Episode 23: Starlee Kine

Narrative journalism requires a distinct sensibility that prioritizes specific, evocative details over self-indulgent confessionals. Starlee Kine, a former producer for *This American Life*, emphasizes that successful stories demand a clear, unfolding narrative arc rather than mere personal reflection. As writers age, the impulse to center stories on the self often diminishes, replaced by a preference for reporting on external subjects. The rise of internet-based confessional media has further complicated this landscape, making the form feel less unique and more saturated. Kine’s own career, marked by early successes like the "haunted hotel" investigation and the Phil Collins breakup song, illustrates the tension between personal vulnerability and the rigorous demands of professional reporting. Ultimately, the craft relies on maintaining a balance between intimate storytelling and the objective pursuit of a compelling, well-structured narrative.