Andrew Allen Brown, Chief Operating Officer of Newsmax Media, joins in to discuss insights from a deposition concerning the misidentification of the Allen mass shooter. The conversation highlights the stark differences in corporate behavior between Newsmax and Infowars. They tackle media accountability and the crucial ethics involved in reporting sensitive incidents, stressing the importance of verifying information. The chat takes a humorous turn when addressing media integrity, showcasing how miscommunication can lead to serious implications in journalism.
The podcast discusses the stark contrast between the accountability displayed by Newsmax's representatives and the evasive behavior typically seen from InfoWars staff.
A crucial point raised is the absence of formal editorial standards at Newsmax, highlighting significant gaps in accuracy and journalistic integrity.
Conflicting internal communications within Newsmax indicate a troubling prioritization of corporate interests over factual accuracy, particularly concerning narratives around race and violence.
Deep dives
Reflections on Literature
The discussion emphasizes the sensuality within literature and how authors communicate stories that can be interpreted through various lenses. One speaker shares a personal approach to literary critique, suggesting that all literature can be seen as a metaphorical striptease where societal expectations are removed. This perspective encourages readers to reconsider traditional narratives by viewing them through a lens of desire and personal connection. Ultimately, this unconventional approach promotes a deeper engagement with texts, urging readers to explore underlying themes of desire that may not be immediately apparent.
Exploration of Acapella Groups
The conversation highlights the evolution of acapella groups, particularly contrasting the celebrated modern group Pentatonix with the older group Rockapella. The speakers reflect on how Pentatonix incorporates sensuality and modern appeal, whereas Rockapella is described as being notably less provocative. This led to a humorous revelation about one of the speakers contemplating their potential future as the bass singer in an acapella group, illustrating how cultural elements can resonate on a personal level. This lighthearted banter reflects a broader commentary on the changing landscape of musical performance and audience expectations.
Newsmax's Misidentification Incident
The deposition focuses on the misidentification of a mass shooter by Newsmax, specifically relating to the incorrect mugshot that was aired. The corporate representative, who appeared more prepared than typical InfoWars representatives, admitted to the lack of verification processes in place for images used in reporting. The admission reveals a significant gap in editorial standards and the general irresponsibility of action taken by various producers, reflecting a broader concern over journalistic integrity and accountability in the wake of a traumatic event. This highlights the tension between sensational reporting and factual accuracy in contemporary media.
Editorial Standards and Accountability
During the deposition, the representative acknowledges that Newsmax lacks formal written editorial standards regarding image verification, despite claiming to meet industry standards. It becomes clear that while there are existing policies meant to ensure accuracy, these were not followed in this case of reporting. The questioning drills down on whether their journalists uphold their responsibilities to verify sources, particularly in sensitive situations involving mass violence. This underscores a troubling precedent in media where standards are often eroded in favor of a sensational narrative.
Conflicting Editorial Policies
The deposition reveals conflicting internal communications within Newsmax that suggest a deliberate decision-making process aimed at downplaying the shooter’s far-right affiliations. An email from a senior producer cautioned against repeating unverified reports related to the shooter, reflecting an internal understanding that such narratives could damage the organization. This pointedly contrasts with the decision to air the incorrect mugshot, showcasing how narratives are often shaped by corporate interests rather than factual accuracy. The conversation emphasizes the media’s role in reinforcing or challenging prevailing societal narratives, particularly regarding issues of race and violence.
Confrontation in the Deposition
The dynamics of the deposition illustrate a significant deviation from the typical evasive behavior associated with Alex Jones’s crew, as the Newsmax representative openly admits to procedural mistakes. The questioning reveals that the issues stemmed from multiple producers not adequately verifying the information, leading to widespread dissemination of incorrect reports. Despite admitting fault, there remains a reluctance to label these mistakes as 'horrible wrongs,' reflecting the uneasy intersection of accountability and corporate image management. This portrayal of the executives' mindset challenges the audience to consider the implications of journalistic failure in today's media landscape.
In this installment, Dan and Jordan review the deposition of Newsmax's corporate representative in the case involving the misidentification of the Allen mass shooter, where they see a stark contrast with how all of Infowars' corporate representatives have acted.
(Note: This was recorded in late 2024, which is why there is a reference to Dan's vacation)
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