Special Episode: The 'News with Suz' YouTube Channel Launches at the Democratic National Convention
At the DNC in Chicago, creators and journalists clashed in a high-stakes power struggle, where politics met style and the future of media hung in the balance.
When I launched my YouTube channel, News with Suz, at the Democratic National Convention (DNC), I found myself standing at a fascinating crossroads—the intersection of traditional journalism and the rapidly evolving world of digital content creation. It was my third convention, but this time, it felt different. I wasn’t just there as a journalist; I was stepping into a new role—a newsfluencer.
The press gallery, the traditional stronghold of media, was my home base. But it quickly became clear that this wasn’t where I was meant to stay. They didn’t know what to do with me—so they sent me to the creators lounge. Picture this: a hidden space behind a black curtain, where the rules of media are being rewritten. The atmosphere was electric, the walls adorned with “Creators for Kamala” posters, and an open bar serving Chicago-style hot dogs. This wasn’t the media world I was used to.
As an Iranian-American woman, navigating duality in identity is not unfamiliar—straddling the line between two cultures, between serious journalism and storytelling that connects with a broader audience. So, why choose? Why not blend them? Why not be both a journalist and a newsfluencer, using the power of digital media to tell stories that matter, with a little style and flair? This wasn’t about choosing one path over another; it was about carving out a new one.
The DNC was my first major step into this new world, and what I saw was eye-opening. In this special episode of News with Suz, I take you inside the convention and give you a sneak peek of our upcoming shows:
‘Women Building’ with Marjorie Margolies: We had an honest conversation about how Hillary Clinton feels about Kamala Harris’ historic nomination and the undercurrents of jealousy that can exist among powerful women. It’s a topic that’s rarely discussed, but it’s one we couldn’t ignore.
‘The Seat 1A Show’ with Michael Cohen: Yes, that Michael Cohen—the man who went to jail for Donald Trump and who, as it turns out, lied to News with Suz to cover up Trump’s hush money crime. In this episode, he gives us a candid look at how Trump really feels about religion—a side of him that might surprise you.
‘The Newsfluencers’ with Jessica Yellin, Nazanin Nour, Blair Imani, and Emily Amick: We’re blending fit checks with fact checks, all in the spirit of Helmet to Heels™. This show is about reaching younger audiences, especially those who are most susceptible to the disinformation that’s so prevalent on social media. We’re using style as a tool for storytelling, but always with a commitment to the truth.
‘America’s Place in the World’ with Rebecca Abou-Chedid: We delve into the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, an area that has always been close to my heart. In a world where every decision has global ramifications, it’s more important than ever to have informed discussions about America’s role on the world stage.
The rise of newsfluencers - a term I coined after moving to Dubai and becoming familiar with ‘fashion influencer’ inspired an experiment with news - presents both incredible opportunities and significant risks. It’s a chance to engage with younger audiences, but it also means we have to be more vigilant than ever about the accuracy and integrity of the information we share. As Jessica Yellin, founder of News Not Noise, pointed out, “Everybody has a platform now, but we don’t have a system for verifying who’s really trustworthy.” We have to hold ourselves—and each other—to the highest standards, because the future of our democracy depends on it.
So, here I am, at the crossroads of journalism and social media, blending the best of both worlds to tell stories that matter, in a relatable way that will attain and retain especially the Gen Z audience - with style, substance, and a whole lot of tenacity.
Stay tuned and stay informed.
Suz