The Inside Look: Chatting with the New York Times’ trust editor. | The Kicker

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The interview provides valuable insights into the internal workings of a major news organization’s trust-building efforts. Abrams offers concrete examples, such as the Epstein files investigation and the ’no surprises’ email practice, which illustrate the challenges and strategies in fostering trust. His argumentation is coherent and grounded in professional experience, though it is largely anecdotal and lacks empirical evidence beyond the cited Gallup poll. The discussion is thoughtful and addresses criticisms, such as the potential for trust work to be seen as PR, which strengthens the credibility of the argument.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The interview demonstrates a high level of rigor, with Abrams referencing specific studies and articles, including the Gallup poll and a Media Matters/GLAAD report on trans coverage. The sources are credible and relevant. The title accurately reflects the content, and the discussion stays on topic. The show notes provide links to the mentioned sources, enhancing transparency. The conversation is well-structured and maintains a professional tone, contributing to the overall reliability of the content.

The title accurately reflects the content: a conversation with the New York Times' trust editor about trust in media.

8/10

The interview features a senior editor from the New York Times discussing trust in journalism, with references to specific studies and articles. The discussion is nuanced and grounded in professional experience, though it is primarily anecdotal and lacks independent verification.

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

• 00:00Introduction of guest Mike Abrams, trust editor at The New York Times.
• 02:00Abrams explains his role and the trust team's mission.
• 05:00Discussion on declining trust in institutions and the Gallup poll.
• 10:00Examples of trust-building initiatives: reporter photos, bios, and vertical videos.
• 15:00Difference between trust team and standards team.
• 20:00Comparison to PR and the role of the trust team in addressing mistakes.
• 25:00Discussion on seeking comment from sources and the 'no surprises' email.
• 30:00Handling sources leaking emails and media literacy.
• 35:00The importance of accuracy and independent reporting.
• 40:00Advice for reporters: assume readers know your process.

• Reporters seek comment. What happens next may surprise you. — Referenced as the Q&A that sparked the interview.
• Trust in Media at New Low of 28% in U.S. — Cited as evidence of low trust in media.
• Seen but not heard: The New York Times failed to quote trans people in two-thirds of stories on anti-trans legislation in a one-year period. — Mentioned in the context of critiques of specific storylines.

• Trust in Media at New Low of 28% in U.S. — Supports the claim of low trust in media.

• Seen but not heard: The New York Times failed to quote trans people in two-thirds of stories on anti-trans legislation in a one-year period. — This report criticizes the Times' coverage, contrasting with the positive view presented in the interview.