Strong Opinions Loosely Held Season 1 Episode 5 The Secret World Of Ghostwriting

As a journalist and commentator, Elisa Kreisinger knows the importance of having a strong voice and a unique perspective. But when it comes to certain industries, particularly those dominated by high-profile celebrities and public figures, it can be difficult to discern whose voice is actually being heard. In "The Secret World of Ghostwriting," the fifth episode of season one of Strong Opinions Loosely Held, Kreisinger dives into the hidden world of ghostwriting and the impact it can have on the media landscape.

The episode opens with Kreisinger discussing a recent controversy involving Tavi Gevinson, a well-known writer and editor, and her use of a ghostwriter for a piece in The Cut. While the use of ghostwriters is not uncommon, the incident sparked a larger conversation about the ethics of ghostwriting and the line between collaboration and deception. Kreisinger brings in experts and industry insiders to explore these issues and shed light on the complex world of ghostwriting.

Kicking off the conversation, Kreisinger talks to freelance journalist Jennifer Swann, who has written for publications like The Washington Post and NBC News. Swann discusses her own experiences working with ghostwriters, both as a writer and as an editor, and delves into the benefits and challenges of collaborating with someone who is not publicly acknowledged for their work. She also touches on the potential for conflicts of interest when ghostwriting is not disclosed.

Next, Kreisinger speaks with David Greenberg, a professor of history and journalism at Rutgers University. Greenberg has written extensively on the history of political speechwriting and the role of ghostwriters in shaping public discourse. He discusses the blurred lines between speechwriting and ghostwriting, and explains how politicians and public figures have used ghostwriters to craft messages that resonate with the public.

Continuing the conversation about ethics, Kreisinger brings in freelance journalist and former tabloid writer Teri Thompson. Thompson has firsthand experience with the less savory side of ghostwriting, having worked on celebrity memoirs that were ghostwritten without the subjects' consent. She explains how ghostwriting can be used to manipulate public perception and perpetuate false narratives, and suggests ways for journalists to better protect themselves and their readers from these tactics.

To illustrate the impact of ghostwriting on the media landscape, Kreisinger talks to two writers, Jenna Sauers and Sophie Saint Thomas, who have written extensively for publications like Jezebel and Vice. They discuss the ways in which ghostwriting can distort the public image of a celebrity or public figure, and how it can be challenging for writers to navigate the line between truth and fiction when working with ghostwritten material.

Throughout the episode, Kreisinger raises crucial questions about the ethics and industry practices of ghostwriting, as well as its impact on journalism and public discourse. She also provides insight into the nuanced and often-complicated relationship between writers and their editors, and explores the ways in which power dynamics can play out in the world of publishing.

Overall, "The Secret World of Ghostwriting" is a thought-provoking and engaging episode that highlights the often-hidden aspects of media production and raises crucial questions about the ethics of collaboration and deception in the industry. Viewers will come away with a greater understanding of the complexities of ghostwriting and its impact on the media landscape.