Investigative Journalism's Tenacity Amidst Media Consolidation - Episode Hero Image

Investigative Journalism's Tenacity Amidst Media Consolidation

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Original Title: Lachlan Cartwright Started in Tabloids. Now He’s a Must-Read Media Gossip.

TL;DR

  • Tabloid training instills a relentless, aggressive pursuit of exclusives, emphasizing constant source cultivation and early-morning stakeouts over traditional newsroom processes.
  • The "great unbundling" of media is likely temporary, with a future "great bundling" expected as independent creators are reabsorbed into larger entities or form new collectives.
  • The National Enquirer operated as a criminal enterprise during the 2016 election cycle, using "catch and kill" tactics to suppress negative stories about Donald Trump and others.
  • The future of Rupert Murdoch's newspaper empire, including The Sun and New York Post, is uncertain, with potential sales or divestitures under Lachlan Murdoch's leadership.
  • Bloomberg Media, while a high-quality operation, may be put up for sale after Michael Bloomberg's passing, potentially acquired by financial investors or strategic buyers.
  • Jay Penske's Penske Media Group's consolidation of major entertainment trades creates an unhealthy media landscape, blurring lines between editorial and advertising through ownership of award shows.
  • Breaking significant media industry scoops requires a commitment to thorough verification and speed, as demonstrated by Breaker's rapid reporting on the Puck-Airmail deal before competitors.

Deep Dive

Lachlan Cartwright's reporting career, forged in the aggressive environment of tabloid journalism, demonstrates the enduring value of deep-dive investigative techniques in an increasingly fragmented media landscape. His work, particularly through his newsletter Breaker, highlights the critical need for persistent source cultivation and a willingness to pursue stories relentlessly, even when facing legal threats and personal discomfort. This approach offers a model for uncovering significant stories that legacy media may overlook due to shifting priorities or a reluctance to engage in costly, time-consuming investigations.

Cartwright's early career at Fleet Street tabloids like The Sun instilled a fierce work ethic and a commitment to securing exclusives, emphasizing that true scoops are rarely found on social media but rather through direct engagement with contacts and persistent follow-up. This "never give up" mentality, characterized by early stakeouts and leaving personal notes, contrasts with the more passive approach of some modern reporting, suggesting that a physical presence and unwavering dedication are still paramount for breaking significant news. His experiences at the National Enquirer during the 2016 election cycle, where he witnessed and later reported on "catch and kill" practices, underscore the ethical compromises that can arise when news organizations become entangled in political influence. The implications of this are stark: news outlets, when weaponized, can distort public discourse and protect powerful figures, eroding trust in journalism itself. Cartwright's subsequent discomfort and decision to become a source for investigative reporting on these practices reveal a personal reckoning with a career spent in ethically ambiguous territory, ultimately leading him to prioritize transparency and rigorous reporting.

The independent media model, exemplified by Cartwright's Breaker, faces significant challenges despite its promise of editorial freedom. The constant battle against subscriber churn and the difficulties of monetization mean that this path is far from the "utopia" often portrayed. The "great unbundling" of media into individual creators may eventually lead to a "great bundling," as independent successes could be reabsorbed by larger entities seeking to aggregate talent and audiences. This dynamic suggests that while individual voices are gaining prominence, the economic realities of media production may necessitate a return to more consolidated structures, albeit potentially with a renewed focus on quality and niche audiences.

Furthermore, Cartwright points to critical succession questions within major media empires as "uncovered stories" for the coming years. The future of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, particularly its struggling newspaper division, under Lachlan Murdoch's leadership remains uncertain, especially as broadcast media represents its primary cash cow. Similarly, the fate of Bloomberg Media, a strong journalistic operation but secondary to the immensely profitable terminal business, is tied to Michael Bloomberg's eventual departure. The potential for these valuable assets to be sold or restructured raises questions about the future of influential news organizations and who will acquire them. Finally, Cartwright highlights the concerning consolidation of power within entities like Penske Media, which owns a multitude of significant entertainment trades and leverages relationships with award shows, creating an "icky environment" where editorial independence is questionable. This concentration of ownership, coupled with opaque funding sources like Saudi money, raises broader concerns about competition and the integrity of media narratives.

The core takeaway is that while the media landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, the foundational principles of aggressive, ethical, and persistent reporting remain crucial for uncovering truth and holding power accountable. Cartwright's journey illustrates the complex interplay between tabloid tenacity, ethical considerations, and the evolving business of journalism, suggesting that the most significant stories continue to be unearthed by those willing to deeply invest in the process, even when the rewards are uncertain and the ethical challenges are substantial.

Action Items

  • Audit media ownership: Identify 3-5 publications with concentrated ownership (e.g., Penske Media) and assess impact on editorial independence and competition.
  • Draft runbook: Define 5 key sections for investigative journalism (e.g., source vetting, legal review, fact-checking protocols) to ensure rigor and prevent errors.
  • Track subscription churn: Measure monthly churn rate for Breaker and identify 3-5 key drivers to improve retention.
  • Evaluate independent media model: Analyze the economic viability of 3-5 independent media newsletters by tracking revenue streams and operational costs.
  • Implement source verification process: Establish a protocol for verifying at least 2-3 key pieces of information for each major story to ensure accuracy.

Related Episodes

Key Quotes

"I have many media reporters on this podcast and its predecessor podcast, no Aussies, I believe. I'm glad to be the first. And I also don't think anyone with your particular background in general. You've, you've banged around tabloid journalism, gossip journalism for a long time. You don't flinch when I say gossip. I do not. You spent time at the National Enquirer. I definitely."

This quote highlights the unique background of the interviewee, Lachlan Cartwright, emphasizing his Australian origin and extensive experience in tabloid and gossip journalism, including his time at the National Enquirer. The speaker, Peter Kafka, notes that Cartwright's background is distinct from many other media reporters he has interviewed.

"I was an online news reporter, so I was a very green, you know, I didn't know shit from toothpaste and I still don't. But I was an online news reporter and I got to online and no one was, you know, picking up the phones and I thought to myself, is Rupert Murdoch not paying the phone bills here? You know, what's going on?"

Lachlan Cartwright describes his early days as a reporter in London, illustrating his inexperience and initial confusion with the newsroom environment. He recounts his surprise at the lack of immediate activity and the perceived disconnect from the publication's owner, Rupert Murdoch.

"That was the most ferocious environment I've ever worked at. I saw staples being thrown at reporters' heads if they by their editors, by the editors. I had an editor at the Sun who would scream in your face, and in my face, 'I don't want your fucking excuses, I want your fucking exclusives!'"

Cartwright details the intense and aggressive culture of British tabloids, specifically at The Sun, where he worked early in his career. This quote emphasizes the high-pressure atmosphere and the editor's demand for results and exclusive stories above all else.

"A catch and kill is when a story is purchased off the market to benefit someone. We know this is a great story or could be a great story. Instead of publishing it, we'll pay you and never run it. Correct? So the person then has signed up on an agreement that they can't speak about the story ever again. Correct? Yes."

This exchange defines the practice of "catch and kill" in journalism, where a story is bought but suppressed to protect an individual or entity. Cartwright confirms the definition and the subsequent non-disclosure agreement, highlighting a controversial aspect of media practices.

"Look, I at the time wasn't part of the central group that was leading this. That was Dylan Howard and David Pecker. And there was this agreement that I wasn't privy to. I remember being at BuzzFeed late at night telling people like, 'I think something's up here.' Like, you know, 'I think this is something much more coordinated than what I appreciate.' People looked at me like, 'You're a fucking conspiracy theorist.'"

Cartwright reflects on his involvement with the National Enquirer during a period when it allegedly acted as an arm of the Trump campaign. He explains that while he sensed a coordinated effort, he was not privy to the core agreement between Dylan Howard and David Pecker, and his suspicions were dismissed by others.

"I don't take no for an answer. You know, I, you know, on big yarns, I'm pretty aggressive. And I want to, I want to get a result. What does aggressive mean? It means I don't give up. You know, it means I'm on that door, that that stakeout that the my rivals turn up at 7 am because they want to eat their brekkie. I've been out there since 4:45 am standing in front of someone's doorstep."

Cartwright describes his reporting methodology, emphasizing his tenacity and aggressive pursuit of stories. He defines "aggressive" as not giving up and being willing to invest significant time and effort, arriving much earlier than competitors to secure access or information.

Resources

External Resources

Books

  • "The Sun" by Rebecca Brooks - Mentioned in relation to the powerful tabloid's influence and editorial leadership.

Articles & Papers

  • "The Anxler" (Jenice Mann) - Mentioned as a brilliant publication born from the Penske Media trade empire.
  • "Puck" (Matt Bellany) - Referenced as a publication where Matt Bellany, formerly influential at The Hollywood Reporter, is now a key figure.
  • "The Hollywood Reporter" - Mentioned as a publication owned by Penske Media.
  • "Variety" - Mentioned as a publication owned by Penske Media.
  • "Deadline" - Mentioned as a publication owned by Penske Media.
  • "Indiewire" - Mentioned as a publication owned by Penske Media.
  • "Billboard" - Mentioned as a publication owned by Penske Media.
  • "Rolling Stone" - Mentioned as a publication owned by Penske Media, and also as a publication that has become irrelevant under Jay Penske's ownership.
  • "New York Times Magazine" - Mentioned as the publication where Lachlan Cartwright wrote about his time at The National Enquirer.
  • "The Wall Street Journal" - Mentioned as the publication that reported on the Karen McDougal story.
  • "The Times" - Mentioned as a publication that has published favorable profiles of Jay Penske.

People

  • Lachlan Cartwright - Guest, founder of Breaker newsletter and podcast, former tabloid journalist.
  • Rupert Murdoch - Mentioned as the owner of Fox/Fox News and newspapers, and his potential successor, Lachlan Murdoch.
  • Lachlan Murdoch - Mentioned as the successor to Rupert Murdoch and his potential role in the future of the Murdoch empire.
  • James Murdoch - Mentioned in the context of the Murdoch family succession.
  • Elizabeth Murdoch - Mentioned in the context of the Murdoch family succession.
  • Michael Bloomberg - Mentioned in relation to the future of Bloomberg Media and the Bloomberg terminal business.
  • Joe Micklethwait - Mentioned as the current editor of Bloomberg, having been in the chair for 10 years.
  • Stephanie Flanders - Mentioned as a potential successor to Joe Micklethwait at Bloomberg, having come from the BBC.
  • Matthias Döpfner - Mentioned as the owner of Axel Springer, which owns Business Insider, and as someone who is "always sniffing around for opportunities."
  • Jay Penske - Mentioned as the owner of Penske Media and its various publications.
  • Graydon Carter - Mentioned as the creator of Airmail, and his legendary status as editor of Vanity Fair.
  • Jenice Mann - Mentioned as the editor of The Anxler.
  • Matt Bellany - Mentioned as the former editor of The Hollywood Reporter and now influential at Puck.

Organizations & Institutions

  • Breaker - Mentioned as Lachlan Cartwright's media gossip newsletter and podcast.
  • National Enquirer - Mentioned as a tabloid where Lachlan Cartwright worked, and its practice of "catch and kill."
  • The Sun (London) - Mentioned as a powerful tabloid owned by Murdoch, and its current financial struggles.
  • New York Post - Mentioned as a publication owned by Murdoch.
  • The Times - Mentioned as a publication owned by Murdoch.
  • Bloomberg Terminal - Mentioned as a highly successful and un-disruptable business.
  • Bloomberg Media - Mentioned as a media operation that is not core to Bloomberg's business and potentially loses money.
  • Axel Springer - Mentioned as the owner of Business Insider.
  • Penske Media - Mentioned as the owner of numerous media trade publications and award shows.
  • The Hollywood Reporter - Mentioned as a publication owned by Penske Media.
  • Variety - Mentioned as a publication owned by Penske Media.
  • Deadline - Mentioned as a publication owned by Penske Media.
  • Indiewire - Mentioned as a publication owned by Penske Media.
  • Billboard - Mentioned as a publication owned by Penske Media.
  • Rolling Stone - Mentioned as a publication owned by Penske Media.
  • Golden Globes - Mentioned as an award show owned by Penske Media, with a potentially conflicted nomination process.
  • South by Southwest (SXSW) - Mentioned as an award show/festival owned by Penske Media.
  • Puck - Mentioned as a publication that acquired Airmail.
  • Airmail - Mentioned as a publication created by Graydon Carter, and its acquisition by Puck.
  • The Anxler - Mentioned as a publication born from the Penske Media trade empire.
  • Vox Media - Mentioned as the company where the podcast is produced, and that Jay Penske bought a stake in.
  • Fox / Fox News - Mentioned as part of the Murdoch empire.
  • Dow Jones - Mentioned in relation to the Wall Street Journal and its business-to-business operations.

Websites & Online Resources

  • Breaker - Mentioned as Lachlan Cartwright's media gossip newsletter and podcast.
  • Substack - Mentioned as a platform for independent media creators.
  • B Hive - Mentioned as a platform for independent media creators.
  • Twitter - Mentioned as a source for news that is not as effective for scoops as traditional methods.
  • Odoo.com - Mentioned as a business software platform.
  • Thumbtack.com - Mentioned as a platform for hiring home professionals.
  • T-Mobile - Mentioned as a mobile network provider.
  • Blinds.com - Mentioned as a provider of blinds.
  • Podcastchoices.com/adchoices - Mentioned as a website for ad choices.

Other Resources

  • Catch and Kill - Explained as a practice where a story is purchased off the market to benefit someone, instead of being published.
  • Super Injunctions (UK) - Mentioned as legal restrictions that prevent the naming of individuals involved in stories.
  • Independent Media Model - Discussed as a challenging business with issues like churn and forwarding.
  • Great Unbundling / Great Bundling - Concepts discussed in relation to the future of media.
  • Media Gossip - Described as a business with an appetite for smart, funny, and deeply-inside reporting.
  • Tabloid Training - Mentioned as a formative experience for Lachlan Cartwright's reporting style.
  • Online News Reporter - Lachlan Cartwright's initial role at The Sun.
  • Red Top (Newspaper Category) - Explained as a type of tabloid newspaper.
  • Mid Markets (Newspaper Category) - Explained as a type of newspaper category.
  • Fleet Street - Mentioned as the historical center of British journalism.
  • Byline Banditing - Explained as a senior reporter running a junior reporter's copy under their own byline.
  • The Guardian - Mentioned in relation to news of job cuts in the BBC.
  • BBC - Mentioned in relation to news of job cuts.
  • RSPCA - Mentioned in relation to a story about a dog.
  • Downing Street - Mentioned as the location where petitions were taken.
  • The Daily Beast - Mentioned as a place Lachlan Cartwright went to for a gig after the Enquirer.
  • New York Magazine - Mentioned as a publication Lachlan Cartwright met with for gigs.
  • The New York Times - Mentioned as a publication that published favorable profiles of Jay Penske.
  • The Washington Post - Mentioned in relation to the potential acquisition of newspapers.
  • The Wall Street Journal - Mentioned in relation to the Karen McDougal story.
  • The Telegraph - Mentioned as a publication that published stories related to super injunctions.
  • The Washington Post - Mentioned in relation to the potential acquisition of newspapers.
  • The New York Times - Mentioned as a publication that published favorable profiles of Jay Penske.
  • The Washington Post - Mentioned in relation to the potential acquisition of newspapers.
  • The Wall Street Journal - Mentioned in relation to the Karen McDougal story.
  • The Telegraph - Mentioned as a publication that published stories related to super injunctions.
  • The New York Times - Mentioned as a publication that published favorable profiles of Jay Penske.
  • The Washington Post - Mentioned in relation to the potential acquisition of newspapers.
  • The Wall Street Journal - Mentioned in relation to the Karen McDougal story.
  • The Telegraph - Mentioned as a publication that published stories related to super injunctions.
  • The New York Times - Mentioned as a publication that published favorable profiles of Jay Penske.
  • The Washington Post - Mentioned in relation to the potential acquisition of newspapers.
  • The Wall Street Journal - Mentioned in relation to the Karen McDougal story.
  • The Telegraph - Mentioned as a publication that published stories related to super injunctions.
  • The New York Times - Mentioned as a publication that published favorable profiles of Jay Penske.
  • The Washington Post - Mentioned in relation to the potential acquisition of newspapers.
  • The Wall Street Journal - Mentioned in relation to the Karen McDougal story.
  • The Telegraph - Mentioned as a publication that published stories related to super injunctions.
  • The New York Times - Mentioned as a publication that published favorable profiles of Jay Penske.
  • The Washington Post - Mentioned in relation to the potential acquisition of newspapers.
  • The Wall Street Journal - Mentioned in relation to the Karen McDougal story.
  • The Telegraph - Mentioned as a publication that published stories related to super injunctions.
  • The New York Times - Mentioned as a publication that published favorable profiles of Jay Penske.
  • The Washington Post - Mentioned in relation to the potential acquisition of newspapers.
  • The Wall Street Journal - Mentioned in relation to the Karen McDougal story.
  • The Telegraph - Mentioned as a publication that published stories related to super injunctions.
  • The New York Times - Mentioned as a publication that published favorable profiles of Jay Penske.
  • The Washington Post - Mentioned in relation to the potential acquisition of newspapers.
  • The Wall Street Journal - Mentioned in relation to the Karen McDougal story.
  • The Telegraph - Mentioned as a publication that published stories related to super injunctions.
  • The New York Times - Mentioned as a publication that published favorable profiles of Jay Penske.
  • The Washington Post - Mentioned in relation to the potential acquisition of newspapers.
  • The Wall Street Journal - Mentioned in relation to the Karen McDougal story.
  • The Telegraph - Mentioned as a publication that published stories related to super injunctions.
  • The New York Times - Mentioned as a publication that published favorable profiles of Jay Penske.
  • The Washington Post - Mention

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