Master Plan The Billionaire-Backed Takeover Of CBS News (Lever Time)
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Oct 9, 2025 Explore the controversial hiring of Bari Weiss at CBS News and the implications it holds for journalism. Delve into the historical context of the Powell Memo and its influence on corporate media strategies. Discover how deregulation has led to media consolidation, impacting independent reporting. The discussion highlights billionaires' openness about their media influence and poses urgent questions about the future of the fourth estate. Plus, hear actionable advice on supporting independent media as a means to combat concentrated power.
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Bari Weiss's Wealth-Fueled Rise
- Bari Weiss leveraged billionaire backing to scale the Free Press into mainstream influence.
- Her hire at CBS signals wealthy patrons can convert niche outlets into major media power centers.
The Powell Memo Laid The Groundwork
- Lewis Powell's 1971 memo urged corporations to seize control of media to defend free enterprise.
- That memo seeded a long-term effort to steer journalism away from scrutinizing corporate power.
Powell's Celebration And Influence
- Lewis Powell celebrated his Supreme Court nomination with a Philip Morris party that even featured Walter Cronkite.
- Powell later authored rulings that expanded corporate speech and weakened antitrust enforcement.
