42 Comments
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Jackie Ralston's avatar

Deep thanks for all you've done, Mark, and even more for all you'll be doing in the future.

I'm not shutting up. I'm just getting started.

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Mark Jacob's avatar

Thanks to you, Jackie.

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Lost In Alabama's avatar

The Fourth Estate has brought about their own demise and the demise of our country.

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Martha Nichols's avatar

Mark, any advice about what to tell journalism students now to get them inspired enough to keep reporting and writing? I will get over the grief of today, and I want to inspire my students, but I find myself stuck for what to say beyond “it matters.”

Regarding the need to be fearless and to support indie media, you’re preaching to the converted with me. The NYT has been ruled by clickbait headlines about the election as much as any digital site and very much amplified a skewed view of the election. I hope the Guardian holds out, because it’s become my go-to. Please keep suggesting other good journalism newsletters or magazines as alternatives.

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Mark Jacob's avatar

Tell them to read ProPublica for inspiration.

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Martha Nichols's avatar

I do — and I've assigned readings based on Pro Publica investigations. It's a start.

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Ralph Rosenberg's avatar

I agree. But schools need to do more than inspire. Journalism schools have failed the journalism profession by failing to teach future media professionals on how to address this level of lies and misinformation and how to avoid the use of false equivalencies.

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Martha Nichols's avatar

I agree about the failures, Ralph, but I do think inspiration matters. I teach journalism as part of the Division of Continuing Education at Harvard (which has no journalism school) - I have students of all ages and backgrounds from around the world in my courses. Many have other jobs but want to do journalism on the side in order to make a difference. I’ve been teaching for years because I think media literacy in general matters, and very few of us on our own are equipped to speak out without some sort of platform. It is a dilemma I have been trying to thread for years when students ask if they should keep pursuing journalism.

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Ellen S Gibson's avatar

It should be obvious it matters. Look at what happened in the US election. I’m of the belief that of all the issues, it was FOX propaganda and the thousands of conservative Christian radio stations around the country indoctrinating people with lies that swung the election. What could be more compelling than that? Journalists have to stand up for the truth.

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Minou's avatar

Thank you for your indefatigable antifascist efforts on Twitter.

Only stayed on Musk's platform for the fight but have now deleted my account, so will now follow you here.

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Sandy Gottstein's avatar

Same here. Especially since Musk is totally enmeshed.

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Bonnie Fuller's avatar

Thank you Mark for coming out early today with such a clear commitment to preserving freedom of the press and with your guide to how to ‘press’ forward. It is greatly appreciated & I will stand with you and all other journalists who continue to write and speak the truth.

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J.R.'s avatar

You have given me my first glimmer of hope. I could not move or talk until I read this. Thanks

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Dawn Kiilani Hoffmann's avatar

Yes! Keep talking, writing, refuting all the lies, and garbage, person to person, make it REAL, honest, actionable, convincing, and strong. Even fingers stuck at the edges of the closing door keeps any light coming in through the crack. (better yet - make it a stick - then you have your fingers free to write , draw and type! hah!)

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Songgirl Kim's avatar

I have been a digital subscriber to The Guardian for several years, but yes, let’s see how long it lasts now.

Because of Musk, I’ve let my twitter account go dormant. But I’ll always follow you here.

Also, a huge thank you for posting your newsletters for free. Many of us are older, single, and living on a tight budget. I appreciate you.

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alice jena's avatar

You speak the truth. Bless you and your family. Prayers for the Constitution

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Kassi's avatar

Cancelled NY Times this am. Was only keeping it for Wordle. I don’t hold high hopes for the times. They’ll bend the knee.

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Don Hawkins's avatar

I am moving off of ALL commercial, billionaire social media , over to the #Fediverse . Moving day is this weekend. Done & done.

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Don Hawkins's avatar

C’mon peeps, learn some new shite. Go ahead, keep your old shite, but give the Fediverse a look-see!

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Don Hawkins's avatar

Look at “WriteFreely” and consider hosting your own using Write.as

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Joan (CA)'s avatar

I’m glad you mentioned ProPublica. I’ll be looking for some new resources. And thanks for everything you’ve done.

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Victoria Brown's avatar

Thank you Mark. Never give up! Still not going back!

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Mark Josephson's avatar

I won’t be shutting up either.

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Sandy Gottstein's avatar

I’ve been supporting ProPublica monthly for a couple of years now and will continue to do so. Appreciate the suggestions you have given to add to my list and will appreciate getting others.

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Rain Robinson's avatar

Thank goodness for you and other Substack writers, Mark. Voices of sanity in the wilderness of lies and disinformation. I long ago gave up reading WaPo and NY Times for content; the comments were more worthy. My subs for both run out soon and I'm not going back.

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