Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan promote new “Regime Change” book in behind-the-scenes event

Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, both journalists at The New York Times, promoted their new book, “Regime Change,” at a public-facing event described as a “behind”-the-scenes launch celebration, according to Page Six. The coverage characterized the gathering as surprisingly centered on the role of editing and institutional newsroom craft rather than on partisan politics or campaign-style commentary.

The event was staged in connection with the Webby Awards, with Page Six identifying Haberman speaking on stage during the 28th Annual Webby Awards. The pairing of a books-and-journalism release with a major digital media honors program reflected how publishers and major outlets increasingly tie long-form reporting releases to media-industry audience networks.

Page Six reported that Swan, in remarks during the event, described admiration for editing as a defining component of professional journalism. The outlet quoted Swan recalling that he “once heard” a writer compare an editor to someone else, framing the editor’s function as central to shaping reporting into publishable work. Swan’s remark was presented as an example of how the book’s themes connect to newsroom process.

The Page Six account also described the launch as an event drawing the attention of media figures and observers, using language that suggested high social visibility. The outlet’s description emphasized that the promotional message focused on “institutional journalism,” presenting “Regime Change” as a book about how stories are made and vetted, rather than solely as a behind-the-curtain memoir.

While the Page Six report highlighted the event’s tone and the journalists’ stated emphasis, it did not include detailed publication logistics such as release date, publisher, or distribution plans. It also did not provide specific excerpts from the book or confirm any particular claims made within it beyond the general framing described during the event.

The event coverage nonetheless places Haberman and Swan’s work within the broader media culture trend of translating newsroom method into marketable nonfiction. By centering editing and newsroom workflow in a venue known for digital media reach, the journalists’ promotional approach highlighted how audience expectations for transparency into how reporting is produced remain an important selling point for major nonfiction.

For readers and buyers, the immediate next step is to look for the book’s full publisher information, table of contents, and published excerpts where available, since the Page Six account focused on the occasion and remarks rather than on the book’s chapter-by-chapter subject matter.

The launch also underscored how major outlet journalists continue to treat major industry events as platforms for public engagement about their work. With Haberman and Swan both appearing in a Webby context, the episode shows an ongoing convergence between long-form book releases and mainstream media-industry convenings.