Two Prominent Journalists Launch Breaker Media, a Bold New Venture Rooted in Downtown New York
Lachlan Cartwright and Ravi Somaiya, two seasoned journalists with deep roots in New York’s media landscape, are launching breaker Media, a fresh and aspiring venture aimed at uncovering the city’s most compelling stories. Described as “scoopy” and rooted in “downtown New York, where all the best stories break,” the project promises to delve into the interlocking worlds of media, culture, and power.Cartwright, an Australian journalist with a storied career at the New York Post, daily Beast, and The Hollywood Reporter, recently made headlines for his confessional piece in The New York Times about his time at the National Enquirer during President Donald Trump’s rise.somaiya, a former New York Times reporter and vice News Tonight correspondent, brings his own wealth of experience, including a stint as senior digital editor for the Columbia Journalism review.
Breaker Media will debut as a $12/month weekly newsletter and podcast, with plans to occasionally stage plays—a nod to the duo’s creative and unconventional approach.The outlet will focus on Downtown Manhattan, where both Cartwright and Somaiya reside, aiming to capture the essence of the neighborhood in the same way the Southern District of New York operates as a local prosecutor’s office.
“Ther’s more stories per square foot than anywhere else in the world,” Somaiya remarked, emphasizing the richness of their chosen beat. The pair’s vision for Breaker draws inspiration from iconic publications like Spy and private Eye, and also their own experiences in the industry.
Their partnership traces back to 2010, when Somaiya famously crashed Vanity Fair’s Oscars party—a moment that marked the beginning of their professional camaraderie. now, they’re channeling that same audacity into Breaker, a venture poised to shake up New York’s media scene.
| Key Details About Breaker Media |
|————————————-|
| Founders | Lachlan Cartwright, Ravi Somaiya |
| Launch Format | Weekly newsletter, podcast, occasional plays |
| Subscription Cost | $12/month |
| Focus Area | downtown Manhattan |
| Inspirations | Spy, Private Eye, Gawker |
With their combined expertise and a shared passion for storytelling, Cartwright and Somaiya are set to make Breaker Media a must-follow for anyone interested in the pulse of New York’s media, culture, and power dynamics. Stay tuned for their launch and prepare to dive into the stories that define the city.
Inside Breaker Media: A Deep Dive into New york’s Boldest New Venture with Expert Journalist Emma Russo
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In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Emma Russo, a seasoned journalist and expert on New York’s media landscape, to discuss the highly anticipated launch of Breaker Media. Founded by Lachlan Cartwright and Ravi Somaiya, this innovative venture aims to capture the essence of downtown Manhattan through a weekly newsletter, podcast, and even theatrical plays. Emma shares her insights on the duo’s vision, the inspiration behind the project, and its potential impact on the city’s media scene.
What Inspired Cartwright and Somaiya to Launch Breaker Media?
Editor: Emma, Lachlan Cartwright and Ravi Somaiya are both well-known figures in journalism. What do you think inspired them to create something as unconventional as Breaker media?
Emma Russo: I think it’s a combination of their shared passion for storytelling and their desire to fill a niche in the media landscape. Both Cartwright and Somaiya have spent years working in traditional outlets like The New york Times and The Hollywood Reporter, but they’ve always been drawn to the more untold, gritty stories of New York. Breaker Media is their way of bringing those stories to life in a format that’s both fresh and rooted in the city’s cultural fabric.
Why Focus on Downtown Manhattan?
Editor: Their focus on downtown Manhattan is intriguing. Why do you think they chose this specific area as their beat?
emma Russo: Downtown Manhattan is a microcosm of New York’s energy, diversity, and complexity. As Somaiya put it,there are “more stories per square foot than anywhere else in the world.” It’s a place where media, culture, and power intersect in engaging ways. By focusing on this area, they’re tapping into a rich vein of narratives that are often overlooked by larger outlets.It’s a smart move that sets them apart.
Editor: Breaker Media is launching with a weekly newsletter, a podcast, and plans for occasional theatrical plays. Why this mix of formats?
Emma Russo: It’s a reflection of their creativity and willingness to push boundaries. The newsletter is a nod to their journalistic roots,providing in-depth reporting and analysis. The podcast allows them to explore stories in a more dynamic, conversational way. The plays, though unconventional, are a brilliant addition—they bring a theatrical element to storytelling that can make the narratives even more engaging and impactful.It’s a multi-sensory approach that I think will resonate with their audience.
Influences from Iconic Publications
Editor: Cartwright and Somaiya have cited publications like Spy, Private Eye, and Gawker as inspirations. How do you see these influences shaping Breaker Media?
Emma Russo: These publications are known for their boldness, wit, and ability to uncover hidden truths. Cartwright and Somaiya are clearly drawing from that same ethos. I expect Breaker Media to have that same sense of audacity and irreverence, while also delivering well-researched, high-quality journalism. It’s a blend of old-school investigative rigor and modern storytelling techniques.
What Challenges Might Breaker Media Face?
Editor: Launching a new media venture is no small feat. What challenges do you foresee for Breaker Media?
Emma Russo: The biggest challenge will be standing out in an already crowded media landscape. With so many outlets vying for attention, they’ll need to consistently deliver unique, compelling stories to build and retain their audience. Additionally,their unconventional approach—like staging plays—might be seen as a risk. But if anyone can pull it off, it’s Cartwright and Somaiya. Their combined experience and creativity give them a strong foundation to overcome these hurdles.
The Future of Breaker Media
Editor: What do you think the future holds for Breaker Media?
Emma Russo: If they stay true to their vision, Breaker Media has the potential to become a must-follow for anyone interested in the pulse of New York city. I can see them expanding their formats, building a loyal subscriber base, and even influencing the broader media landscape. They’re not just reporting on the city—they’re becoming a part of its story.
Conclusion
Editor: Thank you, Emma, for this insightful conversation. It’s clear that Breaker Media is poised to make waves in New York’s media scene. With Cartwright and Somaiya at the helm, this bold new venture is one to watch.
Emma Russo: Absolutely. It’s an exciting time for journalism, and Breaker Media is at the forefront of that innovation. I can’t wait to see what they do next.
