The Lead

Jeff Ernsthausen on using data to tell investigative stories

In this episode, Atlanta Journal-Constitution data journalist Jeff Ernsthausen talks about the importance of interviewing data as thoroughly as any other source and how the path to success doesn’t look the same for everyone.

Selwyn Crawford on telling good stories in an age of quickness

Selwyn Crawford, the Assistant Metro Editor at The Dallas Morning News, talks about how the public attitude toward the media has changed and the importance of relearning how to tell captivating stories.

Cathy Farr and Lucas Mire on evolving styles of journalistic storytelling

CNN’s Cathy Farr and Lucas Mire talk about emerging media, such as virtual reality, and how to prepare for roles in journalism that don’t exist yet.

Greg Bluestein on covering politics in a divided community

AJC political reporter Greg Bluestein talks about covering politics in a hyperpartisan climate and the challenges presented by fake news.

Steve Inskeep on creating engaging audio stories with compelling narratives

Steve Inskeep, host of NPR’s “Morning Edition” and podcast “Up First," talks about the importance of using characters in audio stories and how the media landscape is changing, in radio and beyond.

Bonus: Introducing the new hosts of The Lead

In this bonus episode, we announce and get to know next year's hosts — that's plural — of The Lead podcast.

Erica Hernandez on being a millennial in a legacy newsroom

Erica Hernandez, a multimedia journalist at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, talks about what it's like to be a millennial in a legacy newsroom, as well as the importance of cross-platform, hyperlocal journalism.

Bob Sullivan on the value of entrepreneurial business journalism

Bob Sullivan, an award-winning independent journalist and best-selling author, discusses why the media industry needs more independent journalists and how college students can develop loyal audiences.

Nsenga Burton on how to make digital-first newsrooms more inclusive

Nsenga Burton, digital editor of Grady Newsource and an instructor at the Grady College of Journalism at the University of Georgia, talks about how modern media organizations can make their newsrooms more representative of the audiences they serve.

Rebecca Burns on the importance of independent student journalism

Rebecca Burns, publisher of The Red & Black student newspaper at the University of Georgia, discusses why independent student journalism matters and gives advice on what aspiring media leaders should focus on in order to have successful careers.