Media Confidential Norm Pearlstine: “Media is Trump’s cocaine”
Feb 6, 2025
Norm Pearlstine, a prominent media executive known for his work at The Wall Street Journal and Time Inc., joins the discussion on media's tumultuous relationship with Trump. He critiques how billionaire moguls have prioritized personal interests over journalistic integrity. The conversation dives into the challenges journalists face in a hostile political environment, where Trump brands them as enemy while consuming their stories. They also explore the evolving standards of truth and the sensationalism gripping today's media landscape.
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Trump's Media Relationship
- Donald Trump is driven by ratings and revenge, making him difficult to cover.
- He thrives on media attention, even negative attention, seeing it as a source of validation.
Murdoch and Trump
- Rupert Murdoch and Donald Trump share a complex relationship, both angry and dependent on each other.
- Despite criticizing Trump's trade war stance in a Wall Street Journal editorial, Murdoch still maintains ties with him.
Billionaires as Media Owners
- Norm Pearlstine worked with billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong at the Los Angeles Times, finding his divided attention challenging.
- Pearlstine cautioned Soon-Shiong against using the publication to advance other business interests.