://www.nybooks.com/online/2020/11/01/americas-press-and-the-asymmetric-war-for-truth/ https://www.nybooks.com/online/2020/11/01/americas-press-and-the-asymmetric-war-for-truth/ Sun, 01 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT The Republican Party is increasingly becoming a minority party that relies on counterfactual narratives to maintain power. This creates a structural conflict with honest journalism, as the GOP must fight with fictions to appeal to its dwindling base. The Democratic Party is evolving into a coalition representing 'literally everyone else'. Politics & Democracy Press & Media Criticism https://pressthink.org/2020/11/the-coming-confrontation-between-the-american-press-and-the-republican-party/ https://pressthink.org/2020/11/the-coming-confrontation-between-the-american-press-and-the-republican-party/ Sun, 01 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT Rosen argues that the Republican Party's increasingly counter-majoritarian stance necessitates a conflict with honest journalism. The GOP's reliance on fictions, such as widespread voter fraud, clashes with reality-based reporting. Rosen criticizes mainstream media's tendency towards "he said/she said" journalism and "balanced treatment of unbalanced phenomena," arguing that this refuge-seeking behavior protects journalists from criticism rather than serving the public. He contends that the right-wing's creation of its own media ecosystem has shifted the dynamics, rendering traditional journalistic practices insufficient to address the asymmetrical political landscape. Politics & Democracy Press & Media Criticism https://thecorrespondent.com/770/to-protect-democracy-journalists-need-to-learn-to-think-like-hackers-and-spies/6717828040-347f3503 https://thecorrespondent.com/770/to-protect-democracy-journalists-need-to-learn-to-think-like-hackers-and-spies/6717828040-347f3503 Wed, 28 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT Rosen develops his threat modeling proposal for newsrooms, consulting former Facebook CSO Joshua Geltzer and national security expert Alex Stamos. Explains how threat modeling works in practice: identifying adversaries, mapping attack surfaces, running red team exercises, and creating a Threat Urgency Index. Argues newsrooms need these tools because traditional campaign coverage cannot address threats to democracy itself. Journalism Theory & Practice Technology & Digital Media Politics & Democracy https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/21495104/donald-trump-media-2020-election-jay-rosen https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/21495104/donald-trump-media-2020-election-jay-rosen Wed, 21 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT The article discusses how Trump and his allies use the strategy of "flooding the zone with shit" to overwhelm the media and public with falsehoods, making it difficult for journalists to effectively counter the misinformation. Jay Rosen argues that the traditional journalistic code is inadequate to deal with this strategy, and the press needs to adapt by abandoning the "savvy style" and owning their agenda to effectively combat disinformation and protect democratic values. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy Journalism Theory & Practice https://thecorrespondent.com/757/four-radical-ways-the-media-can-protect-us-democracy-from-trump/6604410164-cc78b53c https://thecorrespondent.com/757/four-radical-ways-the-media-can-protect-us-democracy-from-trump/6604410164-cc78b53c Tue, 20 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT Rosen proposes four concrete recommendations for how the media should shift to 'emergency mode' in covering Trump: (1) stop covering live speeches/rallies, (2) suspend normal relations with the White House, (3) add an amplification check to every presidential quote, and (4) shift focus from what Trump says to what his government does. Then escalates to 'active threat' measures: create threat modeling teams, a live Threat Urgency Index, pressure officials to go on record, and track solutions instead of the horse race. Journalism Theory & Practice Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/otm/segments/journalists-should-be-emergency-mode-on-the-media https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/otm/segments/journalists-should-be-emergency-mode-on-the-media Fri, 16 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT Rosen argues that journalism needs to switch to an emergency setting for covering the Trump era. Recorded during the 2020 dueling town halls, the conversation covers the citizen's agenda model, the firehose of falsehood, the limits of the view from nowhere, and why normal political coverage routines are inadequate for an abnormal presidency. Rosen urges journalists to recognize the civic emergency and adapt accordingly. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy Journalism Theory & Practice https://thecorrespondent.com/734/dont-let-trump-be-the-protagonist-of-the-pandemic-and-four-other-ways-the-media-can-improve-how-it-covers-the-coronavirus/6403747768-dd747b6e https://thecorrespondent.com/734/dont-let-trump-be-the-protagonist-of-the-pandemic-and-four-other-ways-the-media-can-improve-how-it-covers-the-coronavirus/6403747768-dd747b6e Wed, 07 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT Five proposals for improving pandemic coverage: (1) End duplication through newsroom consortiums publishing simultaneously, (2) Create an Urgency Index ranking what the public should be most worried about, (3) Treat confusion as a governing style rather than isolated incidents, (4) Dislodge Trump from the 'protagonist' role in the COVID story, and (5) Track your own coverage metrics. Includes the viral 'plan is to have no plan' passage. Originally from PressThink. Journalism Theory & Practice Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://thecorrespondent.com/717/in-the-2020-us-election-journalists-need-an-agenda-defending-democracy/6255432084-fd0a31dd https://thecorrespondent.com/717/in-the-2020-us-election-journalists-need-an-agenda-defending-democracy/6255432084-fd0a31dd Tue, 29 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT Rosen argues that journalists covering the 2020 election need their own agenda to avoid being swept up in Trump's. He distinguishes between the 'properly political' and the 'overly politicised' in journalism, then proposes four specific agendas: a citizens agenda (asking voters what matters), fighting authoritarianism, evidence-based political debate, and pro-participation coverage. Originally published on PressThink. Journalism Theory & Practice Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://pressthink.org/2020/09/you-might-not-like-it-but-its-smart-politics/ https://pressthink.org/2020/09/you-might-not-like-it-but-its-smart-politics/ Mon, 28 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT The article discusses how the press, particularly the political press corps, became overly focused on "savviness" and understanding politics as a strategic game played by insiders. This focus made them ill-equipped to cover the rise of Donald Trump and the challenges he posed to American democracy. Rosen argues for a shift in political journalism, emphasizing the defense of democracy, symmetrical accounts of asymmetrical realities, and a rejection of the "politics as strategic game" frame. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy Journalism Theory & Practice https://www.theverge.com/21435639/threat-modeling-facebook-alex-stamos-newsroom-security https://www.theverge.com/21435639/threat-modeling-facebook-alex-stamos-newsroom-security Mon, 14 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT Rosen interviews Alex Stamos, former Facebook CSO, about how newsrooms could adapt corporate threat modeling for election coverage. Stamos explains threat modeling, threat ideation, red teaming, and tabletop exercises in detail, then applies each to a journalism context. They discuss how the 2016 GRU hack-and-leak campaign manipulated the press, how to prepare for similar 2020 attacks, and why newsrooms need internal guidelines for handling manipulated information. Published on The Verge. Journalism Theory & Practice Technology & Digital Media Politics & Democracy https://membershipguide.org/handbook https://membershipguide.org/handbook Sun, 13 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT Rosen defines membership in journalism as a social contract between a news organization and its members. It emphasizes the importance of memberful routines, a membership strategy, and a membership program. It distinguishes membership from subscription, donation, and crowdfunding models, highlighting the unique value proposition and expectations associated with each. The article draws on research from diverse member-driven movements to offer insights into successful membership programs, including the importance of listening to members, connecting to a larger purpose, offering flexible participation, and growing at a human scale. Journalism Theory & Practice Audience & Public Engagement Press & Media Criticism https://journalism.nyu.edu/about-us/news-post/2020/08/30/prof-jay-rosens-ideas-were-featured-in-brian-stelters-opening-monologue-on-cnns-media-criticism-program-reliable-sources/ https://journalism.nyu.edu/about-us/news-post/2020/08/30/prof-jay-rosens-ideas-were-featured-in-brian-stelters-opening-monologue-on-cnns-media-criticism-program-reliable-sources/ Sun, 30 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT Jay Rosen discusses the media's coverage of the jobs crisis, arguing that it's being treated as a political story rather than a national crisis. He suggests that the press is too focused on objectivity, the horse race in Washington, and is disconnected from the public's experience of unemployment. Rosen advocates for more stories about the real-life impact of unemployment and a shift towards public journalism that helps citizens solve problems. Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy Journalism Theory & Practice https://youtu.be/UFONrSIbB-k https://youtu.be/UFONrSIbB-k Sat, 01 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT Welcome back to Media Apocalypse, our series about the threats facing journalism, news gathering, and the flow of information on matters of public concern in our democracy, and dedicated to exploring solutions, both legal and otherwise, for preserving the press function. Today's conversation is w... Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy Technology & Digital Media Journalism Theory & Practice Audience & Public Engagement https://electionsos.com/resource/jay-rosen-presents-the-citizens-agenda/ https://electionsos.com/resource/jay-rosen-presents-the-citizens-agenda/ Wed, 01 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT Jay Rosen, a journalism professor, presented the idea of a "Citizens Agenda" to improve how journalists and news organizations serve the public. He suggests that instead of prioritizing politicians and political strategy, news outlets should identify and report on the issues that the public deems most important. Journalism Theory & Practice Audience & Public Engagement Politics & Democracy https://youtu.be/9AI1nKxxEcc https://youtu.be/9AI1nKxxEcc Mon, 18 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT Jay Rosen reflects on his observations of the American press's coverage of Donald Trump's presidency. He argues that the press's practices rest on assumptions about presidential behavior that don't apply to Trump, leading to a normalization of his actions rather than a critical examination. He introduces the concept of 'verification in reverse,' where publicly doubted claims are used to generate controversy and power political movements. He also notes the effectiveness of strategies like 'flooding the zone' (or the Russian equivalent, 'firehose of falsehoods') in undermining trust in journalism by overwhelming the truth with misinformation. Press & Media Criticism Journalism Theory & Practice Politics & Democracy https://www.adbusters.org/article/the-plan-is-to-have-no-plan https://www.adbusters.org/article/the-plan-is-to-have-no-plan Mon, 04 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT A repost of Rosen's viral PressThink passage about the Trump administration's COVID response strategy: deliberate confusion, blame-shifting, and 'flooding the zone with shit' as a governing method. Originally published on PressThink in May 2020, republished by Adbusters magazine (issue #151). Press & Media Criticism Politics & Democracy https://drilled.media/podcasts/drilled/3/drilleds03-e09 https://drilled.media/podcasts/drilled/3/drilleds03-e09 Sat, 29 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT Jay Rosen's call to focus on the stakes of the 2024 election, rather than the odds, critiques the dominance of "horse race journalism" in mainstream US media. This focus overshadows crucial issues and diverse perspectives, while the rise of partisan media and misinformation further complicates the landscape. The article highlights the need for more inclusive and issue-oriented coverage, contrasting the prevalent focus on campaign strategy and polling with examples of impactful investigative and local reporting. Journalism Theory & Practice Politics & Democracy Press & Media Criticism https://www.mediaite.com/media/tv/nyu-professor-jay-rosen-tears-chuck-todd/ https://www.mediaite.com/media/tv/nyu-professor-jay-rosen-tears-chuck-todd/ Thu, 26 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT Jay Rosen critiques Chuck Todd's Rolling Stone interview, where Todd admits naiveté regarding Republican misinformation under the Trump administration. Rosen argues this isn't naiveté but professional malpractice, highlighting Todd's influential position and responsibility to understand political dynamics. Rosen contends Todd's failure stems from willful blindness and a lack of imagination, not a lack of knowledge. Politics & Democracy Press & Media Criticism https://news.uga.edu/peabody-appoints-six-new-members-to-board/ https://news.uga.edu/peabody-appoints-six-new-members-to-board/ Thu, 12 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT Peabody Awards has announced new members to its bicoastal board of directors. The new members, representing diverse media organizations and expertise, will provide counsel and advance Peabody's commitment to outstanding storytelling. The boards are separate from the Peabody Awards jury. Politics & Democracy Technology & Digital Media Press & Media Criticism https://peabodyawards.com/stories/industry-leaders-provide-expert-counsel-peabody/ https://peabodyawards.com/stories/industry-leaders-provide-expert-counsel-peabody/ Wed, 11 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT Peabody Awards announced new members to its bicoastal board of directors. The new board members, representing diverse backgrounds in media and entertainment from both the East and West Coasts, will provide expert counsel and help extend Peabody's reach through new partnerships and public engagement. Press & Media Criticism