The New 'State Media.' Plus, Podcasters Are Running the FBI.
Mar 1, 2025
auto_awesome
Anna Merlan, a Senior Reporter at Mother Jones, sheds light on the White House's unprecedented control over the press pool, favoring far-right influencers. Brandy Zadrozny of NBC News discusses the implications of Dan Bongino's rise to the FBI, noting his prior anti-FBI stance. Yaroslav Trofimov from The Wall Street Journal explores changing U.S.-Russia relations, emphasizing Trump's influence on Republican foreign policy regarding Ukraine. This insightful conversation delves into media dynamics and the intersection of politics and national security.
The White House's new approach to the press pool, prioritizing far-right influencers, raises concerns over journalistic integrity and propagandizing.
Dan Bongino's transition from FBI critic to a key position within the agency illustrates the fusion of media influence and political power.
Deep dives
The New Media Landscape in the White House
The briefing room at the White House has seen a significant transformation with the introduction of non-traditional media voices, including independent journalists and right-wing influencers. This shift allows those who previously lacked access to engage directly with the administration, potentially altering the nature of political reporting. For example, figures like John Stoll, head of news at X, and others have capitalized on this opportunity to voice opinions that align closely with the current government's narrative. This move raises questions about journalistic integrity and the implications of blurring the lines between reporting and propagandizing in a political environment dominated by partisanship.
Dan Bongino's Rise and Influence
Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent turned conservative commentator, has secured a prominent position within the FBI's structure. His background and previous criticism of the agency are noteworthy as he uses his platform to disrupt traditional narratives about law enforcement. Bongino's embrace of right-wing ideologies, particularly around the idea of a corrupt FBI, has resonated deeply with a substantial audience. His shift from a law enforcement advocate to a partisan media figure illustrates how personal narratives can be leveraged into political power and influence.
Trump's Charmed Relationship with Putin
Former President Trump's remarks about Russia reflect a markedly friendly stance towards Vladimir Putin, showcasing a shift in rhetoric from the once hawkish Republican viewpoint. Trump's admiration for Putin's approach to global politics aligns with an emerging narrative among certain American conservatives who view Russia as a bastion of traditional values. This affinity appears to stem from a desire for a unified worldview, positioning Russia as an exemplar against what is perceived as 'woke' ideologies in the West. The implications of this mindset may affect broader political strategies and discourse within the Republican Party and American foreign policy.
The Battle over Historical Memory in Ukraine
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is profoundly intertwined with historical narratives and memory, as Russia seeks to erase Ukrainian identity and culture. Russian forces deliberately target Ukrainian symbols and monuments, attempting to rewrite history and deny the existence of Ukrainian suffering during past atrocities. This erasure is not merely a physical act but also extends to the psychological impact on the Ukrainian populace, who are determined to assert their cultural heritage against foreign aggressors. The fight for historical recognition underscores the significance of memory in the broader context of national identity and resistance.
Breaking from a century of tradition, the White House says it will seize control of the press pool covering the president. On this week’s On the Media, the new administration is prioritizing access for an array of far-right influencers and news outlets. Plus, what President Trump’s pivot toward Russia means for Ukraine after three years of war.
[00:00] Host Brooke Gladstone sits down with Anna Merlan, senior reporter at Mother Jones covering disinformation, technology, and extremism, to discuss the White House’s latest move to control the press pool covering the president.
[00:00] Host Micah Loewinger speaks with Brandy Zadrozny, senior reporter at NBC News covering the internet, to discuss the rise of Dan Bongino, from right wing podcaster to Donald Trump’s new pick for Deputy Director of the FBI, and his history of anti-FBI rhetoric.
[00:00] Brooke Gladstone talks to Yaroslav Trofimov, chief foreign affairs correspondent for the Wall Street Journal and the author of No Country for Love, about the ultraconservative embrace of Putin’s Russia in the United States and how President Trump has spearheaded a paradigm shift in Republican foreign policy vis-à-vis Russia.
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.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode