Over the last few months, we've watched the Trump administration sue the parent company of CBS, put restrictions on White House reporters and apply pressure to suspend Jimmy Kimmel from his show — all of which begs a serious question: how free is our free press right now? 

DePaul journalism alumni Brenden Moore, Brendan Pedersen and Deni Kamper join hosts Carol Marin and Lisa Parker to discuss the current state of news media and offer guidance on how young reporters can adapt to this changing climate. 

Produced by Sabrina Castle, music by Lucas Weisman. "So You Want to be a Reporter" is made possible by DePaul University's Center for Journalism Integrity & Excellence.

AI is rapidly changing the world of journalism — but is it for better or worse? 

Poynter Institute faculty member Al Tompkins and Chicago-based reporter Mills Hayes join hosts Carol Marin and Lisa Parker to discuss how AI is transforming story writing, newsrooms and the industry as a whole.

The guests discuss how they utilize AI in their reporting, offering guidance for young reporters on how to use it and not abuse it.

Produced by Sabrina Castle, music by Lucas Weisman. "So You Want to be a Reporter" is made possible by DePaul University's Center for Journalism Integrity & Excellence.

Each year at its Annual Center Awards, the Center for Journalism Integrity & Excellence honors one distinguished alum alongside a fellow distinguished journalist and awardee.

In their careers, the honorees have worked to represent the principles of the Center—upholding truth, accuracy, fairness, and context during the reporting process.

On this special episode of 'So You Want to be a Reporter', co-hosts Carol Marin and Lisa Parker are joined by the 2025 awardees: ABC 7 Chicago’s Stephanie Wade (CMN '16) and Astead Herndon of The New York Times.

DePaul graduate student Lina Gebhardt also joins the conversation to explore the awardees’ roots in Chicago, their successes, and their message to the next generation of journalists. 

Being an early-career reporter takes a lot of work—both Wade and Herndon reflect on those early ups and downs, from college life and camera equipment to creating meaning through their work.

***

Produced by Lina Gebhardt, music by Lucas Weisman. 'So You Want to be a Reporter' is made possible by DePaul University’s Center for Journalism Integrity & Excellence.

The future of journalism is evolving, but what happens to those "legacy media" outlets that helped build its foundation?

Veteran journalists Chris Fusco, former managing editor of the Chicago Sun-Times, and Jen Sabella, co-founder of Block Club Chicago, join hosts Carol Marin and Lisa Parker to discuss the role of legacy media in today's shifting news landscape.

From navigating the digital world to rebuilding trust, this episode takes a look at whether or not "legacy" is a badge of honor—or a burden.

Produced by Lina Gebhardt, music by Max Duggan. "So You Want to be a Reporter" is made possible by DePaul University's Center for Journalism Integrity & Excellence.

Tahera Rahman is a groundbreaker, the first news anchor in the U.S. to report the news wearing a hijab.  Now a reporter at NBC5 in Dallas, she previously was a news anchor in Austin, Texas.  She tells her story to Carol Marin.

What is it like to cover a political convention?  As Republicans and Democrats prepare to officially nominate their candidates, we talk to Chris Bury, an ABC News veteran, and Melody Mercado, a reporter with Block Club Chicago.  Covering an convention is a benchmark for many reporters.  Learn what to expect!

Chloe Atkins and Ella Lee in their young careers have spent more than a few hours in courtrooms.  Chloe for NBC News and Ella for USA Today and The Hill.  Understanding how to cover a legal hearing is a must for young reporters.  Hear some great tips for covering courts.

You are about to graduate from college and anxious about finding your first job. What do you do? Frank Whittaker and Maudlyne Ihejirika can help.  He is the former Vice President of News at NBC5 in Chicago and she was a star columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times.
"Leave you mind open to opportunities" is just one piece of great advice in this podcast.