The New York Times Has Lost Its Way

Topics: Culture

Public Release Date: July 29, 2021

What's happening at The New York Times? The paper of record is under fire. Critics argue it has sacrificed journalistic and intellectual balance in favor of correcting historic inequalities. In the process, they say, that effort has stifled dissent and promoted social justice above all else. Not so, say its defenders. The paper has indeed evolved, they argue. Yet that evolution has been proven a particular strength in such tumultuous times. Subscriptions are up, while both casting a critically important lens on historically disenfranchised groups and maintaining its core commitment to high editorial standards and a wide breadth of reporting.

So here's the debate: "Has the New York Times Lost Its Way?"

ARGUING YES:

• Yascha Mounk: Author, “The People vs. Democracy”

• Batya Ungar-Sargon: Deputy Opinion Editor, Newsweek Magazine

ARGUING NO:

• Frank Sesno: Former CNN Washington Bureau Chief

• Virginia Heffernan: Columnist, Wired Magazine

MODERATOR:

• John Donvan: Emmy award-winning journalist