Design Matters with Debbie Millman David Remnick
Apr 8, 2024
David Remnick, Editor of The New Yorker, shares insights on his journalism journey, experiences in Russia, and the impact of demagoguery on news credibility. From Yeshiva mishaps to interviewing icons, his reflections on writing, music as escapism, and the evolving media landscape make for an engaging discussion.
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Tina Brown's "Basically Fine" Note That Stung
- David Remnick recalls an early profile note from editor Tina Brown that said his piece was "basically fine," which he describes as a devastating editor reaction.
- He tells this to illustrate how harsh brief editorial judgments can stick with a writer for decades and shape memory of work.
Village Voice At The 7-11 Sparked City Ambition
- Remnick describes obsessively reading the Village Voice at a local 7-11 as a teenager and treating it as a window into another life.
- He used that exposure to urban culture and alternative voices as fuel for his ambitions to work in New York.
Journalism Once Felt Like A Stable Career
- Remnick argues journalism once offered more financial stability, making it a practical choice for someone who needed to earn a living for family obligations.
- He contrasts the 'fat and happy' era he entered with today's precarity driven by digital ad shifts.