Tag Archives: Sarah T. Roberts

UCLA professor Sarah Roberts, co-leader of something called the UCLA Center for Critical Internet Inquiry — media critics whose stated goal is “strengthening democracy through culture-making” — went on a lengthy Twitter tirade against Substack last night, one that gained a lot of attention. I should probably respond since, as one prominent reporter put it to Glenn Greenwald and me this morning, “Shit, it’s like she wrote this for the two of you.”

The main thread:

Dr. Sarah T. Roberts @ubiquity75

Substack is a dangerous direct threat to traditional news media. But more importantly? It is a threat to journalism.

February 28th 2021

127 Retweets577 Likes

Dr. Sarah T. Roberts @ubiquity75

“Great!” you say! Journalism needs to be disrupted!” But here’s the problem. Journalists make their name doing reporting. This is governed by norms and practices and by ethics. Flawed and not always achieved, true. But present and guiding what newsrooms do in every way? Yes.

February 28th 2021

12 Retweets153 Likes

Dr. Sarah T. Roberts @ubiquity75

People not inside journalism or media may not know the specifics, but they often have a nebulous sense that there are norms — independence, disclosure of compromise, editorial oversight and vetting of the reporting. That’s what makes them trust enough to buy and read or watch.

February 28th 2021

9 Retweets112 Likes

Dr. Sarah T. Roberts @ubiquity75

What is much less obvious to them is what it means when there is a reporter who makes her name in a newsroom — traditional paper or fully online outlet — and then leaves for Substack (or any analog). Taking that name, reputation earned from work done in the context I just stated.

February 28th 2021

6 Retweets97 Likes

Dr. Sarah T. Roberts @ubiquity75

In this way, an investigative reporter who has earned her bona fides in a newsroom and under both strict editorial AND journalistic principles, has just cashed out and turned herself into an opinion writer. She likes it because she’s finally got her independence from an editor.

February 28th 2021

13 Retweets166 Likes

Dr. Sarah T. Roberts @ubiquity75

Please, do not write for or pay for Substack. I have to say it. I believe it’s dangerous. Take heed. You read it here first.

February 28th 2021

27 Retweets113 Likes

A few thoughts in response to what one Tweeter humorously described as “the Tipper Gore of 2021,” who incidentally went on to make sure everyone understood she wasn’t talking “about Substack for basket weaving or 30 Rock fandom or whatever.” No, Dr. Roberts was “talking about stuff purporting to be serious. Opinion can be serious but I believe lines are being intentionally blurred BY SUBSTACK.”