The podcast episode explores the controversy surrounding Two and Nine Times, a local news outlet in Stockton, California, and its mission to provide community-driven news in the face of accusations of spreading misinformation.
The episode examines the concept of objectivity in journalism and the growing distrust in mainstream media, highlighting the importance of alternative forms of journalism that prioritize transparency about biases and offer different perspectives.
Deep dives
The Controversy Surrounding Two and Nine Times
The podcast episode explores the controversy surrounding a local news outlet called Two and Nine Times and its coverage of the mayoral race in Stockton, California. The episode presents two different narratives: one that portrays Two and Nine Times as a propaganda site, spreading misinformation about the former mayor, Michael Tubbs, and another that defends the outlet's independent status and its mission to provide community-driven news. The episode delves into the motivations of the outlet's founder, Motek, including his activism, progressive values, and disdain for the mainstream media. It also discusses allegations of staged protests and the impact of mistrust in the main stream media on the community.
The Role of Objectivity in Journalism
The podcast episode examines the concept of objectivity in journalism and its impact on mainstream media's credibility. It acknowledges that objectivity may be a flawed ideal, as journalistic choices inherently involve biases in selecting which stories to cover, what information to include, and how it is framed. The episode highlights the growing distrust in mainstream media and the perception of bias, especially in local news coverage. It also explores alternative forms of journalism like community-driven news outlets, such as Two and Nine Times, that prioritize transparency about their biases and offer different perspectives.
Allegations and Counterclaims in Stockton's Media Landscape
The podcast episode presents conflicting allegations and counterclaims between the local news outlet Two and Nine Times and its detractors. It explores the accusations made against Two and Nine Times, including staged protests, spreading misinformation, and engaging in pay-for-play journalism. On the other hand, the episode includes responses from the outlet's founder and staff, who deny these allegations and assert their dedication to community-driven reporting. The episode highlights the complexity of media dynamics and the challenges of discerning truth in a polarized media landscape.
The Impact of Local News and Media Trust
The podcast episode examines the importance of local news and the consequences of a declining trust in the media. It showcases the role of Michael Tubbs, the former mayor of Stockton, and his relationship with Two and Nine Times. It suggests that the outlet's rise in popularity may reflect a broader erosion of trust in mainstream media, ultimately raising concerns about the health of local democracy. The episode also explores the effect of media biases on communities and the challenges faced by both traditional and independent news outlets in maintaining credibility.
The man behind 209 Times is not who you'd expect. In Part 2, co-host Yowei Shaw discovers the website's surprising origin story, and ends up at the frontlines of a revolt against the mainstream media and a fight over who gets to own the truth.