Top News:


As more people use voice-activated smart speakers to request news, publishers are turning newscasts into conversations, challenging the foundations of radio — Smart speakers are challenging the foundations of radio, and news outlets are racing to find a place on the platform
Discussion:
@isalara, @niemanlab, @gnelsoncenter, @kelseyproud, @jypyk, @niemanlab, @niemanlab, @gbullard, American Press Institute and NPR


Interview with Erin Lee Carr about her new book, All That You Leave Behind, exploring her relationship with her father, journalist David Carr — Carr's new memoir, “All That You Leave Behind,” documents her relationship with her father, the former Times reporter and columnist David Carr …
Discussion:
@raisingrippers, @raymondpsimon, @jswatz, @erinleecarr and @bryanmarquard


Facebook and Google have placed op-eds and dozens of paid “native ad” articles across major publications, amid other media efforts, to steer future regulations — Three years on from the US election, tech firms are seeking rules that won't hit their profits
Discussion:
@stedavies, @janebsinger, @mediaguardian, New York Post and New York Times


Interview with Andy Towle, founder and EIC of LGBTQ news site Towleroad, on its origins before social media, how it has survived, and its evolving news approach — Towleroad began as a hobby. An LGBTQ news site, it was started in 2003 after its founder and editor-in-chief, Andy Towle, left Genre, a gay lifestyle magazine.
Discussion:
@sarphanuzunoglu, @cjr, @msignorile and @hemantmehta

[Thread] How Publici and Gannett partnered on tech to analyze state-level legislation, revealing the extensive role special interests had in writing bills — A tale of journalism innovation and collaboration: Several years ago, the @Publici state politics team started to realize there were a lot of special interests pushing copycat bills state-by-state.
Discussion:
@jsmithhopkins, @twallack and @abalcerzak


UK whitepaper proposes “code of best practice” for how internet platforms should deal with harmful content, suggests expanding liability to tech company execs — Internet sites could be fined or blocked if they fail to tackle “online harms” such as terrorist propaganda and child abuse, under government plans.
Discussion:
Wall Street Journal, CNN, Washington Post, @vranicawsj, The Guardian, Bloomberg and @cjsnowdon, more at Techmeme »


While studios offer showrunners money from syndication and ads, value is not as quantifiable on streaming services whose advances and buyouts inflate contracts — Rank-and-file scribes may be struggling, but at the other end of the spectrum, superstar talents like Shonda Rhimes and Greg Berlanti …
Discussion:
EW.com


Survey: fewer than 50% of US adults expect Google to collect data on users' activities on its platforms or apps, track personal browsing for ad targeting, more — Numerous privacy scandals over the past couple of years have fueled the need for increased examination of tech companies' data tracking practices.
Discussion:
@eff, @niemanlab and Digital Content Next


25 years after the Rwandan genocide, the country has made progress in building a legal framework for press freedom but continues to be wary of journalism — April 7 marks 25 years since the start of the Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Since then, the Rwandan government has had a complex relationship with the press.


After spending its early years searching for an identity, a look at MSNBC's narrow, left-wing focus on Trump's scandals to the exclusion of any other news — On January 31, Rachel Maddow, the eponymous host of The Rachel Maddow Show, returned from a commercial break.
Discussion:
@jackshafer, @newrepublic, @patblanchfield, @newrepublic, @newrepublic, @newrepublic, @amandamarcotte, @newrepublic, @jakebackpack, @newrepublic, @ggreenwald and Mediaite


The creators of HBO's Westworld, Lisa Joy and Jonah Nolan, are leaving Warner Bros. TV to join Amazon, in what sources estimate is a deal worth $30M+/year — Lisa Joy and Jonah Nolan have exited their home at Warner Bros. TV but will remain involved with the HBO genre drama.
Discussion:
The A.V. Club, @deadline, Vanity Fair, @sharontalyguado, Deadline, Engadget, /Film and The Verge


YouTube, which used to highlight and promote independent creators, is shifting toward more commercial, advertiser-friendly content as it battles misinformation — Danny Philippou is mad. — He's practically standing on top of his chair as his twin brother and fellow YouTube creator Michael stares on in amusement.
Discussion:
@normankarel, @glenngabe, @pejames, @arabellabreck and @cartoonbrew