I was listening to NPR's Fresh Air the other day, and heard Terry Gross interview David Carr, media columnist for the New York Times.
Carr, one of the journalists followed in the media documentary Page One (just released on DVD), had a lot to say about journalism. One thing that resonated with me: listen to your sources. Let them tell you what the story is going to be--don't tell them. It's easy to want to force your story into some pre-determined shape. But if you keep it fluid, your sources will reveal what the true story should be. Listen to them.
Carr also touched on the value of Twitter, though "less as a megaphone and more [as a listener]." Either way, social media sites (and digital journalism in general) provide so much information--so quickly--that it's hard these days to debate their sheer power in the field.
Gross seemed to have a good time talking to Carr. His raspy voice and straight-shooter attitude made for an engaging interview.
Hi Lauren,
ReplyDeleteThe Page One doc on the NYT featuring Carr that you mention should be a "must see" in the ProSeminar -- and for anyone interested in modern journalism. If a someone watched All the President's Men, Broadcast News, and the Page One doc, they would have a very functional understanding of what has happened to journalism over the past 40 years.
And then they would drink heavily and consider switching to an MPH program. ;) Cheers, Lee