Slate News What Next | How Big Media Obeys in Advance
Sep 22, 2025
Nitish Pahwa, a staff writer at Slate focusing on business and technology, dives into the troubling dynamics of media consolidation. He discusses how media giants like Paramount and Disney have quickly yielded to pressure from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, with potential implications from new ownership like the Ellisons. The conversation highlights the chilling effects of this consolidation on the news landscape and the broader consequences for journalism and public discourse. Pahwa's insights shed light on the intersection of power, influence, and media integrity.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
FCC Threats Chill Broadcasters
- Brendan Carr, FCC chair, publicly threatened broadcasters about shows critical of Trump, creating chilling effects across media.
- Media companies responded quickly to avoid regulatory risk, showing how regulatory threats shape editorial decisions.
Consolidation Increases Vulnerability
- Media consolidation accelerates as companies merge to survive declining linear TV audiences.
- That consolidation makes outlets more vulnerable to political pressure and ownership influence.
Ellison Influence On CBS Hiring
- David Ellison and Larry Ellison financed Skydance's merger with Paramount and now influence hiring at CBS.
- They consider conservative hires like Bari Weiss and an ombudsman to monitor bias at CBS.