A Farewell To Bad News feat Ken Klippenstein (E278)
May 10, 2024
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Investigative journalist Ken Klippenstein discusses the corporatization of media, stories getting 'killed,' and how conspiracy theories gain traction. They delve into bureaucratic struggles in news organizations, shadowy influences in philanthropy, undercover surveillance on college campuses, data harvesting in video games, Macklemore's political statements, social media's impact on society, and the importance of accountability in journalism.
Mainstream media ownership by billionaires impacts editorial content, compromising journalistic integrity.
Challenges in adversarial journalism at The Intercept due to corporatization and influence from top executives.
Concerns arise from former military & intel personnel in media roles, blurring objectivity and transparency.
Deep dives
The Role of Media and Journalism
Mainstream news media, including outlets like CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News, are criticized for serving the interests of the ruling class, with ownership by billionaires impacting editorial decisions. Billionaire patrons influence media organizations, potentially compromising journalistic integrity and coverage of security state matters.
Corporate Influence on Investigative Journalism
Corporate and billionaire influence extends to outlets known for investigative journalism like The Intercept. Journalist Ken Klippenstein detailed experiences of corporatization at The Intercept, highlighting challenges in reporting unfettered adversarial journalism due to influence from top executives and general counsels.
Challenges in Publishing Sensitive Information
The Intercept faced challenges in publishing sensitive but unclassified diplomatic cables revealing US lobbying efforts against Palestinian statehood at the UN. Legal concerns from security experts created obstacles, reflecting a bureaucracy inhibiting timely reporting despite the document's legality.
Conflicts of Interest in Media Narratives
Former military officers and intelligence personnel transitioning to media roles pose conflicts of interest. Their access to privileged information without disclosing financial ties to defense contractors raises concerns about objectivity and transparency in media narratives, blurring lines between expert analysis and vested interests.
Uncovering the Pervasive Role of National Security Agencies
National security agencies operate semi-autonomously to handle various security matters amidst the busyness of the White House. Examples include the FBI sharing intelligence on potential threats and the Department of Homeland Security monitoring protests through agencies like Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Protective Service.
Misinformation and National Security Narratives
Senator Marsha Blackburn's unfounded claims of students chanting 'Death to America' as a national security threat were debunked, revealing no evidence of such chants. This misinformation, echoed on media platforms like Fox News, exemplifies the spread of false narratives that influence government actions, like potentially placing students on terrorist watch lists as advocated by Blackburn.
A discussion of the corporatization of media, his departure from The Intercept, how stories get "killed" and how conspiracy theorists and MAGA supporters' claims about the media get their oxygen — with Ken Klippenstein, investigative journalist.
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Ken Klippenstein: https://www.kenklippenstein.com/
Editing by Corey Klotz. Theme by Nick Sena. Additional music by Pontus Berghe. Theme Vocals by THEY/LIVE (http://instagram.com/theyylivve / https://sptfy.com/QrDm). Cover Art by Pedro Correa: (https://pedrocorrea.com)
http://qaapodcast.com
QAA was formerly known as the QAnon Anonymous podcast.
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