SunFest Preview with Dean Baquet on the state of media in America

Former New York Times executive editor Dean Baquet reflects on the evolution of journalism, emphasizing the necessity of hard work, empathy, and adaptability in a rapidly changing media landscape. The discussion highlights the critical role of investigative journalism, specifically citing the Harvey Weinstein coverage as a catalyst for the #MeToo movement. Baquet addresses the challenges of covering an era of unprecedented political rhetoric, noting the difficulty of maintaining objective, sober reporting when faced with frequent misinformation. He expresses concern over the consolidation of media ownership, which threatens the independence of news organizations. To navigate the current information overload, he advises consumers to identify and financially support a select group of trusted, non-profit or subscription-based news outlets to ensure the sustainability of credible, independent journalism.