Media and culture critic for the New York Times David Carr and former Times executive editor Jill Abramson were invited by WBUR Boston’s NPR news Station to discuss what David Carr describes as the “present future”, when the production and distribution of media is in constant flu and the impact it has on the news at Boston University on October 20th, 2014.
When the co-host Jeremy Hobson asked Carr “What media organization is doing things they exactly should? Carr answer without thinking “No one.” He thinks that we are able to curate and produce news easily nowadays and there has never been a better time. He mentioned that Vice’s coverage on ISIL and Wall Street Journal’s work on Ukraine were both examples of good work. “We are able to bundle ideas together, but the problem is you never get to the end of it. And that could be confusing.” stated Carr.
Media and culture critic for the New York Times David Carr (L)and former Times executive editor Jill Abramson(R). By Ann Wang
Carr and Abramson talked like they were in their old office at the Times, the topics expend from culture, books, news and their daily lives, and of course mentioning Abramson being “fired” from the New York Times. They talked about both went from full time news person to being a teacher and what they’ve learned while interacting with students. Perhaps because of the close relationship they have with each other. Abramson who is now teaching at Harvard University, reviled that she wants to get back to writing and reporting. She said “ Its a start up, a place for great stories, great journalism and money they can live on.”. The format nor the name of her start up has not been decided, but she would be in charge of finding good stories, editing and concentrating it. However, competition could come from everywhere now, it used to be news organization against each other, now it could come from social media. “If it is news anyone will point it at you.” said Carr.
Audience laugh at David Carrr and Jill Abramson's jokes. By Ann Wang
The conversation between Carr and Abramson was bold and cynical and it certainly grab the audience’s attention.The audience that packed the Tsai Performance Center were constantly either laughing or clapping their hands to show their agreements or salut. Abramson even joked that she could know speak her mind freely without being fear of getting fired. When being asked what’s their advice for journalist, Carr said that the real story doesn't come by just showing up and making big speeches, it takes time to dig in. Abramson answered with one simple sentence “Shut up and listen.”