A Reporter’s View From Beirut, and a New Film Plumbs the Depths of Netanyahu’s Corruption
Oct 4, 2024
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Nada Homsi, a correspondent in Beirut, reveals the harsh realities of reporting during the ongoing Israeli invasion, shedding light on media challenges in Lebanon. Raviv Drucker discusses his work on 'The Bibi Files,' highlighting damning footage that exposes Prime Minister Netanyahu's corruption. Kelly Jensen addresses a concerning shift in book censorship towards government-led actions. Meanwhile, authors Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson share their fight against book bans affecting their children's book, 'And Tango Makes Three,' illustrating the ongoing battle for access to diverse literature.
Lebanon's press operates under extreme challenges during conflict, where fear and destruction complicate the responsibility of delivering truthful news.
The intertwining of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's corruption allegations with military actions raises critical questions about the influence of personal interests on national policy.
Deep dives
Living Under Constant Conflict
A reporter based in Beirut describes the harrowing experience of covering war while living in a conflict zone. The challenges faced are immense, as every resident becomes a journalist, constantly seeking information about safety and bombings. With airstrikes and military operations taking place, the sounds of warfare become a nightly backdrop, making normalcy impossible. The demand for news and updates creates a surreal environment where fear and destruction intertwine with the necessity of reporting the truth.
Media Dynamics and Censorship
The media landscape in Lebanon is characterized by a precarious balance of freedom and restriction, particularly in war coverage. The need for journalists to navigate security protocols enforced by entities like Hezbollah limits the information available to the public. Reporting is complicated by concerns about the safety of sources and the potential for censorship, as massacres may go unreported to avoid compromising security. This situation results in a challenge to convey the realities faced by civilians amidst the chaos of war.
The Impact of Corruption on Governance
The podcast examines the ongoing corruption charges against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighting how these allegations are intertwined with Israel's current military struggles. A new documentary sheds light on the connections between Netanyahu's legal troubles and his government's actions, suggesting that his desperation to maintain power influences military decisions. The dynamics of his coalition are shifting as he leans towards more extreme figures to secure his position, with serious implications for regional stability. This complicated interplay between personal corruption and national policy raises questions about the broader impact on Israeli society.
Book Banning as a Form of Censorship
The podcast highlights the alarming rise of book banning in schools and libraries across the United States, where over 10,000 titles have faced removal. State governments are increasingly involved, passing laws that restrict access to books deemed inappropriate, particularly those addressing LGBTQ+ themes. The role of librarians and educators is crucial as they fight against these censorship efforts, often facing significant pressure from advocacy groups. Legal actions are being undertaken to challenge these bans, aiming to uphold the right to access diverse literature for all students.
Israel has launched a ground invasion into Lebanon. On this week’s On the Media, hear from a reporter in Beirut on the state of the press as the country braces for more violence. Plus, the state of book censorship in America.
[01:00] Host Brooke Gladstone speaks with Nada Homsi, correspondent at The National’s Beirut bureau, on what the press looks like in Lebanon as Israel launches a ground invasion into the country.
[14:23] Host Brooke Gladstone sits down with Raviv Drucker, an Israeli journalist, to hear about his role in the unreleased documentary, The Bibi Files, directed by Alexis Bloom. The film uses never-before-seen leaked interrogation footage of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his inner circle to lay out his corruption case.
[31:05] Host Brooke Gladstone talks with Kelly Jensen, an editor at the online publication Book Riot, about how book censorship has shifted over the past year to a government affair – with new laws and regulations passed in Idaho, Utah, and South Carolina among other states.
[39:36] Host Brooke Gladstone interviews Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson, whose children’s picture book, And Tango Makes Three, is among the long list of banned titles across the country. Hear why they’re suing in Florida to make their book — and others — accessible again.
On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today (https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm). Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing onthemedia@wnyc.org.
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