Ben Smith, Editor-in-chief of Semafor and ex-media columnist for the New York Times, joins to discuss the fraught landscape of today's media. He highlights how Trump's tactics have reshaped journalism, turning media narratives into a battleground. The conversation delves into the consequences of corporate consolidation for journalistic integrity and the rise of polarized media consumption. Smith argues that the media's enduring challenges stem from succumbing to personality-driven reporting and warns against the implications for democracy.
The current media landscape is weaker than in 2016, influenced heavily by Trump's strategic lawsuits against major broadcasters like CBS and ABC.
Cults of personality have infiltrated journalism as political dynamics shift, mirroring the cult-like leadership seen in politics today.
Erosion of trust in traditional media, especially among younger audiences, underscores the urgent need for reliable journalism in a polarized environment.
Deep dives
The Importance of Quality in Grocery Shopping
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The Hiring Challenge and Solutions
Employers often struggle with the pressure to hire quickly, which can hinder their ability to find the best candidates. An innovative hiring platform streamlines this process, allowing employers to post jobs and receive qualified candidates, often within a day. This platform's smart technology actively matches employers with suitable applicants, thus saving time and resources. The seamless experience of using this service has garnered positive feedback from companies that have successfully filled numerous positions.
Media's Evolving Role in Politics
The podcast delves into the changing landscape of media's influence on politics, particularly in light of the 2024 election. There is a growing concern that the media, once seen as the fourth estate, is losing its ability to shape narratives and hold power accountable. The discussion highlights how strategies employed by political figures, particularly Trump's approach, challenge traditional media dynamics and place pressure on journalists. Experts emphasize the need for adaptability in how political events are covered, as the relationship between politics and media becomes increasingly complex.
Understanding the 'Flood the Zone' Strategy
The podcast explores the 'flood the zone' strategy, which involves overwhelming the media with multiple narratives to divert attention from key issues. This tactic has been employed effectively in recent political instances, making it difficult for the media to focus on any single story. Political commentators discuss the implications of this strategy on media coverage, suggesting that it often leads to a reactive posture among journalists. The dialogue reveals the tension between covering immediate actions versus understanding the larger context of political narratives.
Trust and Change in the Media Landscape
The episode examines the decline of trust in traditional media outlets, especially among younger demographics. This erosion of credibility raises concerns about the ability of legacy media to effectively inform the public in a polarized political environment. The discussion highlights the emergence of alternative media sources and platforms, emphasizing the need for journalistic integrity and reliability in a fragmented media landscape. Participants express hope that as media consumption habits shift, there is potential for revitalizing trust through independent, quality-driven journalism.
Ben Smith, former media columnist at the New York Times and now the editor-in-chief of Semafor, joins Dan to talk about today's ultra-challenging news media landscape. The industry is significantly weaker than it was in 2016, and Trump's aggressive lawsuits have the executives in charge of CBS and ABC scrambling to appease him. Will the death blow for America's free press come from within? Smith runs through what we should have learned from the first Trump presidency, how cults of personality rule in journalism just like they rule in politics, and why the dominance of the Times is terrible for fascism-proofing the country.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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