Today, I’m beyond excited to share something truly unique and special on the Impossible Dreams Podcast.
This week on Impossible Dreams, I’m honored to welcome my lifelong friend David Perpich: a guy I’ve known for 30+ years since our days at Duke University and living in New York City together. While you may not recognize his name right away, he is one of the most influential figures in journalism today.
David is the Vice Chairman of the Board of The New York Times Company, the man who brought Wordle to The Times, and the Publisher of The Athletic, one of the most respected sports journalism platforms in the world.
📜 From College Roommates to Shaping the Future of Journalism
David and I go way back—from dorm rooms and roach-infested apartments in NYC to boardrooms helping guide one of the most iconic news institutions into the digital age. Our conversation isn’t just about nostalgia (though trust me, that part is hilarious); it’s about the mission and responsibility of journalism today.
In our latest episode, we dive deep into:
The Transformation of Modern Media
David played a pivotal role in transitioning The New York Times from an ad-driven print model to a subscription-first digital powerhouse, helping launch products and platforms that now reach millions daily.
The Athletic and the Future of Sports Coverage
Under his guidance, The Athletic is becoming one of the biggest sports journalism hubs in the world, boasting hundreds of journalists across the U.S., UK, and Canada. David is helping to make this a central piece of The Times’s digital strategy.
Navigating Today’s Media Climate
We also get into some of the trickiest challenges facing journalists today, including the disturbing trend of reporters being detained and arrested while doing their jobs.
Recent reporting has shown that journalists are being arrested while covering protests and public events in the U.S., often sparking concern among press-freedom advocates who warn these actions could chill free expression. At least 28 journalists have been arrested or charged while working this year alone, with many more detained or assaulted in the field.
David shared his perspective on how institutions like The Times approach the fundamental responsibility of reporting the truth, emphasizing rigorous fact-checking, impartial reporting, and a commitment to editorial standards, even in an era when terms like “fake news” get thrown around casually.
“Journalism isn’t about entertainment or echo chambers, it’s about truth, accountability, and giving voice to stories that matter.”
- David Perpich
✨ Why This Episode Matters
This is one of those conversations that goes beyond media buzz or industry insider talk. We talk about things you may not think about actively, but they affect us all daily. Things like:
What it means to lead with integrity in journalism
The balance between tradition and innovation
The pressures on newsrooms in a polarized age
Why independent reporting is more vital than ever
And through it all, you’re hearing from someone who walks the walk, not just a corporate executive but a thoughtful leader deeply committed to the craft of journalism.
Trust me when I say this episode isn’t just for media nerds or sports fans, it’s for anyone who cares about how we understand the world we live in.
Get ready for a conversation that’s as inspiring as it is illuminating.
Click here to watch the full episode on YouTube.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support is what makes episodes like this possible.
Here’s to dreaming bigger, and to the people who keep asking: what’s next?
Stay curious,
Aaron Lazar
