By: Dan Schawbel, Forbes
I spoke to Ana Kasparian, the co-host and producer for the online news show The Young Turks, about the most important issues facing the millennial generation, why she’s betting on her generation to save our democracy, the role of new media when it comes to covering news, her heritage as an immigrant and her best advice to you.
Kasparian began her tenure with The Young Turks as a host and producer in 2007, and has contributed to the explosion of the show’s popularity as the largest online news program. Her honest coverage and dedication to truthful commentary was honored in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2016. During her tenure, the show has been honored for a variety of different accolades, including the 2015 Streamy Subject Award for News and Culture and the 2015 People’s Voice Webby Award for Online News and Politics Series. She served as producer and contributor for TYT when it was on Current TV and was also a contributor on MSNBC, RT, and Pivot. You can follow her on Facebook or Twitter @AnaKasparian.
Dan Schawbel: As a millennial, what do you think the most important issues are to our generation?
Ana Kasparian: Millennials understand that America’s current political system is rigged against the electorate. When corporate money has more weight in our “democratic” process than the concerns and well-being of voters, it’s impossible to feel represented if you’re the average Joe. Right now politicians are listening to those who are lining their pockets, and the most important issue to focus on in order to take back our democracy is to get money out of politics.
Schawbel: Millennials are known as the most optimistic generation despite the adversity they’ve faced. Are you optimistic about our future? What are your predictions for the future?
Kasparian: I must have some degree of optimism about the future considering what I do for work. Otherwise there wouldn’t be a point in spreading information about modern-day injustices. I do it because I hold millennials to a very high standard and I believe they’ll fight to take back our democracy. We saw the impact they had during the primaries when they vociferously supported Bernie Sanders and his message of ending government corruption. Even though he’s not the Democratic nominee, that idea isn’t going to die – we’re just going to fight harder.
Schawbel: Through being a host on The Young Turks, you’ve been part of a team that has led new media movement. What role do you feel new media has in our society and what responsibilities do you have as your platform has grown?
Kasparian: The most important role of new media is to share in-depth information on issues that don’t get a lot of play in the mainstream press. I also believe shows like TYT serve as a check and balance to both the media and our government. In a world where corporate news serves the corporate world – and also tends to be obsessed with access to politicians – we need news organizations that hold both the media and politicians accountable. We want to speak truth to power, regardless of how much access we lose to elected officials. You can still do great reporting without snagging an interview with a politician.
Schawbel: How has your Armenian heritage impacted both your mindset and the decisions you’ve made throughout your career?
Kasparian: Both my parents grew up in Armenia and eventually moved to the U.S. in search of a better life for their future children. I was lucky enough to have opportunities that they could only dream of when they were in Armenia. My only goal has been to make them proud while also making sure I’m fulfilled in what I do for a living. It’s safe to say I accomplished that.
Schawbel: What are your top three pieces of career advice?
Kasparian:
1. Don’t be afraid to fail. You probably will, but that’ll only make you better at what you do if you keep pushing forward.
2. Surround yourself with people who inspire you rather than those who discourage from chasing your dreams.
3. Be fierce.
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Photo By: Cassandra Hanks