The Lead

University of Georgia
  • 4.6 (9)
  • NEWS

How to get ahead in the news industry, told by the people who did. Hosted by Alexis Derickson and executive produced by Charlotte Varnum for the Cox Institute for Journalism Innovation, Management & Leadership at the University of Georgia.

  1. 1D AGO

    CNN International’s Jenni Watts on leading and adapting in a changing media world

    Jenni Watts, executive producer at CNN International, took an unconventional path into journalism. Beginning as a philosophy major at Auburn before moving into radio and eventually television. Her work spans environmental, cultural and technology features, with a career defined by adaptability and curiosity rather than following a linear path.   In this episode, Watts reflects on how her early career shifts shaped her approach to storytelling and why technical knowledge and strong interpersonal skills are essential in modern journalism. She also shares how covering the events of 9/11 solidified her commitment to the field, and offers advice to early-career journalists on embracing opportunity, staying curious and maintaining integrity as AI reshapes the industry. Find The Lead podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts at the link in bio. bit.ly/m/coxinstitute  Guest: Jenni Watts, Executive Producer at CNN International Host: Sidney Josephs

    18 min

  2. 04/09/2025

    The AJC’s Samira Jafari on journalism standards and practices

    Samira Jafari works at the intersection of timeliness and truth. As the head of standards and practices at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, she guides journalists in “bringing light, not heat” to ensure ethical codes are followed and truth prevails. With more than 20 years of experience producing news content across broadcast and digital platforms at CNN and the Associated Press, Jafari works to balance editorial integrity with creative storytelling. In this episode, we talk about determining newsworthiness, staying up-to-date on ethics codes, and building relationships with sources. Guest: Samira Jafari, head of standards and practices at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Host: Alexis Derickson.

    25 min

  3. 03/26/2025

    The AJC’s Drew Kann on climate and environment reporting

    Drew Kann’s reporting has taken him to the critically dwindling Colorado River, the citrus farms of the rural South, and the nuclear reactors currently under construction in Georgia. While each story may focus on one geographic area, the core of Kann’s reporting lies in the environmental implications for the globe in its entirety. As a climate, environment and energy reporter at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, he intertwines written stories with immersive visuals and data analyses, focusing on the real, human impact of breaking and developing climate news. In this episode, we talk about key Georgia climate trends, how to break down complex stories, and overcoming news fatigue. Guest: Drew Kann, climate, environment and energy reporter at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Host: Alexis Derickson.

    20 min

  4. 03/12/2025

    The New York Times’ Bill Ruthhart on early-career navigation

    Bill Ruthhart interacts with the next generation of journalists on a daily basis. As a writing coach and editor for Career Programs at The New York Times, Ruthhart guides 30 newsroom fellows into their development as impactful reporters and writers. Growing up in a family of journalists, he previously spent time covering politics and government at the Chicago Tribune and Indianapolis Star. Ruthhart’s newsroom foundation now informs his oversight of countless journalists in their early career navigation. In this episode, we talk about zeroing in on your niche, getting reps in early on in your career, and identifying perspectives and stories that may otherwise be overlooked. Guest: Bill Ruthhart, writing coach and editor for Career Programs at The New York Times Host: Alexis Derickson

    19 min

  5. 02/26/2025

    Dotdash Meredith’s Annie Campbell on food journalism's push to vertical

    Annie Campbell knew she didn’t want to pursue a career in hard news. When she graduated from the University of Georgia, the question that remained was how she could fuse her passions into a sustainable career path. Answering this question landed Campbell at Dotdash Meredith, where she is currently an Allrecipes associate editor. Campbell fuses her passion for food with content creation and storytelling, seeking to inform and empower all levels of home cooks. She previously served as a video talent in the “We Tried It” series. This is the final episode of our special three-part feature highlighting different branches of culture in journalism. Today, we talk about pitching your perspective, working remotely, and finding a sustainable career path to avoid burnout. Guest: Annie Campbell, Allrecipes associate editor at Dotdash Meredith. Host: Alexis Derickson.

    24 min

  6. 02/12/2025

    The AJC’s Olivia Wakim on food reporting

    Olivia Wakim understands that every great meal tells a story. As a digital content producer on the food and dining team at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Wakim narrates the flavors and origins of the Atlanta culinary scene. Having graduated from the University of Georgia in 2023, she is already making her mark at a major news outlet, bringing a fresh perspective and digital-first mindset to food and dining coverage. In this episode, we talk about securing a job at a major outlet post-grad, digital content trends, and keeping food coverage fresh in a competitive media space. Guest: Olivia Wakim, digital content producer on the food and dining team at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Host: Alexis Derickson.

    18 min

  7. 01/29/2025

    Country Living’s Anna Logan on home and design magazines

    When Anna Logan graduated, she never expected her future career would involve posing a duck for a kitchen shoot or outsmarting the weather to capture the perfect snowy home cover. As the senior homes and style editor at Country Living magazine, Logan has found herself in unlikely settings — yet, her appreciation for creativity and the little details has remained constant across her design and decor stories. To kick off this season, we are producing a special three-part feature highlighting different branches of culture in journalism. In this episode, we talk about the behind-the-scenes of magazine production, maintaining a brand aesthetic, and design trends for 2025. Guest: Anna Logan, senior homes and style editor at Country Living magazine. Host: Alexis Derickson.

    23 min

  8. 11/13/2024

    Mather Economics’ Matt Lindsay on the future of journalism revenue streams

    Matt Lindsay seeks to provide a new wave of revenue solutions to media publishers via innovative economic strategy. The founder and president of Mather Economics, he serves over 700 brands worldwide, including Hearst, The Wall Street Journal and CNBC, while managing over 6 billion dollars in revenue. Lindsay’s main goal is discovering new avenues for growth and profitability across print and digital platforms, maximizing revenue through increased subscriptions and reduced churn. Today, we talk about key economic strategies for media outlets, navigating the subscription model, and diversifying your news revenue portfolio. Guest: Matt Lindsay, founder and president of Mather Economics Host: Alexis Derickson.

    25 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

How to get ahead in the news industry, told by the people who did. Hosted by Alexis Derickson and executive produced by Charlotte Varnum for the Cox Institute for Journalism Innovation, Management & Leadership at the University of Georgia.

Information

  • Creator
    University of Georgia
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Lead