SAPIR Conversations S17E3: Can the Media Keep Kosher? with Bret Stephens and Amit Segal
Jun 30, 2025
Join Bret Stephens, an esteemed opinion columnist, and Amit Segal, chief political analyst for Israel's Channel 12 News, as they delve into the blurred lines between objective and activist journalism. They discuss the challenges of maintaining objectivity amidst rising media biases and the impact of technology on news presentation. Amit highlights the unique dynamics of Israeli media, while Bret critiques the growing mistrust in journalism, influenced by homogenous newsrooms. Together, they advocate for critical news consumption and the importance of diverse perspectives in journalism.
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New Reporter Found A Major Story
- Amit Segal described being replaced on Knesset beat and his successor broke a major sexual-harassment story.
- He used this to show different reporters uncover different truths and why objectivity is ideal but imperfect.
Objective News Saturated With Opinion
- Many newsrooms present themselves as objective while embedding clear opinions and cultural priors.
- This mixture erodes public trust and invites demagogic attacks on the press.
Cronkite Era Is Gone; Depth Matters Now
- Technology killed the single authoritative nightly anchor and multiplied immediate sources.
- Modern media's advantage is depth: investigations, documentaries, and seasoned commentary.