Talking news and media with Max Fisher

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The video provides valuable insights into the philosophy and practice of explainer journalism. Both Harris and Fisher articulate the importance of helping audiences understand complex issues, and they share personal anecdotes that illustrate their commitment to this mission. Their argumentation is coherent and grounded in their extensive experience in the field. They make a compelling case for the value of independent, rigorous journalism in an era of information overload and misinformation.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The video is a conversation between two journalists, so it does not rely heavily on external sources. However, they reference specific works, such as Steve Coll’s ‘Ghost Wars’, and their own experiences at major news organizations, which adds credibility. The title accurately reflects the content. The discussion is thoughtful and well-structured, though it is more anecdotal than rigorously sourced.

The title accurately reflects the content: a conversation about news and media between Johnny Harris and Max Fisher.

8/10

The conversation features two experienced journalists discussing their craft and the media landscape. They reference specific works (e.g., 'Ghost Wars' by Steve Coll) and their own professional experiences, lending credibility. However, the discussion is largely anecdotal and lacks formal citations or data, so it is not a rigorous academic source.

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 00:00Introduction: Johnny announces the new channel 'The Bigger Picture' with Max Fisher.
• 02:00Max Fisher enters the studio and they discuss the tiny size of the studio.
• 05:00They discuss their origin stories and how they got into journalism.
• 10:00They talk about the importance of explainer journalism and the 'aha' moment.
• 15:00Discussion about the role of visuals and maps in storytelling.
• 20:00They recall creating the famous Syrian Civil War explainer at Vox.
• 25:00Reflections on the evolution of media and the impact of digital video.
• 30:00Discussion about the future of media and the role of AI.
• 35:00They talk about the Newpress platform and their vision for independent journalism.
• 40:00Closing remarks and encouragement to subscribe to 'The Bigger Picture'.

• Newpress — Mentioned as the platform for creator-led journalism.
• NPR Planet Money transcript — Linked in the description, possibly related to a previous collaboration.
• NYT article on blue states legislation — Linked in the description as an example of Harris's work.
• NYT video on COVID pandemic response — Linked in the description as an example of Harris's work.
• Vox Borders video — Linked in the description as an example of Harris's work.

• Newpress — The platform they are launching, consistent with their vision.

• docs.google.com