Undercurrents The death of MSNBC
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Aug 20, 2025 The discussion dives into MSNBC's rebranding and its focus on news and opinion amid changing media dynamics. The decline of institutional trust and its parallels with the political landscape is explored, noting the similarities to the early Tea Party. Frustrations within the Democratic Party arise as they attempt to balance grassroots activism with internal conflicts. Finally, the podcast examines how left and centrist politicians navigate complexities in a transformed political environment while grappling with audience engagement.
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Legacy Media Pivot To Nonlinear Platforms
- MSNBC is rebranding to MSNOW to emphasize digital, non-linear platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
- Emily argues this signals legacy media trying to shed a corporate image while keeping heavy overhead unsuited to niche online audiences.
Cable Networks Must Shrink To Survive
- Old cable networks will shrink and produce niche, lower-budget content for online platforms.
- Emily predicts they cannot sustain previous overhead or audiences and will adapt programming to match smaller budgets.
Combative Centrism Lacks Substance
- Democrats and networks are adopting "combative centrism," a style that sounds militant but lacks systemic economic populism.
- Emily argues this approach offers style without the substantive foundations needed to mobilize broad support.