In this episode of Off Deadline, host Melissa DiGianfilippo sits down with Paul Thompson, Managing Editor of the Phoenix Business Journal, for an honest conversation about journalism, leadership, and responsibility in today’s media landscape.

Paul reflects on how covering crime early in his career shaped his approach to reporting, why journalists must chase difficult stories, and how newsroom debates help sharpen truth rather than dilute it. He also discusses separating emotion from reporting, managing pressure under deadline, and what business journalism gets right and wrong in the public eye.

Discussion highlights

• Finding his path into journalism
• Early crime reporting and emotional resilience
• Why tough questions still matter
• Separating personal opinion from reporting
• Editorial judgment and newsroom debates
• Leading reporters under pressure
• Business journalism and public accountability
• Media trust, credibility and transparency
• Technology, AI and the future of news

Paul’s episode offers a thoughtful look at the responsibility behind editorial decisions and the leadership required to run a modern newsroom.

🎧 Listen now, watch on YouTube, and don’t forget to follow @proofpublicity for more episodes of Off Deadline.

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