Akane Otani

For this podcast, the Confident Retirement, there's a twist: I was the one interviewed, not the one asking the questions. (I like it better the other way - but that was fun - thanks for inviting me on, Kristopher Flammang CRPC®AIF®BFA®) Oh - and I'm not retiring :) Some of the things we talked about: * My early journalism career change to being a juvenile probation office for three years; • Why and how the Business Observer has made a transtions to #digitalfirst — and why we keep the focus on that; and • The lessons I've learned from interviewing hundreds of entrepreneurs ands business owners Take a listen!

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A robust guide to the language of journalism, from A1 to -30-

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These commentary on Robert Longo is my latest post on Cultural Capital-Art, Politics, and Everything Else https://lnkd.in/ezKYP5Nb

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Journalists put more stress on accuracy than ever before. The problem is, accuracy is a slippery idea. Thoughtful piece on facts, accuracy and media trust (and distrust) by Fergus McIntosh, who runs The New Yorker's fact-checking department.

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At CES 2025, panel experts with backgrounds in law, government affairs, public policy and creative representation emphasized AI’s dual role as a powerful tool for enhancing creativity. But they also noted the potential threat to human authorship and consent, particularly in generative AI’s replication of voices and images. Dr. Moiya M., Lisa Oratz, Chad Hummel, Paul Lekas and Duncan Crabtree-Ireland all contributed important points on the importance of this topic.

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This is important for #communications pros and our subject matter experts to remember. An interview is a conversation not a rote question asked, prepared answer given. Using talking points rather than scripted answers is more effective for a SME and makes for a better interview. Unfortunately that path isn’t taken as often as it should be.

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With the potential for a widening conflict in the Middle East mounting, learn more about Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran from Matthew Levitt, the featured guest on the latest episode of the Anti-Defamation League’s extremely podcast.

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The 2025 Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) Journalism Excellence Awards open Deadline 12 February 2025 Journalists who have published stories in 2024 and are AAJA members can nominate themselves for the awards. The Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) is hosting the Journalism Excellence Awards. The awards have two main categories: journalism excellence by medium and by subject. Journalists who produce written reporting, digital reporting, photojournalism, video and audio reporting on various subjects, including investigative reporting, sports reporting, science/environment/health reporting and others, are welcome to submit their work produced in 2024. However, each entered work may only be submitted to one award category. Submissions that display outstanding storytelling, in-depth reporting that moves the industry and cultural understandings forward, and pieces that demonstrate impact are highly encouraged. Special consideration is given to top-notch journalism about the AAPI community, in the U.S. or abroad. Interested nominees must have a current AAJA membership and be committed to AAJA’s mission. They may join the organization prior to submitting their awards application. AAJA is open to all journalists, regardless of ethnic or racial identity. https://lnkd.in/gK6Nyrmv

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It's easy to think about AI within the context of a CMS. Of using AI to optimize writing, editing, and SEO workflows. The more exciting choice is putting AI in the hands of reporters early on in the process. Over the weekend we published a deep look at how immigration is being portrayed in political ads this election cycle. It's an absorbing read--with editing and reporting from multiple desks across the newsroom. It's also the debut of one of our AI-powered reporting tools: Haystacker. We carved out a lane in our roadmap for "Ambitious Journalism"--this is what it looks like. https://lnkd.in/eTteMFxY

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When does PR go too far? What is "astroturfing" and is it ever okay? These are questions crisis comms pros are asking after Blake Lively's complaint against Justin Baldino. Jason Guerrasio explores, on Business Insider. https://lnkd.in/eHx3FfGx

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When recent grads doing the requisite networking rounds ask me my best advice for breaking into journalism, I always have two words: TRADE PUBS. Many of them have never heard the term, and they’re seriously limiting their job search as a result. Trade publications -- or niche industry news sources for a group of dedicated, well-informed, sector-specific readers -- are a fantastic place to cut your teeth. You’re never just getting coffee or making copies there as a new hire. In my experience, from day one, you’ll be reporting and writing and learning everything you can about whatever the paper covers, be it nonferrous metals (hello, me in 2008!) or telecom or annuities or what have you. Every industry has a trade pub of record, and there’s no better way to learn the ropes fast. And the travel! While I was covering the global metal markets in my early 20s, I traveled to Bahrain, Chile, Germany, Mexico, the UK and throughout the continental US to attend conferences, tour smelters and meet sources. Sure, sometimes, I’d wonder if understanding the world’s alumina trade or China’s flat-rolled steel demand was too niche a skillset. But now, from my perch of senior editor for energy and commodities at Bloomberg News, I realize it was truly the best foundation. On that note, my friend Cliff White, executive editor at SeafoodSource, tells me he’s hiring an associate editor. Employees can be based anywhere in the US (though why WOULDN’T you want to be located in Portland, Maine??) This would be a fantastic way for an early-stage journalist to refine those editing chops and master the skills you’ll need throughout the rest of your career. #jobs #journalism #journalismjobs #editor #maine #seafood #hiring #jobopening #tradepubs https://lnkd.in/dmVwjqJ3

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The 2024 ASAJ Conference, aka #ASJACOn24, kicked off yesterday with a keynote by Krishnan Trotman about the importance of taking the uncommon path, and not being afraid to be wrong. Check out the recap to learn more about the day's sessions and join us for day 2. https://lnkd.in/emhKdjME

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New pub: Myths of Origins: Literary and Cultural Patterns Myths of Origins explores the timeless power of origin myths in literature, spanning from ancient texts to contemporary works. This collection of essays delves into the six foundational models of beginnings in Western literature, examining how these frameworks shape narratives across eras. https://lnkd.in/eXDG9Cgu

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With shrinking newsrooms and the rise of AI-assisted work, is the end of the op-ed era upon us? Great insights in this week's Axios Communicators from Eleanor Hawkins, who points out that more business leaders and SMEs are taking to LinkedIn to share their opinions amid placement challenges. My key takeaway: generating #ThoughtLeadership that actually gains traction will continue to come down to genuine expertise and human-centered connection — no matter the platform.

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A quick insight why media narratives matter after all your professional achievements, prestigious awards, and memberships ⏬ When a client approached me for media coverage to support their EB1-A application, they were puzzled as to why their story didn’t read like their résumé. The answer was clear: a résumé lists accomplishments, but a compelling article needs to weave those accomplishments into a narrative that highlights real-world impact. For example, instead of simply listing patents, we focused on how their innovations contributed in transforming their industry, improved accessibility, or solved major challenges. Crafting a story for media coverage is all about connecting the dots between what you’ve done and why it matters. It’s about showcasing your achievements in a way that resonates with the broader public and proves your extraordinary contributions. While your CV may impress with a list of milestones, a well-written article brings those milestones to life, showing how they’ve made a difference in the world. In my client's case, we didn’t just focus on their patents. We told the story of how their work disrupted the tech industry and contributed to significant progress. This approach captured the essence of their contributions, boosting their EB1-A prospects. Key Takeaway: To gain media attention, transform your accomplishments into a story that highlights their real-world impact. 📝🌍 #MediaCoverage #EB1A #NarrativeBuilding #Storytelling #ImmigrationSuccess #permanentresidency #einsteinvisa #PRforVisa #USVisa

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🌍 Exciting Updates from The Digital Free Press! 📰 I’m thrilled to share what we’ve been working on at The Digital Free Press: ✅ #TDFPNewsRoundup: Our daily roundup now features up to 25 (sometimes even 26!) stories, showcasing important headlines while tagging reporters and outlets for full transparency. ✅ New Ventures: We’re expanding into reviews—covering movies, books, and products that matter to you—all while staying true to our commitment to privacy and unbiased reporting. ✅ Our Mission: Transparency, privacy, and upholding the Constitution remain our core values. Every step we take is for you, our audience, to ensure a better-informed world. I’d love to hear your thoughts! Whether it’s feedback on the roundup, story recommendations, or ideas for collaboration, don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly or email me at [email protected]. Together, let’s make a difference in digital journalism. #DigitalFreePress #TDFPNewsRoundup #Journalism #Transparency

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