New Trump Derangement Syndrome Examples, and How CNN Smeared a Navy Veteran, with Piers Morgan, Zachary Young, and Vel Freedman | Ep. 991
Jan 24, 2025
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Piers Morgan, an outspoken media personality, joins Navy veteran Zachary Young, who recently won a defamation lawsuit against CNN, and his attorney Vel Freedman. They discuss the seismic shifts in media consumption, particularly the rise of digital platforms like YouTube. Young shares the personal impact of CNN's defamatory reporting and the network's apparent arrogance. Morgan also dives into the implications of media bias, the Trump defamation settlement, and the evolving landscape of accountability in journalism, highlighting the changing dynamics of public trust.
Piers Morgan's transition to independent media highlights the evolving landscape driven by younger audiences seeking alternative consumption methods.
Zachary Young's defamation case against CNN underscores the critical need for journalistic accountability and ethical reporting standards in media.
Young's experience reveals the profound personal and professional consequences that misleading media narratives can impose on individuals.
The CNN settlement signifies a significant shift in recognizing the legal ramifications news organizations face for publishing unverified and damaging stories.
Deep dives
Executive Orders and Transparency
President Donald Trump signed multiple executive orders early in his administration, one of which focused on declassifying documents related to the assassinations of prominent figures such as JFK, RFK, and Martin Luther King Jr. This move raised significant public interest, highlighting the long-standing secrecy surrounding these historical events. Many commentators expressed disbelief that such documents have remained classified for decades, arguing that transparency is essential for democratic accountability. The discussion indicated a growing public frustration with governmental secrecy regarding significant historical events.
CNN's Defamation Case
Zachary Young, a military veteran, successfully sued CNN for defamation after the network aired a report that portrayed him as exploiting Afghans during a chaotic evacuation situation. The jury found that CNN's portrayal was not only misleading but also damaging to Young's reputation. The report accused Young of operating in a black market while charging exorbitant fees to desperate Afghans, a narrative that Young vehemently contested. The outcome of the trial marked a significant moment for media accountability, signaling that news organizations can be held liable for their reporting.
The Impact of Media on Individuals
Young detailed the personal and professional ramifications he faced as a result of CNN's report, which he described as nuclear and radioactive for his career. He expressed how the accusations affected his ability to find work and live a normal life, leading to mental health challenges. Young's situation underscores the profound impact that media narratives can have on individuals, particularly those with esteemed backgrounds such as military and intelligence service. The case serves as a reminder of the responsibility news organizations have in accurately representing the subjects of their stories.
The Evolution of News Consumption
The podcast featured a discussion about the changing landscape of media consumption, with an emphasis on digital platforms like YouTube. It was noted that many younger viewers now prefer consuming news through alternative digital formats rather than traditional television. These changes signal a shift in how information is disseminated and absorbed, making traditional media formats appear increasingly outdated. The conversation highlighted the importance of adaptability in the media industry as consumer preferences evolve.
Challenges in Journalism
The legal battle against CNN was portrayed as a unique challenge within the landscape of journalism, raising questions about editorial standards and accountability. Young's case exemplified how journalism should navigate the line between reporting and sensationalism, emphasizing the need for ethical standards in news reporting. The discussion pointed to the growing scrutiny of news organizations in light of increasing public distrust and the legal repercussions they may face for publishing unverified stories. This serves as a call for journalists to reaffirm their commitment to truth and accuracy in order to rebuild credibility.
CNN's Internal Practices
During the trial, internal communications from CNN were revealed that indicated a culture of rigorous editorial review that still failed to prevent the airing of a flawed report. Employees expressed doubts about the accuracy of the information, yet the story went live, raising questions about how editorial decisions are made within the organization. The testimony exposed a disconnect between the editorial standards and how stories are presented to the public. This scenario illustrates the complex dynamics at play in media organizations and their obligations to uphold integrity in reporting.
The Role of Apologies and Corrections
CNN's subsequent apology for the report was seen as inadequate and insincere, reflecting a broader issue of how media outlets manage errors. The timing and nature of the apology suggested that it was more about protecting the organization from legal consequences than a genuine acknowledgment of wrongdoing. The importance of addressing mistakes transparently was highlighted, emphasizing that a sincere correction can often mitigate harm more effectively. This raises the question of how media outlets can balance accountability while preserving audience trust.
Litigation as a Means of Accountability
Zachary Young's lawsuit against CNN established a critical precedent for holding media organizations accountable for their reporting. The outcome of the case reinforced the notion that defamation suits can serve as a tool for individuals to challenge media narratives that can unjustly damage their reputations. Young's decision to pursue this case was rooted in his desire not only to vindicate himself but also to bring attention to the broader implications of media misconduct. As the media landscape continues to evolve, the case sets a significant marker for potential future litigants against news organizations.
Megyn Kelly is joined by Piers Morgan, host of "Piers Morgan Uncensored," to talk about his decision to take his digital show independent and start his own media business, how young people are driving massive changes in how media is consumed, the significance of ABC News agreeing to pay millions to settle a Trump defamation lawsuit, CNN settling their defamation case after being found guilty, the BS Russia collusion hoax and whether Trump should consider suing news organizations over it, examples of Trump Derangement Syndrome in the media already in the new presidency, the way American culture has completely moved on from that philosophy, the bombshell new Vanity Fair cover story unloading on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry for their failures at Spotify and Netflix, the truth about how they treat people, and more. Then Zachary Young and his lawyer Vel Freedman join to talk about the defamatory report about Young that CNN aired that they were forced to pay tens of millions for last week, what they were really saying behind-the-scenes, how the report negatively affected Young's life, how CNN knew there were problems with their report on Young before it aired, the arrogance of CNN and their correspondent Alexander Marquardt, and more.
