This episode features journalist Katy Tur discussing her experiences covering the 2016 Trump campaign. She highlights the media's initial misjudgment of Trump, the challenges of reporting on a controversial figure, and the importance of focusing on substantive stories over trivialities. The discussion offers valuable insights into the evolution of political journalism and the need for resilience and careful discernment in reporting.
Key takeaways
Journalists and media outlets need to move beyond an "indignant" approach to covering controversial political figures and focus on larger, impactful stories rather than minor gaffes.
The 2016 election demonstrated a critical failure in media's understanding and coverage of populist movements, indicating a need for better strategy in reporting on non-traditional campaigns.
Resilience and a strong personal resolve are crucial for journalists operating in highly charged political environments, especially when facing threats and harassment.
Learning from past mistakes, particularly the underestimation of political movements, is essential for accurate and impactful future reporting.
The nature of political communication has fundamentally shifted, requiring journalists to adapt strategies for covering figures who leverage alternative channels and styles.
MSNBC anchor Katy Tur talks with Recode's Kara Swisher and SKDK's Hilary Rosen about her new book, "Unbelievable: My Front-Row Seat to the Craziest Campaign in American History." While she was at NBC News, Tur was the first reporter assigned to cover the Trump campaign full-time, and one year since his unlikely electoral victory, she says many in the media who considered him a joke before haven't learned the right lessons from 2016. Tur explains how her parents' pioneering TV journalism gave her the resolve to weather threats during the campaign, and says journalists covering President Trump need to stop being indignant about little things, and focus instead on the big stories that matter.
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What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Journalists and media outlets need to move beyond an "indignant" approach to covering controversial political figures and focus on larger, impactful stories rather than minor gaffes.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
The 2016 election demonstrated a critical failure in media's understanding and coverage of populist movements, indicating a need for better strategy in reporting on non-traditional campaigns.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Resilience and a strong personal resolve are crucial for journalists operating in highly charged political environments, especially when facing threats and harassment.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Learning from past mistakes, particularly the underestimation of political movements, is essential for accurate and impactful future reporting.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
The nature of political communication has fundamentally shifted, requiring journalists to adapt strategies for covering figures who leverage alternative channels and styles.
