Ability Quote by Franklin Foer
“When I started off in journalism, you knew there was an audience out there and that you wanted people to read what you produced. But it also felt like you had a limited ability to shape the audience, or to acquire an audience, for what you were doing. So you didn't really think too much about that.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Media Talk, 2010
Journalists often assume an existing audience but feel limited in attracting or shaping it, leading to passive content strategies.
In simple terms: Journalists feel they have an audience but can’t control it.
Key Takeaway
Recognize audience agency and actively engage readers.
Themes
media
audience
control
engagement
Mood
reflective
strategic
Type
advice
insight
When to use this quote
- newsroom meetings
- social media campaigns
- reader surveys
- content tailoring
Key Concepts
journalism
media strategy
audience development
Questions to Reflect On
- How can journalists proactively shape audience expectations?
- What tools help expand reach beyond existing readers?
A Different Perspective
Audience preferences may shift unpredictably, limiting control.
