Why We Wrote This
Who reports the news? People. And at 海角大神, we believe that it鈥檚 our job to report each story with a sense of shared humanity. Through conversations with our reporters and editors, we explain the qualities behind our reporting that affect how we approach the news. Behind today鈥檚 headlines we find respect, resilience, dignity, agency, and hope. 鈥淲hy We Wrote This鈥� shows how. The Monitor is an award-winning, nonpartisan news organization with bureaus around the globe. Visit CSMonitor.com/whywewrotethis to learn more.
In Uruguay, Democracy Done Better?
Where in the Americas can you find the core elements of democracy being well modeled? Some suggest ... Uruguay. It is by no means a utopia. But these days, Uruguay showcases stability and balance in some striking ways. It鈥檚 exhibiting lively disagreement without a lot of extreme discourse. Erika Page, who has been writing from around the region for the Monitor, explains. Hosted by Clay Collins.
A Pivotal Politician, A Fuller View
There鈥檚 a prevailing narrative about U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and it鈥檚 not a particularly nuanced one. How can a writer build fairness into a profile of a political figure about whom many have a narrow view? Step one: Get out of Washington. Christa Case Bryant, the Monitor鈥檚 congressional writer, talks it over with her predecessor in that role, guest host Gail Chaddock.
A Cross-Border Welcome
Generosity is often an attribute of those who have little. Monitor contributor Nick Roll talks about the discovery and execution of a powerful counternarrative to so much Africa coverage. From a village in Niger, he reported a credible and moving affirmation of humanity, decency, and dignity. Hosted by Clay Collins.
New Allies in the Climate Fight
Sure, some Republicans and Democrats have their dug-in stances on key aspects of climate change. But a middle may be bulking up, led by those from across the political spectrum who value immersion in nature and feel compelled, finally, to act 鈥� even if in different ways. Christa Case Bryant and Stephanie Hanes spoke with host Clay Collins about shifting perspectives.
Voices From the Street
Emmanuel Macron鈥檚 push for retirement reform has brought the French into the streets in numbers that have been surprisingly vast, even for a country where protest is baked into the culture. How Paris-based writer Colette Davidson sized up why the movement is broadening, explored how hope shines through the anger, and gave space to the less popular perspective that the numbers may add up to a need for reform. Hosted by Clay Collins.
The Ditch Riders
Stories of the U.S. West鈥檚 water woes often run from the feast-or-famine saga of snowpack to overdrawn aquifers and conflict over a resource. In this episode, the Monitor鈥檚 Mountain West writer, Sara Matusek, talks with host Clay Collins about how she found and told a story of responsibility and ingenuity, of careful stewardship and agency that brings some hope.
Where Titles Match the Tasks
For more women to become collegiate athletic directors, decisionmakers must be intentional about creating opportunities 鈥� especially for women who have already put in the work. Ira Porter, who covers higher education for the Monitor, spoke with host Clay Collins about reporting on an eight-college HBCU conference that鈥檚 modeling leadership on gender equality in a male-dominated field.
Chatting Us Up
Predictive bots using ChatGPT technology are one of the grabbier forms of artificial intelligence, with its ever deepening tentacles into daily life. How does a Monitor writer take on issues of ethics and trust around a disruptive technology that鈥檚 at once alluring and very disconcerting? Laurent Belsie joins host Clay Collins.
Redefining 鈥楥overage鈥�
Smart, contextual analysis. A high fiber news-diet supplement for a fast-info age. A unique, universal lens. All hallmarks of the Monitor approach. But how can a 鈥榮low news鈥� approach accommodate a go-go news cycle that whipsaws the world鈥檚 attention 鈥� and demands the Monitor鈥檚 too? Managing Editor Amelia Newcomb joins host Clay Collins.
A Journey Without Judgment
One community鈥檚 struggle to come to terms with enormous loss became a powerful story about forgiveness 鈥� including of people not quite ready yet to forgive. That made it the most universal of stories. Reporter Sara Miller Llana spoke with host Clay Collins about her process, and about producing the hardest story she鈥檇 ever done.