The Gist Ben Smith On Truth At A Lower Resolution
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Jul 23, 2025 
Ben Smith, CEO of Semafor and former media columnist at the New York Times, dives into the turbulent media landscape during the Trump years. He critiques the butchering of truth amid sensationalism and discusses how Substack morphs from a haven for writers to a melting pot of radical ideas. Ben also explores the structural distrust in media, emphasizing that even flawless journalism couldn’t avert audience collapse. Tune in for insights on how misinformation and shifting platforms redefine public discourse today.
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Trump's Dual Impact on Media
- Donald Trump is both a hostile force to independent journalism and a major story that attracts media attention.
- This duality complicates assessing Trump's overall impact on the media landscape.
Corporate Media's Conflict
- Corporate media's independence is challenged as business interests influence coverage, especially regarding mergers.
- This dynamic has vindicated skepticism toward corporate media that was previously dismissed as conspiracy.
Wall Street Journal's Courage
- The Wall Street Journal shows remarkable courage in investigating Trump despite legal and political threats.
- Rupert Murdoch understands the power balance in media and uses his position to maintain journalistic strength.