Dean Baquet Champions Press Freedom and Innovation as the First Black Executive Editor of The New York Times

Dean Baquet Warns of Threats to Press Freedom

Dean Baquet, the first Black executive editor of The New York Times, recently spoke at Brandeis University about the challenges facing journalism in today’s polarized climate. He highlighted the dangers of government lawsuits aimed at silencing the press, citing former President Donald Trump’s $20 billion lawsuit against CBS News as an example.

“I hope and pray that CBS does not settle what everybody thinks is a frivolous lawsuit,” Baquet said. He warned that such actions could set a dangerous precedent, making it harder for journalists to hold those in power accountable. Baquet’s remarks come at a time when press freedom is under increasing threat, with lawsuits and political pressure targeting news organizations.

Embracing Innovation in Journalism

During his visit, Baquet emphasized the importance of adapting to new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). He compared AI’s potential impact to that of the internet, urging journalists to embrace it rather than fear it. “We should dive right in, learn everything we can about it, and seize it,” he said.

Baquet also criticized The Washington Post for narrowing its range of published opinions, calling it a step backward for democracy. He stressed the need for newsrooms to remain open to diverse perspectives, especially in a time of intense political division.

Lessons from the 2016 Election

Baquet reflected on the media’s failure to predict Donald Trump’s victory in the 2016 presidential election. “None of us knew,” he admitted. “I don’t think we had a handle on the country.”

Sarah Sobieraj, a Tufts University sociologist, echoed this sentiment. She explained that many Americans were turning to ideologically driven media, which created an echo chamber of outrage and validation. “One person described it as like going to political church,” she said. Baquet urged journalists to better understand their audiences and adapt to changing media consumption habits.

The Crisis in Local Journalism

As the head of The New York Times’ Local Investigations Fellowship, Baquet is deeply concerned about the decline of local journalism. “It’s a crisis,” he said, noting that financial struggles are eroding the public’s access to important community news.

He called on communities to support local news outlets through donations and subscriptions. Baquet believes that strong local journalism is essential for holding power to account and maintaining a healthy democracy.

A Call for Curiosity and Open-Mindedness

Baquet encouraged aspiring journalists to remain curious and open-minded. “I think the best journalists are widely educated, open to other ideas,” he said. He also shared a lighthearted moment, advising students not to follow his example of dropping out of college to start his career.

The event at Brandeis, part of the Elaine Wong Distinguished Lecture Series, brought together top journalists and academics to discuss the future of journalism. Interim Brandeis President Arthur Levine highlighted the role of journalists in navigating the shift to a global, digital economy.

Dean Baquet’s insights remind us of the vital role journalism plays in democracy. His call for innovation, curiosity, and resilience is a roadmap for the next generation of journalists.