Love/Hate Relationship
Researchers have released a series of conflicting numbers regarding America's relationship with journalism
The media is in an abusive relationship with America. One minute, journalists are the enemy of the people. They aren’t trusted, labeled “fake news.” They're seen as biased, in the pocket of one side or another. They’ve even been threatened by politicians with arrest and prosecution.
But then Pew Research comes out with a study that, on its surface, at least, says that America needs journalists to keep this whole crazy system in check, that they’re essential to keeping corruption out of government. And it’s not just one side saying that. According to the study, which was conducted in September, right as the election cycle was hitting peak crazy, 74 percent of Americans said, “criticism from news organizations keeps political leaders from doing things that shouldn’t be done.” Only 24 percent fall on the opposite side of that coin, believing that media scrutiny “keeps leaders from doing their job.”
Sure, there’s a gap between Republicans and Democrats, though it’s not as large as you’d think, with 81 percent of Dems favoring the media’s watchdog role to the GOP’s 67 percent. And yes, those percentages change based on which party is in the White House, but again, not by as much as you’d guess.
And there’s plenty of evidence to go along with America’s belief that media scrutiny is a good thing. It’s preventative medicine, keeping folks on the straight and narrow. Researchers at Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism Local News Initiative have long seen a correlation in an increase in government corruption after a local newspaper closes. A recent paper out of George Mason University confirmed that. Researchers found that corruption charges (bribery, embezzlement, fraud, etc.) increased by 6.9 percent, and indicted defendants increased by 6.8 percent after a newspaper closed. And that’s just the stuff that was caught. There’s likely more that was missed—and will continue to be. With the ongoing expansion of news deserts, those counties in America without a local newspaper, there’s worry the issue will only grow, bad actors in local and regional governments bilking taxpayers out of millions. Journalists keep that in check.
But even as America says it needs journalists, it also hates them. Last week’s report from Gallop found that 36 percent of Americans don’t trust the media at all, with another 33 percent saying they don’t trust it very much. Another Gallup survey from the beginning of the year found that only 19 percent of Americans think journalists are ethical, barely above lawyers and state governors. And that same survey from Pew found that 77 percent of Americans think the media is biased. (Which, to be fair, is kinda true. No one is going to accuse Fox News or MSNBC of being balanced.)
Ultimately, it can kind of leave journalists with a feeling of whiplash. We’re considered essential but hated for it. We stop corruption, but we’re seen as corrupt. We bring communities together but are ostracized by the community. It’s a tough spot to be in. And yes, there is that old saying that if no one likes what you’re doing, then you must be doing something right. But sometimes journalists just want to be loved, too. So, come on, America, get your act together because the government is about to get a lot more corrupt, and we need you to be on board with what we find.
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New York magazine is getting in on the loyalty play, releasing its own app last week. Providing a digital version of its biweekly magazine, as well as a hub for all of its sub-brands, including The Cut, Vulture, The Strategist, and more, the app is a convenient one-stop shop for everything New York offers. They’ve even bundled an easy way to subscribe to their newsletters and quick access to their podcasts.
The app is part of a growing trend in legacy media brands releasing tools, treats, and branded platforms designed to keep those who love a title engaged with the content, similar to Vox’s release of the Eater app earlier this year. The hope is that, as traffic dwindles from search and social, loyalty products like The Onion’s print edition will create an affinity for a brand and lots of repeat visits. Whether it works is still up for debate, but New York’s new app does make it easier to get to essential investigative reporting like Vulture’s rankings of the best Coachella festivals of all time (hint: Radiohead was involved).
Sharing is Caring
Think of it like Baileys and coffee: a partnership so obvious it’s surprising it hasn’t existed since the dawn of time. In this case, it’s Wired and 404 Media, the upstart tech watchdog outfit comprised of four former Vice reporters. 404 has quickly made a mark covering the quirks and scams of the internet, uncovering everything from AI deepfake celebrity ads to how the military might use new geolocation AI trained on Pokémon Go scans. Wired, of course, has covered the same kind of tech-heavy stories since its inception in 1993.
The partnership is a limited one, though, 404 only sharing two of its stories a month. The idea is to get people interested in their coverage and, hopefully, subscribe to the website. Oddly, though, the latest crossover story from 404 founder Joseph Cox on how hackers are using web ads to infect computers doesn’t even mention the 404 Media or the partnership. Here’s hoping that changes since Cox and his friends need all the support they can get.
Internships, Fellowships, and More
• The Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting is looking for 17 interns to spend next summer working at organizations like the Associated Press, the Kansas City Star, and the Dallas Morning News. Once there, you’ll work with seasoned journalists to learn the ins and outs of investigative reporting. The program is for current students and recent graduates, and those from traditionally underrepresented groups and those attending HBCUs and MSIs are especially encouraged to apply. You can get more information about the positions here. Applications are due by Jan. 10.
• Non-profit Black Female Therapists is on the hunt for a Culture & News Intern to help connect mental health issues with current events. The remote internship is part-time, pays between $15-$20 an hour, and is writing-focused. You must have a passion for mental health advocacy. For more info, click here.
• Des Moines-based Insurance provider Merchants Bonding Company needs a multimedia design intern for summer 2025. The positions run from May 19-Aug. 8, though dates are negotiable. The 12-week position requires you to work 37.5 hours per week onsite creating content for social media, newsletters, print, and more. You’ll be involved in photo shoots, marketing strategy meetings, and brainstorming. A need for a strong design portfolio is emphasized. Pay is $21 an hour. Check out the full requirements and apply here.
• Go NYC Magazine needs a spring, on-site intern from Jan. 27-April 18. The “nation’s most widely distributed free LGBTQ+ women’s print and online publication,” you’ll work directly with editors to create stories for print and online that speak directly to the brand’s audience. It is an in-person position, so NYC residence is a must. The pay is $18. A Metro Card will also be provided for transportation to and from the office. To apply, please send an email to internships@gomag.com with your cover letter, resume, and 2-3 writing samples no later than December 15, 2024.
• Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate is looking for a spring marketing and communications intern to work 20 hours a week from Jan. 6-May 30. The job includes designing with Canva, editing videos, posting to social media, and more. The position is paid, though the rate is not listed. You can also apply for college credit. For more information, click here. To apply, send an Application, Cover Letter, and Resume to ashley.hunt@sos.iowa.gov. Contact Ashley Hunt at 515-725-2942 with questions.
• Iowa grocer Fareway is looking for a spring Corporate Outreach and Communications intern. The part-time position runs from January to May. It’s a hybrid position, with some requirements to work from Fareway’s Johnston corporate offices. You’ll help support everything from the company’s philanthropic activities to intern and external events. Upperclassmen or recent graduates are preferred. Applications are due by Dec. 16. Get more info here.
• CBS News is looking for a full gross of Summer 2025 interns. The venerable news organization needs interns at local stations across the country. Positions include news, marketing, production, and PR internships. There are even sales and finance gigs if you’re so inclined. Pay is dependent on the position and the market, though the range is anywhere from $20 to $43 an hour. You will work full-time June 2-Aug. 11. The positions are hybrid, so make sure you apply to a market you can summer in. Check out the full list of positions here.
• The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is looking for multiple Summer 2025 interns including Chicago-based communications, People & Cultures, and arts interns. Pay depends on the position, though the base is $20 per hour. You’ll work full time June 10-Aug. 13. Positions are hybrid. Bonus: Gigs come with gym access! The deadline to apply is Jan. 5. Get the full rundown of jobs here.
• The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is looking to hire Summer 2025 interns. There are multiple positions available, from newsroom gigs to user experience design positions. The AJC is upfront about looking for candidates going to local schools or having local ties, noting that 80 percent of its interns meet one or both criteria. That said, they do want candidates from across the country to apply, particularly those with student media or previous internship experience. Pay ranges from $21.06 - $31.63 depending on the position and intern experience. These are hybrid positions. Get more info and the complete run of available positions here.
Wanna Spread a Rumor?
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Finally, spelling matters, right?