Behind the News: Tech Moguls and Journalism w/ Eoin Higgins
Feb 3, 2025
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Eoin Higgins, an author known for his insightful critiques in "Owned," discusses the startling influence of tech moguls on journalism. He analyzes how figures like Glenn Greenwald and Matt Taibbi have reshaped their identities amid right-wing funding. Ronnie Grinberg, an associate professor and author of "Write Like a Man," dives into Jewish masculinity within New York's post-war intellectual scene, exploring the complexities of identity and father-son dynamics. Their dialogue reveals the nuanced intersections of media, politics, and cultural history.
The shift of journalists like Glenn Greenwald and Matt Taibbi from leftist to right-leaning platforms reflects a troubling trend in media alignment with tech moguls.
The influence of conservative tech billionaires on journalism is reshaping narratives, as self-interested platforms promote sensationalism over objective reporting.
Post-World War II, Jewish intellectuals faced identity struggles that led to a transformation in their stance from radical leftism to embracing more conservative American values.
Deep dives
The Rightward Shift of Prominent Pundits
Glenn Greenwald and Matt Taibbi, once hailed as critical voices from the left, have seen a significant shift in their political alignment towards the right. Greenwald, known for his staunch criticism of the Republican Party during the Bush era, now supports figures like Donald Trump. Similarly, Taibbi, previously critical of financial institutions, has aligned himself with Elon Musk and right-leaning platforms. Their transition reflects a broader trend where media figures can become entwined with tech moguls, shaping narratives to cater to new audiences while departing from their earlier principles.
The Influence of Tech Billionaires on Media
The influence of right-leaning tech billionaires, such as Peter Thiel and Marc Andreessen, on the media landscape is profound and concerning. These individuals have established platforms like Substack and Rumble, which now host former leftist pundits and promote content that aligns with their political interests. Their strategy includes investing in voices that support a more conservative narrative, suggesting that control of information is a crucial part of their financial and ideological investments. As a result, the journalistic landscape is increasingly characterized by sensationalism and personality-driven content rather than objective reporting.
Historical Context of the New York Intellectuals
The journey of New York intellectuals, particularly those of Jewish descent, transitioned from leftist roots to more conservative stances post-World War II. These intellectuals faced challenges of identity and representation, especially amidst rising anti-Semitic sentiments and the shifting political climate in America. Influential figures like those associated with Partisan Review began to embrace American values and reject their previously held radical ideas, signaling a pivotal ideological shift. This transformation highlights how external pressures and historical events can dramatically reshape the intellectual landscape.
Gender and Masculinity among Jewish Intellectuals
The discussion of masculinity among Jewish intellectuals reveals significant strains and pressures that shaped their identities. Many of these figures experienced a sense of emasculation due to the socioeconomic challenges faced by their fathers during the Great Depression, which influenced their personal and collective narratives of masculinity. They crafted a new version of masculinity that combined scholarly achievements with combative intellectualism, diverging from traditional norms. This response to cultural anxieties also privileged male voices while marginalizing female contributions in intellectual circles.
The Fragmentation of Media Credibility
The credibility of figures like Greenwald and Taibbi is increasingly questioned as they navigate their new roles within a divisive media environment. Their past work may lend some legitimacy, but their current alignment with conservative platforms raises doubts about their commitment to original values. This evolution reflects a broader trend in media, where personalities capitalize on their backgrounds for financial gain while adopting increasingly partisan views. The challenge lies in discerning whether their past contributions can endure scrutiny under their current ideological stances and the resultant impact on media credibility overall.
Eoin Higgins, author of Owned, talks about tech moguls and the journalists, like Glenn Greenwald and Matt Taibbi, who work for them. Ronnie Grinberg, author of Write Like a Man, on the mostly male, mostly Jewish New York intellectuals of the postwar scene.
Behind the News, hosted by Doug Henwood, covers the worlds of economics and politics and their complex interactions, from the local to the global. Find the archive online: https://www.leftbusinessobserver.com/radio.html
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