Jeffrey Toobin on the Future of Media | Big Think

TL;DR

Develop a core group of trusted websites for daily browsing to stay current, but recognize the importance of journalistic institutions to finance news gathering and provide in-depth reporting.

Transcript

I guess the the the the strategy I I would impart for using the web is develop a core of websites that you think are useful and really rely on those rather than starting every day with the entire worldwide web and seeing what's interesting because you know that's a great way to waste a day and God knows I've done it but if you sort of order your yo... Read More

Key Insights

• 💯 It is more effective to rely on a core group of trusted websites for daily browsing rather than aimlessly navigating the entire web.
• 🤪 Blogs are valuable for analysis and commentary, but journalistic institutions are essential for news gathering that goes beyond commentary.
• 🕸️ CNN is well-positioned to merge web and cable television content, but the economics of advertising and subscription models on the web pose challenges.
• ✋ In-depth journalism, although not in high demand, still provides immense value and should be supported.
• 💁 The New Yorker exemplifies the sustenance of long-form journalism, catering to readers willing to pay for it.
• 💁 Balancing the demand for quick information with the need for deeper examination is a challenge in the changing journalistic landscape.
• 📰 The future of journalism relies on finding sustainable models that finance news gathering and support journalistic institutions.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the suggested strategy for using the web effectively?

Develop a small group of trusted websites for daily browsing rather than aimlessly exploring the entire web. This allows for a decent grounding in current information while also providing opportunities for further exploration.

Q: Can blogs replace journalistic institutions?

While blogs are great at analyzing news and critiquing other journalists, they lack the resources for news gathering. Journalistic institutions are crucial for financing news gathering, particularly for important events like reporting from Iraq.

Q: How is CNN adapting to the changing technological landscape?

CNN is well-positioned to navigate the merging of computers and television. Management encourages seamless content dispersal across platforms, and the CNN brand is transferable to the web. However, the economics of advertising and subscription models on the web are still less profitable compared to cable television.

Q: Is there a demand for in-depth journalism?

While many websites focus on providing quick information in short bites, there is still a demand for in-depth journalism. Longer magazine articles, like those found in The New Yorker, provide valuable and sustained examination of people and issues.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Focus on a core group of reliable websites for daily browsing to stay updated rather than aimlessly wandering the vast digital landscape.

• Blogs are great for analysis but lack the resources for news gathering. Journalistic institutions are necessary to finance journalism that goes beyond commentary.

• CNN is well-positioned to adapt to the changing technological landscape by seamlessly merging web and cable television content. The economics of advertising and subscription models, however, present challenges.