178: The Process of Investigative Reporting, With Jason Schreier
Summary
Jason Schreier, Bloomberg’s lead video game reporter and author of *Play Nice*, joins Cortex to discuss his dual career in breaking news and long-form book writing. He details his reporting methods, emphasizing phone interviews and physical recorders for source protection, while explaining how he manages the massive research required for his books. Schreier also reflects on his transition from Kotaku to Bloomberg, the challenges of maintaining trust with sources, and his preference for straightforward, non-fictionalized storytelling over creative interpretation.
Topics discussed
Introduction and Jason's preferred tech tools
Career path from Kotaku to Bloomberg
Reporting methods: phone calls vs. email
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Note-taking and recording devices for interviews
Work-life balance and breaking news protocols
Building trust with sources and handling misinformation
Dealing with media spin and public perception
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Writing books: Process and 'Play Nice' overview
Deep dive into the Blizzard takeover story
Organizing research and corroborating facts
The grueling nature of non-fiction writing
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Juggling book writing with daily reporting
Industry layoffs and the emotional toll of reporting
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Navigating relationships with game companies
Handling conflicts of interest and conclusion
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