“You’re a Little Nervous?” Joy Reid Interviews Mehdi Hasan at Zeteo’s Anniversary Event

In an electrifying evening at Washington, DC’s legendary Howard Theatre, veteran journalist Joy Reid sat down with Zeteo editor-in-chief Mehdi Hasan in front of a packed live audience for a candid, wide-ranging interview. The occasion? A celebration marking one year since the launch of Zeteo, the bold, independent media outlet Hasan founded after parting ways with MSNBC.

The energy was palpable as the crowd filled the historic venue, eager to hear two of the most fearless voices in American journalism tackle today’s most urgent issues—from Donald Trump’s lasting grip on the media to the crisis of truth in modern journalism, and the emotional weight of reporting on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Breaking the Ice: Joy Reid Loosens Up the Room

Opening the night with her signature wit, Joy Reid teased a slightly nervous Mehdi about the pressures of being interviewed for once, especially in front of a live crowd. Holding a thick stack of notes, she wasted no time diving into the deeper topics of the evening, but not before setting a tone that was at once thoughtful and accessible.

Her skillful moderation gave Mehdi the space to speak freely about what it’s like to be on the other side of the microphone—and more importantly, about what it means to tell the truth in an era where journalism is under siege.

Media Under Fire: Truth-Telling in Turbulent Times

At the heart of their conversation was a shared concern over the state of journalism. Mehdi spoke frankly about the challenges journalists face today on both sides of the Atlantic. Drawing from his experiences in both British and American media, he pointed out how Trump-era politics have warped journalistic norms and increased the pressure on reporters to choose between access and accountability.

He emphasized how newsrooms, even at mainstream outlets, often struggle with holding powerful figures to account without appearing partisan. Zeteo, by contrast, was born out of a desire to cut through that fear—to report with honesty, rigor, and no corporate strings attached.

Speaking Truth from the Margins

As the conversation unfolded, Mehdi shared the growing legal hurdles Zeteo faces as an independent media platform. From preemptive legal reviews to security risks, the cost of telling the truth can be high—especially when it comes to reporting on contentious issues like U.S. foreign policy or criticizing institutional power.

Audience members didn’t hold back either. Questions came fast and thoughtful—from concerns about press freedom to the 2024 U.S. presidential election and the direction of the Democratic Party. One theme emerged repeatedly: the need for voices outside the establishment to challenge dominant narratives.

Mehdi’s argument that outsider journalism is not just important but essential struck a chord. “Independent platforms like ours,” he said, “exist because the mainstream keeps missing the mark.”

What Comes Next for Zeteo?

As Zeteo celebrates its first year, this event served not just as a victory lap but as a call to action. Mehdi’s unwavering commitment to honest, fearless reporting is clearly what draws audiences to Zeteo—and what makes the outlet’s mission so vital in the current media landscape.

The tour will continue, with future events planned in Toronto and Los Angeles. Zeteo hopes to use these live conversations to foster deeper engagement, educate the public, and build a more transparent media ecosystem from the ground up.

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a new follower, one thing is clear: this is journalism that refuses to look away.

Follow Zeteo’s journey, join the conversation, and be part of a media movement committed to telling the truth—no matter the cost.