Tech To Truth: Sam Kessler on the Ethics and Investigations Driving Crypto - Beyond The Beat Ep #16

In episode #of 16 Beyond the Beat, Pedro interviews Sam Kessler, Deputy Managing Editor at CoinDesk, discussing his journey from tech to journalism, the intricacies of writing headlines, and the challenges of investigative reporting in the crypto space.

They delve into the EigenLabs investigation, the ethics of journalism, and the pervasive conflicts of interest within the industry. Sam shares insights on the importance of transparency in media and the evolving landscape of crypto journalism, emphasizing the need for deeper understanding of blockchain technology among journalists.

Takeaways
- Sam transitioned from tech to journalism during COVID.
- Writing a good lead is often harder than the article itself.
- Investigative journalism in crypto is both exciting and challenging.
- Ethics in journalism require clear communication with sources.
- The EigenLabs investigation highlighted conflicts of interest in crypto.
- Transparency in media is crucial for credibility.
- Crypto journalism needs more on-chain investigations.
- Credulousness in reporting can lead to misinformation.
- The narrative-driven nature of crypto can skew perceptions.
- Reading science fiction can inspire creative thinking in journalism.

Episode chapters:
00:00 From Tech to Journalism: Sam's Journey
02:55 The Art of Headlines and Leads
06:00 Investigative Reporting in Crypto
10:55 From CNN to Crypto Journalism - Lessons and Differences
14:47 Ins and Outs Of Being a Journalist
21:23 The EigenLabs Investigation: A Deep Dive
28:38 Conflicts of Interest in Crypto
32:27 The Role of Media in Shaping Narratives
35:46 We Need More On-Chain-Based News
37:42 On Embargoes and Reporting Opinions vs Facts
41:16 Crypto Is All About Narratives
45:45 Book Recommendations

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