
On the Media
The New 'State Media.' Plus, Podcasters Are Running the FBI.
Mar 1, 2025
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.
50:35
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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