TRIGGERnometry The Best Conversation About News, Opinion and Censorship You've Ever Heard - Richard Miniter
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Jan 21, 2026 
Richard Miniter, an investigative journalist and bestselling author, dives into the rich history of news, journalism, and censorship. He discusses the origins of news from ancient Rome's Acta Diurna to the impact of the printing press on free speech. Miniter highlights the importance of the Zenger case in establishing press accountability in America. He critiques modern censorship practices and emphasizes the need for transparency in journalism. The conversation also explores future innovations in news delivery and the crucial role of investigative reporting.
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News Created To Control Rumor
- News began as a tool to control rumors and create a shared set of facts in ancient Rome via the Acta Diurna.
- Shared factual vocabulary reduces polarization by shifting debates to emphasis rather than basic reality.
Gutenberg, Rhine Tolerance And Zenger
- The printing press plus Rhine-region tolerance birthed independent, market-driven news accountable to readers.
- Zenger's trial established truth as a libel defense, enabling journalists to hold power accountable in the English-speaking world.
Zenger's Trial Changed Libel Law
- John Peter Zenger, a German immigrant, published the New York Journal and was jailed for libel.
- His trial led jurors to accept truth as a defense and transformed press freedom in the English-speaking world.
