In this episode of Let's Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri speaks with Dan Samorodnitsky, co-founder of Sequencer Magazine - a new subscriber-funded, digital science magazine.
A discussion of Sequencer's origins and the challenges of running an independent media outlet in today's challenging media landscape. Dan shares his insights on the decline of traditional print media - driven by factors like advertising shifts, late-stage capitalism, and the rise of digital platforms.
He explains how reader-supported models offer a sustainable path forward for journalism, as evidenced by the success of outlets like Defector and Sequencer.
Dan also touches on his experiences as a freelance science writer, highlighting the precarious nature of the gig economy and the importance of moral considerations when pursuing journalism.
He also discusses some of the most pressing issues in science today, such as the resurgence of eugenics and the influence of money and power in scientific research.
Dan concludes with advice for aspiring journalists, encouraging them to diversify their skills and resist the pressure of what he calls a "journalism purity culture."
Sequencer Magazine can be found on their website, along with on social media (Instagram, LinkedIn, and X).
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