Media Training Update w/c 28th October

Good morning, it’s Monday 28th October. Eight days until the US Election and The Washington Post says it won’t endorse either candidate.

Will Lewis, former editor of the Telegraph and now Post CEO called it…

“…a statement in support of our readers’ ability to make up their own minds on this. … Most of all, our job as the newspaper of the capital city of the most important country in the world is to be independent.”

While legendary former Exec Editor Marty Baron called it…

“…cowardice, with democracy as its casualty. Donald Trump will see this as an invitation to further intimidate owner Jeff Bezos (and others). Disturbing spinelessness at an institution famed for courage.”

Former New York Times media columnist Ben Smith called it…

“…a second billionaire vetoing a presumptive Harris endorsement.”

“I am as comfortable in front of the camera as I am breathing” 

The great Oprah Winfrey brings down the curtain on Part 4 of Year Of The Expert, as we consider the importance of headspace. 

LISTEN HERE 

As we start on the last lap of our 12 month journey the final section is entitled ‘So What’s Stopping You?’, where any lingering doubts about media interviews can be voiced and addressed. Over to you… 

GET IN TOUCH 

The week ahead:

Monday: Tommy Robinson in court on contempt charges

Ballon d’Or ceremony

Tuesday: Alex Salmond funeral

One week until US presidential election

Results from Alphabet and BP

Wednesday: The Budget

Rishi Sunak’s final PMQs as Leader of the Opposition

Thursday: Conservative Party leadership election members’ ballot closes

Friday: RMT members begin series of strikes on the London Underground

Saturday: New Conservative Party leader announced

“Very often the big abstract idea is the most important message. But to convey that message a good, concrete visual example is often the best.”

Sapiens and Nexus writer Yuval Noah Harari talks to Elizabeth Day for her How To Fail podcast. (Thanks to James for recommending we have a listen.) 

There are some excellent insights into writing and speaking with impact. 

LISTEN HERE

The British Journalism Awards finalists are announced:

“Without journalism, Boris Johnson would still be prime minister, wronged postmasters would not have a voice, and victims of the infected blood scandal would not have a chance of compensation…”

This list of nominated journalists contains links to their articles: 

READ HERE

“…In a media world increasingly controlled by a few parasitic technology platforms it is more important than ever to celebrate the publishers willing to invest in and support quality journalism.” 

Dominic Ponsford

Chair of Judges

“I could trim the Lord’s Prayer if I had to,” she used to assure staffers, and no one doubted her for as long as she could tap a keyboard.”

Thanks so much to Laura who writes, “a much-loved editor from my Detroit Free Press days died last week and another former colleague wrote a hell of an obit”.

She’s not wrong. It’s a wonderful read. RIP Nancy Laughlin…

READ MORE

Footnotes:

On this day: The Cuban Missile Crisis ended on this day in 1962.

Quiz: Not sitting this week (again…)

Weather: 15 degrees in Folkestone, 12 degrees in Fife, 21 degrees in Fresno, California.

Coffee? Inside Edge is in London and Brighton this week

Mutts:

Be part of the MMB. Thoughts on this week’s content, or interviews you’ve seen, heard, or (best of all) done. We’re @insideedgemedia or just reply to this email. 

Have a brilliant week.

All at Inside Edge