Brandy Zadrozny, a senior NBC reporter focused on election disinformation, discusses the overwhelming spread of conspiracy theories and its impact on voters. Waleed Shahid, a Democratic strategist and co-founder of the Uncommitted Movement, reflects on media coverage of Arab and Muslim voters, highlighting the need for rebuilding trust. Historian Ira Chinoy shares insights on the evolution of election night reporting and technology, illuminating how past innovations shaped the spectacle of modern election night.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Fake Ballot Destruction Video
A fake video showed someone destroying Trump ballots, a Russian disinformation tactic.
This video quickly went viral online before being debunked.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Postal Worker Doxing
A viral video questioned a postal worker delivering ballots, leading to his doxing and harassment.
The video, viewed millions of times, highlights the targeting of election workers.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Voting Machine User Error
A Georgia voter faced issues with a voting machine, which Marjorie Taylor Greene amplified as fraud.
Officials confirmed it was user error, and the voter successfully cast their ballot.
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This book delves into the transformative night of November 4, 1952, when computers were first used to predict election outcomes live on television. It highlights how this innovation not only changed the way elections were covered but also set the stage for a digital public square. The book provides insights into the historical context and the ongoing implications of this technological shift in journalism and politics.
As the election approaches, conspiracy theories have flooded social media. On this week’s On the Media, hear why journalists are struggling to keep up with disinformation, on and offline. Plus, what does The Washington Post’s non-endorsement really mean? And, a look at the media coverage of the Uncommitted movement.
[01:00] Host Micah Loewinger speaks with Brandy Zadrozny, senior reporter at NBC, about the growing swirl of disinformation around the election—and the toll it’s taking.
[14:26] Host Brooke Gladstone takes a close look at the implications of The Washington Post’s decision to skip a presidential endorsement, and what it means to “obey in advance.”
[24:07] Host Micah Loewinger interviews democratic strategist Waleed Shahid, a co-founder of the Uncommitted Movement, about how the press has covered Arab and Muslim voters.
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