#045: Being a good journalist is harder than you think - Claire Connelly

Summary: For show notes and links: neuralle.com/podcast  Claire Connelly ( @_ClaireConnelly ) is an award winning freelance journalist, Founder of Hello Humans, Editor-in-Chief of Renegade Inc and soon-to-be author. To me, Claire underlines the importance of the Fourth Estate, and what their role in society is - to make you think. My recent discussion with Dr James Martin illuminated this more than any interview, with his example being the mainstream media’s treatment of drugs busts. More often than not a large scale drug bust will be broadcast on the news, with Australian Federal Police in tactical gear (as if they’ve just come straight from the bust), and broad assumptions on market value dictated to the interviewing media. No one questions whether this is the best investment of drug policy dollars, or whether it indeed saves lives of the dependent users. This example, underlines the importance of Claire’s exacting and critical analysis of the realities of our society. She’s an incredible writer, with a clear-headedness that allows her to identify her own biases as she works. I have much respect for all she’s achieved, and all she will achieve in future. I strongly suggest that if you enjoy this discussion you go support her work through Patreon Hello Humans. Key talking points: Knowledge, wanting to be right Claire’s Jewish background Being a good journalist Objectivity vs. opinion Deconstructing popular narratives of history Politics, the internet net neutrality On the truths of war, Smedley Butler Sapiens Commentary on the world today What is government for? Decentralisation, centralisation, govt. business An ultimate form of government Capitalism, inequality and democratic socialism Self-sufficiency in media Hello Humans What is Renegade Inc? Advice to prospective journalism students Enjoy the episode, Jordan Lauren