Crosscut and Steve Scher are joining forces. This Wednesday, Crosscut will debut a new podcast series with radio host Steve Scher. 'The Elephant in the Room' will bring you a series of candid conversations about the questions that Pacific Northwesterners would rather not talk about. Elephant #1: Why can't Seattle hang on to a public school superintendent?
Can't wait 'till Wednesday to hear it? Become a Crosscut member or renew your support today (Monday the 22nd) at the Olympic level or above to receive special advance access to the first episode!
Great journalism binds us together. The best journalism presents well-told stories that seek to explain big ideas with clarity, to ferret out the truths of a matter, to shine a light in dark corners. The best media outlets don’t just reflect the interests and concerns of a community, they are part of the community.
Crosscut can trace its lineage to the great journalism that once and still flourishes in the Pacific Northwest. When one outlet stumbles or loses its way, we need others to step in to fill the gap. That is Crosscut’s role and responsibility. Crosscut’s in-depth journalism is necessary now.
A free press, enshrined in our founding document, doesn’t ensure a great press. The constitution doesn’t make that promise. “Free” means just that; the media is free to write what it decides matters.
In too many cases, the press is driven by commercial interests that seek only the most readers, the most viewers, the most ears, the most clicks. There is nothing wrong with trying to reach people, to get the story out. But too often reaching the largest audience becomes the organization’s driving ambition.
We are inundated with stories about naked starlets and tarnished athletes, murders and car crashes. 'How you feel' replaces 'why did this happen'. 'Who is to blame' obscures 'how can we fix it'. Crosscut pushes back against that approach.
When I read a Mossback column by Knute Berger that reports on a decision to tear down an historic building or remake a neighborhood, I can count on context that explains events in terms of how they affect the community. The reporting of Bill Lucia and John Stang in Seattle and Olympia tracks the daily actions of local lawmakers while keeping the backstory in focus.
That is what I read in Crosscut. That is why I support it and why I am telling you this is the time, this is the moment to support this public media outlet. Pay for an institution that respects the community. Donate to Crosscut.
Become a Crosscut member at the Olympic level or above today to receive special advance access to Steve's first podcast.
