Dave Jorgenson Shifts from Short-Form to Long-Form Video at The Washington Post: Which Is Harder?

Dave Jorgenson, known for short-form video work at The Washington Post, is now tackling long-form YouTube content with his show 'What's Your Source.' In a recent episode exceeding 32 minutes, Jorgenson investigated whether Ukraine's attacks on Russian data centers have crippled propaganda bots, demonstrating his commitment to in-depth storytelling. This pivot from quick, viral clips to extended analysis raises questions about audience retention and the challenges of sustaining engagement over longer formats. Jorgenson's move reflects a broader industry trend where creators and newsrooms experiment with YouTube's algorithm, which favors watch time and viewer loyalty. The harder task may be long-form, as it demands rigorous research, narrative pacing, and the ability to keep viewers hooked for over half an hour—a stark contrast to the instant gratification of short-form platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. As Jorgenson navigates this shift, his success could signal a new direction for digital journalism, proving that substantive, lengthy content can thrive even in an era of shrinking attention spans.