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.

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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.