When Journalists Become the Story: Who Really Controls the Narrative?

Jul 2, 2025

Warren Weeks, a media training expert and co-host of the Reputation Town podcast, joins fellow co-host John Perenak to delve into the complexities of modern journalism. They discuss the implications of Jake Tapper’s new book and debate whether journalists should profit from their stories. The conversation explores the shifting dynamics of media power from traditional outlets to independent creators, and the increasing public skepticism towards access journalism. With insights on the evolving landscape, they shed light on the ongoing struggle for integrity and trust in reporting.

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INSIGHT

Tapper's Book as Credibility Move

Jake Tapper wrote his book to regain credibility on reporting Biden's decline.
The book serves as a platform to discuss Biden's condition more freely in the future.

INSIGHT

Tapper's Coverage Seen as Hypocritical

Warren Weeks finds Tapper's book hypocritical given his past coverage of Biden.
He criticizes Tapper for benefiting politically yet failing to report truth earlier.

INSIGHT

Rise of Independent Journalism

Independent podcasters like Theo Vaughn and Joe Rogan ask harder questions than mainstream media.
Traditional news outlets are losing public trust due to their access-driven reporting.

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In this live edition of The PR Breakdown, Molly McPherson is joined by Warren Weeks and John Perenak, the hosts of the Reputation Town podcast, to explore the widening gap between journalism and public trust. The conversation centers on CNN’s Jake Tapper and his new book with Alex Thompson, Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again.

Is this book a mea culpa? A career pivot? Or a strategic move to rebuild credibility?

The reputation strategy behind Tapper’s timing
Whether journalists should profit from stories they once protected
How media control is shifting from legacy outlets to podcasters and independent creators
Why access journalism is losing public trust
The pressure journalists face when reporting truth conflicts with institutional loyalty

This episode is not just about one book or one anchor. It’s about the changing role of journalism, the rise of independent media, and the challenge of earning trust in today’s media environment.

If you work in communications, follow the news closely, or just want to understand what’s really happening behind the headlines, this conversation is for you.

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