CANADALAND Brian Reed on Trump’s War on the Press
9 snips
Jun 9, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Brian Reed, creator of acclaimed podcasts like S-Town, delves into the state of journalism during Trump's presidency. He addresses the chilling effects on press freedom, illustrated by real cases of intimidation faced by journalists. Reed shines a light on the influence of billionaire investors on media integrity and the resultant skepticism towards traditional outlets. Their conversation also covers legal battles for press protection and the importance of independent journalism in an increasingly polarized political landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Student Journalist's Detention Chills Media
- Ramesa Ozturk, a graduate student, was detained without charges after writing a critical student op-ed.
- Her detention caused many student journalists, especially internationals, to self-censor out of fear for their immigration status.
Press Fear Mostly Diffuse, Not Overt
- Trump's aggressive war on press breeds top-down distrust and bottom-up chilling effects among young journalists.
- The real damage is diffuse self-censorship, especially at college newspapers by vulnerable international students.
Protect Vulnerable Student Journalists
- Advise international students to avoid writing for politically sensitive student media to protect immigration status.
- It's prudent to delay commentary until citizenship or protections are secured.
