Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar Mini Show #45: Union Activity, CNN Ratings, Ukraine Lobbying, & Institutional Decay!
Jul 18, 2022
Jonathan Guyer, a senior foreign policy writer for Vox, dives into the complex lobbying efforts by Ukraine in the U.S. amidst their conflict with Russia, stressing the need for reforms in lobbying laws. The discussion also touches on the significant rise in grassroots labor organizing, paired with a critical look at CNN's struggles with ratings in a polarized media landscape. They explore how institutional trust has declined, linking it to events like the Pentagon Papers and the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing a complicated web of public confidence issues.
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Increased Union Activity
- The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) reported a 56% increase in union election petitions during the first nine months of the 2022 fiscal year.
- This surge in union activity coincides with a funding crisis and staffing shortages at the NLRB.
CNN's Strategy Shift
- CNN's new strategy involves less partisan reporting and targeting a broader audience.
- Internal sources reveal that CNN employees are concerned about tanking ratings due to this shift.
Ukraine's Lobbying Efforts
- Ukraine has a strong lobbying presence in Washington, with at least 25 registered lobbyists.
- Jonathan Guyer from Vox highlights the extent of Ukrainian lobbying efforts, including sending fighter pilots to meet with influencers.