The Accidental President by A.J. Baime is a captivating biography that focuses on Harry S. Truman's first 120 days as President of the United States. Chosen as FDR’s fourth-term vice president due to his work ethic, good judgment, and lack of enemies, Truman was thrust into the presidency after FDR’s sudden death. During his initial months, Truman oversaw significant historical events such as the founding of the United Nations, the fall of Berlin, victory at Okinawa, firebombings in Tokyo, the first atomic explosion, the Nazi surrender, the liberation of concentration camps, the Potsdam Conference, and the controversial decision to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The book provides a detailed and nuanced account of Truman’s leadership during this tumultuous period, using sources like official documents, journal entries, and personal correspondence to bring the story to life.
Marietje Schaake's "The Tech Coup" examines the growing power of Silicon Valley and its impact on democracy. The book explores how technology companies have become increasingly influential in shaping political discourse and public policy. Schaake analyzes the challenges posed by big tech's dominance, including issues of data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the spread of misinformation. She argues that these companies have amassed too much power and influence, and that urgent action is needed to address these concerns. The book offers concrete policy recommendations for regulating big tech and protecting democratic values in the digital age. Schaake's work provides a critical analysis of the relationship between technology and democracy, offering insights into how to safeguard democratic principles in the face of technological disruption.
This week, The Media Show broadcasts from Washington DC, and asks what the election tells us about the media's role in modern America.
The Washington Post finds itself at the heart of a debate on media impartiality after a reported loss of thousands of subscribers following its decision not to endorse a candidate. NPR's media correspondent, David Folkenflik, joins us to unpack the unfolding crisis.
With tech billionaires wielding significant influence, this election has seen figures like Elon Musk openly backing Donald Trump. Critics argue that big tech’s sway over public discourse has become too potent. Jennifer Huddleston, a senior fellow in technology policy at the Cato Institute, and Marietje Schaake, a former MEP now with Stanford’s Cyber Policy Center, debate the issues.
For over 170 years, the Associated Press has been at the forefront of election coverage, calling winners across the nation. Anna Johnson, AP’s Washington bureau chief, explains how it does what might be "the single largest act of journalism in the world".
Also on the show, Lauren Egan, White House reporter for Politico, talks Ros through her job and what access she gets to the President. And David A Kaplan, former Newsweek legal affairs expert, reflects on the 2000 election—a time when the relationship between the media, the candidates and the public looked very different.
Presented by: Ros Atkins
Produced by: Simon Richardson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai
Sound: Ben Martin
The Media Show 
