Tech To Truth: Sam Kessler on the Ethics and Investigations Driving Crypto

In episode #of 16 Beyond the Beat, Pedro interviews Sam Kessler, Deputy Managing Editor at CoinDesk, discussing his journey from tech to journalism, the intricacies of writing headlines, and the challenges of investigative reporting in the crypto space.

They delve into the EigenLabs investigation, the ethics of journalism, and the pervasive conflicts of interest within the industry. Sam shares insights on the importance of transparency in media and the evolving landscape of crypto journalism, emphasizing the need for deeper understanding of blockchain technology among journalists.

Takeaways

• Sam transitioned from tech to journalism during COVID.
• Writing a good lead is often harder than the article itself.
• Investigative journalism in crypto is both exciting and challenging.
• Ethics in journalism require clear communication with sources.
• The EigenLabs investigation highlighted conflicts of interest in crypto.
• Transparency in media is crucial for credibility.
• Crypto journalism needs more on-chain investigations.
• Credulousness in reporting can lead to misinformation.
• The narrative-driven nature of crypto can skew perceptions.
• Reading science fiction can inspire creative thinking in journalism.

Episode chapters:

• 00:00 From Tech to Journalism: Sam's Journey
• 02:55 The Art of Headlines and Leads
• 06:00 Investigative Reporting in Crypto
• 10:55 From CNN to Crypto Journalism - Lessons and Differences
• 14:47 Ins and Outs Of Being a Journalist
• 21:23 The EigenLabs Investigation: A Deep Dive
• 28:38 Conflicts of Interest in Crypto
• 32:27 The Role of Media in Shaping Narratives
• 35:46 We Need More On-Chain-Based News
• 37:42 On Embargoes and Reporting Opinions vs Facts
• 41:16 Crypto Is All About Narratives
• 45:45 Book Recommendations

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