Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams: Episode Summary

Episode: New Media and How Emerging Voices Are Shaping What We Know
Release Date: September 12, 2024
Hosts: Stacey Abrams
Guests: Paolo Ramos (Journalist and Author) and Joseph Ferguson (Producer and Host of Washington Post's TikTok Account)
Produced by: Crooked Media

1. Introduction and Context

In the premiere episode of Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams, host Stacey Abrams delves into the transformation of the news landscape, contrasting traditional media outlets with emerging voices in new media. Abrams sets the stage by reminiscing about her early experiences with news consumption—reading newspapers and watching evening news broadcasts from networks like NBC, CBS, and ABC. She highlights the evolution brought about by MTV News in the late 1980s and early 1990s, which bridged the gap between current events and pop culture, making news more accessible and relatable to younger audiences.

Abrams emphasizes the current challenge: while society faces complex issues such as affordable housing, conflicts like Gaza, and the erosion of abortion rights, the proliferation of media channels has made it difficult for audiences to discern trustworthy information amidst a storm of voices.

Notable Quote:
Stacey Abrams ([00:07]): “We can each do something, somewhere, soon.”

2. Personal Journeys into Journalism

a. Paolo Ramos's Background

Paolo Ramos shares his deep-rooted connection to journalism, influenced by his family's legacy. With both parents and his grandfather being journalists, Ramos was almost destined to pursue a career in the field. His family’s immigrant experience, fleeing authoritarian regimes in Mexico and Cuba, instilled in him a commitment to freedom of expression.

Notable Quote:
Paolo Ramos ([06:10]): “I almost had no option but to be standing where I am today.”

Transitioning from politics to journalism after working on Obama's 2012 reelection and Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign, Ramos found his true calling in media, where he could ask the tough questions he felt constrained to pose in politics.

b. Joseph Ferguson's Background

Joseph Ferguson recounts his introduction to politics and journalism through his family's discussions on history and power dynamics. Overcoming a speech disability through participation in Model United Nations, Ferguson developed strong communication skills and a passion for storytelling. His early experiences in local news in Charlotte and Atlanta solidified his dedication to providing clarity and context in reporting.

Notable Quote:
Joseph Ferguson ([08:51]): “Understanding your voice and your power… really helped me understand competing interests.”

3. The Role of Empathy and Questioning in Journalism

Abrams steers the conversation towards the foundational principles that guide both Ramos and Ferguson's journalistic endeavors. Ramos emphasizes accountability and empathy, drawing lessons from his family's journalistic integrity.

Notable Quotes:
Paolo Ramos ([11:10]): “Hold those in power accountable.”
Paolo Ramos ([11:34]): “Lead with empathy.”
Paolo Ramos ([11:58]): “Know when you have to shut your mouth and listen.”

Ferguson echoes the importance of providing historical context to current events, ensuring that journalism not only reports facts but also connects them to broader narratives.

Notable Quote:
Joseph Ferguson ([13:31]): “Nothing happens in a vacuum.”

4. Evolving Media Landscape and Audience Targeting

The discussion shifts to how social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have become primary news sources for younger generations. Ramos and Ferguson explore the strengths and weaknesses of these new media channels in fostering informed communities.

Paolo Ramos: Highlights the shift in the Latino audience, noting the rise of third-generation Latinos who consume news predominantly in English and through social media rather than traditional Spanish-language networks.

Notable Quote:
Paolo Ramos ([19:42]): “We can no longer just do a hit on MSNBC without putting something on TikTok.”

Joseph Ferguson: Discusses the importance of authenticity and platform-specific strategies to engage audiences. He emphasizes producing content that resonates with the unique language and culture of each social media platform.

Notable Quote:
Joseph Ferguson ([24:02]): “Authenticity… audiences will be able to sniff out if you are not being yourself.”

5. Challenges of Disinformation and Misinformation

Both guests address the rampant spread of disinformation, particularly targeting young Black men and Latinos. Ramos speaks to the necessity of maintaining trust through consistent, fact-based reporting across multiple platforms. Ferguson underscores the difficulty of combating misinformation but remains optimistic about the role of thorough, authentic journalism in countering false narratives.

Notable Quotes:
Paolo Ramos ([21:51]): “We're up against bringing back the audience to the facts and to news as we know it.”
Joseph Ferguson ([32:34]): “Good reporting and thoroughly fact-checking… helps gain trust.”

6. Strategies for Engaging and Building Trust

Ramos and Ferguson elaborate on effective strategies for modern journalism:

• Consistency and Multi-Platform Presence: Ramos asserts the need to maintain a presence across various media channels to build and sustain audience trust.

• Authenticity and Value: Ferguson advises journalists to be authentic and provide valuable, analytical content that viewers would seek out independently.

Notable Quotes:
Paolo Ramos ([31:16]): “Build trust with your audience.”
Joseph Ferguson ([25:09]): “Make stuff that you would want to see on the Internet.”

7. The Future of Journalism and Advice for Aspiring Journalists

As the media landscape continues to evolve, Ramos and Ferguson offer guidance to aspiring journalists:

• Find Your Voice: Ramos encourages journalists to develop a unique perspective shaped by their lived experiences.

• Focus on the Message, Not the Medium: Ferguson advises concentrating on the substance of the reporting rather than the platform used to deliver it.

Notable Quotes:
Paolo Ramos ([46:02]): “Find your voice.”
Joseph Ferguson ([46:36]): “The message, not the medium.”

8. Conclusion and Toolkit Segment

In the final segment, Abrams introduces actionable strategies for listeners to combat misinformation and engage more deeply with news sources. Both guests reinforce the importance of multi-source information consumption and critical analysis.

Ramos emphasizes the necessity of presenting empathetic, humanizing stories to foster better dialogue and understanding. Ferguson highlights the significance of clarity and context in reporting to empower audiences with actionable knowledge.

Notable Quotes:
Paolo Ramos ([41:48]): “Humanize where all of this is coming from.”
Joseph Ferguson ([43:53]): “Clarity and context… is what I've seen as the best way to communicate news.”

Abrams wraps up the episode by inviting listeners to engage with the podcast’s toolkit, encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and active participation in journalism.

Key Takeaways:

• Empathy and Accountability: Essential traits for modern journalists to build trust and connect with diverse audiences.
• Multi-Platform Presence: Necessary for reaching and maintaining engagement with younger, digitally native demographics.
• Authenticity: Critical for distinguishing genuine reporting from disinformation.
• Historical Context: Provides depth and understanding, preventing news from being perceived as isolated events.
• Audience-Centric Strategies: Tailoring content to the unique cultures and preferences of each platform enhances relatability and impact.

Toolkit Recommendations:

• Find Your Unique Voice: Leverage personal experiences to offer distinct perspectives in reporting.
• Consume Diverse Sources: Encourage multi-source news consumption to gain comprehensive understanding.
• Engage Authentically: Be genuine in communication to foster trust and credibility with audiences.
• Provide Clarity and Context: Ensure that reporting not only presents facts but also explains the underlying reasons and implications.

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams continues to explore the dynamic intersection of journalism, media, and community engagement, offering listeners insightful discussions and practical tools to navigate the ever-changing news landscape.