Matt Gertz, a Senior Fellow at Media Matters, discusses the revolving door between Fox News and the Trump administration, exploring how this relationship influences governance. Bill Adair, founder of PolitiFact, delves into the challenges of fact-checking in today's polarized landscape. Matt Pearce analyzes the media's declining audience and its struggles with tech platforms. Lastly, Ben Collins reveals the satirical twist of The Onion acquiring Infowars, highlighting a humorous intersection of media and politics.
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Hegseth's Advocacy
Pete Hegseth, potential Defense Secretary, co-hosted Fox and Friends Weekend.
He used his platform to advocate for service members accused of war crimes.
insights INSIGHT
Fox News vs. Defense Secretary Skills
Fox News hosts excel at manipulating MAGA viewers through fear and anger.
A Defense Secretary needs different skills than a Fox News host.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Homan's Revolving Door
Tom Homan, Trump's pick for "border czar," worked at ICE and Fox News.
At Fox, he echoed Trump's border policy stances, now returns to the administration.
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The Epidemic of Political Lying, Why Republicans Do It More, and How It Could Burn Down Our Democracy
Bill Adair
In this book, Bill Adair reveals how politicians lie and why, relying on dozens of candid interviews with politicians, political operatives, and experts in misinformation. He outlines the patterns of lying, the motivations and tactics of political liars, and the impact on people's lives. Adair also examines how Republicans have tried to change the landscape to allow their lying by intimidating the news media, academia, government, and tech companies. The book provides solutions to end American political deceit and emphasizes the importance of truth in the digital age, particularly on critical issues like climate crisis, public health, and international relations.
Public Opinion
Stefano di Lorenzo
Walter Lippmann
In 'Public Opinion', Walter Lippmann explores the nature of public opinion, how it is formed, and its influence on democratic processes. Published in 1922, the book critiques the ideal of direct democracy and argues that the public's perceptions are often shaped by incomplete and inaccurate information. Lippmann discusses the role of media, stereotypes, and other factors in shaping public opinion, highlighting the challenges in achieving informed and rational public discourse.
Many of Donald J. Trump’s cabinet picks have something in common: a very close relationship with Fox News. On this week’s On the Media, hear about the revolving door from the conservative network to the White House. Plus, election conspiracy theories from Kamala Harris supporters go viral. And a satirical news site buys up Alex Jones’ Infowars.
[01:00] Host Brooke Gladstone speaks with Matt Gertz, senior fellow at Media Matters, about the re-opened revolving door between conservative media and the Trump administration.
[11:52] Host Micah Loewinger sits down with Anna Merlan, senior reporter at Mother Jones, to discuss the flurry of apparent Democratic voters questioning election results on social media, and why, without backing from public officials, “BlueAnon” is likely a nonstarter.
[20:05] Host Brooke Gladstone chats with Bill Adair, founder of PolitiFact and author of the new book Beyond the Big Lie, about the history of fact-checking and why the field – in desperate need of resources and reinforcements – is struggling to break through in our information ecosystem.
[33:23] Host Micah Loewinger talks with Matt Pearce, former staff writer at the LA Times, and president of Media Guild of the West, about the media’s audience problem.
[43:00] Host Brooke Gladstone calls up Ben Collins, CEO of The Onion, because The Onion bought Alex Jones’ Infowars. Need we say more.
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