Since Eat That Read This closed up shop earlier this year (RIP), it’s been hard (for me at least) to keep track of all that’s going on in Pittsburgh media. Things are tough, you guys, and there’s a need for good reporters now more than ever. I’m going to try to use this newsletter as a space for conversations about media in Pittsburgh. I’ve worked in media in this region for almost two decades and I still don’t think I know all the backstory to everything. But I know a few things and my memory is long. Heh.
I don’t want this newsletter to be all about me, though; my goal is to interview people working in local media, and that doesn’t just mean traditional journalism. There are a lot of interesting media projects going on locally and I’m sure I don’t know about all of them so please send tips and suggestions.
I’m also hoping to do some original reporting; I have lots of ideas I can’t always find a home for because freelance budgets at most publications (locally and nationally) are almost non-existent right now.
But for now, how about an ICYMI-style roundup.
media in the 412
Pittsburgh City Paper: I was so sad to see CP had to furlough some of its staff last week; they’ve been doing absolutely essential work, especially covering the ongoing protests and the saga over at the Post-Gazette. Join me in becoming a member at CP if you can, so we can support local journalism. Here’s hoping these furloughs are temporary.
The Post-Gazette: Still a mess. Alexis Johnson filed a lawsuit, Michael Santiago took a buyout and the executive editor wrote more incoherent drivel demonstrating that management has learned nothing from the entire debacle (I’m not linking it here but that rant appeared in the Sunday 6/28 editions). All the union was asking for was for management to apologize for pulling Alexis from protest coverage but they instead doubled down on “journalistic principles” from the Stone Age (i.e. informed by the white, male gaze). Pulitzer Prize-winner Wesley Lowery had an excellent piece about how this obsession with “objectivity” has become untenable in 21st-century media.
Five Minutes With: Natalie Bencivenga left the Post-Gazette in April but she’s still an essential voice in Pittsburgh media, always doing something creative and interesting, and always with compassion. Her Five Minutes With interviews on the Alone Together Facebook show are fun, interesting interviews with a diverse collection of Pittsburghers. Her Ask Natalie advice column is alive and well (and just as vital as ever).
1Hood Media has continued to lead conversations about race in Pittsburgh and doing vital work for the community, including this Ask a Black Doctor discussion and the This Week in White Supremacy podcast. They’re holding a Black Lives Matter Here benefit concert July 3rd.
I’m reading
Anything by Tereneh Idia. Her Open Letter to Alexis Johnson was especially great.
This post from VICE about what VCs in Silicon Valley think of journalism (lol)
Just got Know Your Price by Andre Perry. Can’t wait to dig in to this.
A few good things
Shout out to my friend Bobby Cherry who organized a GoFundMe emergency relief fund for Pittsburgh journalists. We were able to give grants to several local journalists whose jobs were affected by the pandemic. Thanks to everyone who contributed, and watch this space for possible future efforts.
Local news initiatives I’m watching: The McKeesport Community Newsroom and The Pittsburgh Media Partnership.
What else is happening, who should I talk to, what are you interested in? Please reply and let me know; this newsletter is a work in progress and I want it to be a thoughtful, useful way to hold media in Pittsburgh accountable and highlight some of the great work happening. Pitch me story ideas!
And follow Dave DiCello on Twitter (and support his store!) for your daily dose of beautiful skylines:
PS: wear your mask