The Root: Unapologetically Black

03/06/17 • -1 min

Bob Schieffer's "About the News" with H. Andrew Schwartz

Danielle Belton is the award winning editor of The Root, the African-American online cultural magazine. In this wide ranging discussion, Belton tells us that The Root “doesn’t believe in respectability politics,” but rather seeks to capture an unvarnished, unapologetic take on “what it means to be black.” The internet democratized the media space for everyone, she says. People who originally had no access to major news outlets now have a place to practice journalism. And, with regard to covering Donald Trump, Belton says “everyone is really sensitive right now because of the nature of this presidency” and that the job for members of the press is to present “the truth” and examine the “dark places and cast light so people can see what’s going on.” Download transcript here.

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A Smarter Texas: Evan Smith, Texas Tribune CEO

Texas Tribune CEO Evan Smith is changing the way news is covered in Texas. In an era of disappearing traditional newspapers, The Texas Tribune provides a model for 21st century journalism that has served Texas’s 24 million people for close to a decade. It is the only member-supported, digital-first, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. This wide ranging conversation explores how with a staff of nearly 50 dedicated reporters, editors, technologists, designers and business leaders, the Tribune has continued to advance its mission of bringing greater transparency and accountability to public policy, politics and government through news, data and events. Download transcript here.

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The Wall Exists: Editorial Balance at WSJ

The Wall Street Journal’s Washington Bureau Chief Jerry Seib tells us that in the era of Donald Trump, the Journal continues to cover news as it always has—fairly and with tough reporting. Seib maintains that the “Wall” between the Journal’s editorial page and its news division still exists. In this wide ranging conversation set against the backdrop of President Trump’s latest twitter storm, Seib says: “The one consistent thing that Donald Trump conveyed and got through to people, both during the campaign and frankly also since he’s taken office, is that he could be the agent of change.” Download transcript here.