Journalism

Taking a page from the network news, local TV stations can create a sense of immediacy and urgency right at the beginning of the newscast. “That’s the secret sauce,” says Greg Derkowski, a veteran trainer.

Evan Smith, the founder of the Texas Tribune, has been a “true pioneer” in finding ways to cover local communities as a nonprofit. When Evan Smith co-founded the Texas Tribune back in 2009, digital-first nonprofit newsrooms were something of a rarity. So his move from top editor of the award-winning Texas Monthly magazine, at the urging of venture capitalist John Thornton, was considered slightly bizarre. As it turns out, Smith and company — he and Thornton recruited Texas Weekly editor Ross Ramsey to join the endeavor — had a good idea of what they were doing, or figured it out along the way.

CBS News and the network’s owned stations get a major streaming overhaul with a new name, the CBS News Streaming Network, dramatically expanded OTT programming and the launch of a new local streaming channel in Miami.

The trial comes at a time when those who argue that news outlets should pay a steeper price for getting something wrong are more emboldened than they’ve been in decades.

NBC Sports this week made the not-too-surprising announcement that much of its Beijing Olympics team would be covering next month’s Winter Games from afar, in Stamford, Conn., as the COVID pandemic once again disrupts the event. But the international outcry over human rights abuses in China, leading to a U.S. diplomatic boycott, has put extra scrutiny on how the network covers the games, starting with the telecast of the opening ceremonies on Feb. 4, with Mike Tirico hosting from Beijing and Today‘s Savannah Guthrie in the states.

Gayle King recently celebrated her 10th anniversary at CBS News, a significant achievement. But in the background, there have been reports that King may leave the network when her current contract expires in May. However, it now appears no such war will transpire, because CNN’s Brian Stelter, citing sources, reports that King has decided to renew her contract and remain with CBS.

Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts revealed late Thursday that she tested positive for COVID-19, which is why she has been absent from the morning airwaves. “Appreciate the concern about my absence this week on @GMA. Unfortunately I tested positive for Covid. Grateful my symptoms have been mild and that I’m doing well. Looking forward to returning as soon as I can,” she tweeted.

Journalists covering the Winter Olympics next month say they’ll do their work in Beijing on brand-new cellphones and laptops. When the games are over, they’ll simply leave them behind or throw them away. The reason: Reporters are concerned that any devices they use there could become infected with tracking software, enabling Chinese authorities to spy on their contents.

The Fox News host discussed with the White House press secretary how to dissuade the president from pursuing claims of voter fraud, newly disclosed documents show.

Due to concerns about COVID-19 and other COVID-related restrictions, ESPN will not be sending any news personnel to the Winter Olympics in China and will instead focus on covering the games remotely with a plan that will roll out prior to the beginning of competition next month. “The safety of our employees is of utmost importance to us,” said Norby Williamson, ESPN EVP, event and studio production and executive editor. “With the pandemic continuing to be a global threat, and with the COVID-related on-site restrictions in place for the Olympics that would make coverage very challenging, we felt that keeping our people home was the best decision for us.”

NBC News Digital Executive Editor David Firestone is retiring in mid-May after 45 years in the journalism business, the last five of them at NBC. Firestone joined NBC News on May 1, 2017. He first served as managing editor for NBC News Digital, and was promoted to executive editor in March of last year.

Dan Bongino will shift to 9 pm, completing the new Saturday lineup following the promotions for Jesse Watters and Jeanine Pirro.

Channels covering Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston and South Florida are available now for free, with additional channels to launch later this year.

As the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games approach and COVID-19 concerns mount, NBC Sports will not send any of its announcing teams to China, a spokesperson said Wednesday afternoon. “The announce teams for these Olympics, including figure skating, will be calling events from our Stamford (Conn.) facility due to COVID concerns,” Greg Hughes, senior vice president communications, NBC Sports, said.