On the Media
The Coding Language Caught in DOGE's Crosshairs
Apr 16, 2025
Clive Thompson, author of 'Coders' and contributor to major publications like New York Times Magazine, joins to discuss the fascinating world of coding, particularly COBOL. He highlights COBOL's historical significance and how it transformed business and government operations since the 1950s. Thompson dives into the complexities of updating legacy systems, especially in government, and critiques the assumptions about replacing established technologies. He warns of the risks involved in modernizing critical infrastructure and the enduring necessity of COBOL in today's digital landscape.
28:18
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Quick takeaways
- Public media organizations are under significant threat due to political biases and funding cuts, emphasizing their role in providing accurate information amidst misinformation.
- The coding language COBOL, designed for user-friendliness and reliability, remains vital for critical systems despite modernization efforts led by entities like Musk's DOGE.
Deep dives
The Vulnerability of Public Media
Public media, particularly organizations like NPR and PBS, is facing unprecedented threats that jeopardize its existence. Leaders from these institutions recently defended against political accusations of bias during a House Subcommittee meeting. With increasing calls to cut government funding, the sustainability of public media is at risk, and its importance has never been more pronounced, especially in an environment rife with misinformation. Listener support is critical for maintaining these platforms, which serve as vital resources for accurate and trustworthy information.
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