On the Media
Trump’s Executive Order on Public Media Is Here. Plus, the Murdoch’s Real Succession Drama
May 3, 2025
Jason Koebler, co-founder of 404 Media, discusses a powerful surveillance database aiding ICE in tracking and deporting individuals, raising concerns about civil liberties. Jason Leopold, an investigative reporter at Bloomberg, reveals the Trump administration's attempts to undermine FOIA processes, posing threats to government transparency. McKay Coppins from The Atlantic shares insights from his extensive interviews with the Murdoch family, exploring their fierce internal disputes and the influence of HBO's 'Succession' on their media empire's future.
50:26
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Quick takeaways
- The executive order targeting federal funding for public media like NPR and PBS is largely symbolic, as most funding comes from corporate grants.
- The Murdoch family’s succession drama reveals tensions between conservative ideology and the desire for more truthful media representation amidst familial rivalry.
Deep dives
Challenges in Public Broadcasting Funding
The recent executive order signed by the president aims to cut federal funding to NPR and PBS, but this move is more symbolic than actionable. Public broadcasting primarily relies on funding from corporate and foundation grants, with federal funding being a small portion allocated two years in advance. Consequently, even though federal support totals around $500 million, it is safeguarded by its structure intended to protect it from political manipulation. NPR and PBS have expressed their intention to contest the order, highlighting the importance of local stations which are most affected and whose survival depends heavily on this funding.
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