The scary world of vanishing information!

First up, Jenna and Dom talk about what's with USAID telling employees to destroy classified documents? Next, they discuss MTV News pulling their entire website offline last year.

In the spotlight, guest Michael Alex, who pioneered MTV's digital presence in the 90s, joins the pod and shares fascinating stories about launching MTV's first website and fighting to preserve cultural archives. Why do media companies treat digital history as disposable? Michael makes a compelling case that we need "stewards, not owners" of our collective online memory. It's a must-listen conversation about digital preservation, journalistic ethics, and the startling reality that the internet isn't as permanent as we once believed.

Topic Timestamps:
Headlines - 2:13
Michael Alex on digital archiving - 7:57

To listen to Part 1 of Michael Alex’s interview, check out our episode: “Local News’s Role in Aftermath of Helene, Chappell Roan’s Meltdown, and How MTV Changed the News” (10/1/24)
https://soundcloud.com/laidoffandlooking-podcast/how-mtv-changed-the-news?si=8dfb20d0be2146b7a477bd161aa99035&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Links for this episode:

USAID employees told to burn or shred classified documents
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/usaid-employees-told-burn-shred-classified-documents-rcna195853

How to disappear completely
https://www.theverge.com/24321569/internet-decay-link-rot-web-archive-deleted-culture

New episodes resume starting on Friday, March 28!