Nitish Pahwa

Nitish Pahwa, a staff writer at Slate who covers the intersection of media, tech, and politics, dives into the unsettling trends in media consolidation. He discusses how major players like Paramount and Disney are bending to the will of the Trump administration and FCC chair Brendan Carr. Pahwa highlights the dangers of the Ellison family's influence on CBS and the implications of local stations' control on free speech, specifically referencing the controversial firing of Jimmy Kimmel. The conversation sheds light on the precarious future of media independence.

This week’s guest is Nitish Pahwa, a staff writer at Slate focusing on business and technology. He dives into how major media companies like Paramount and Disney are aligning with the Trump administration and the FCC's Brendan Carr. They discuss Carr’s tactics, like using licensing threats to influence media mergers. Pahwa also examines the Ellison family's plans for CBS, potential acquisitions, and the risks that media consolidation poses to dissenting voices in journalism. It’s a revealing look at power dynamics in the media landscape.

Joining the show are Dan Devine, a Yahoo Sports writer known for his insights on the Dallas Mavericks, Nitish Pahwa from Slate who specializes in sports streaming issues, and Danny Chow from The Ringer, an NBA expert. They dive into the chaos surrounding Nico Harrison's firing, dissecting how it affects the Mavericks' roster. Pahwa explains the contentious Disney-YouTube TV disputes and its impact on sports streaming. Chow analyzes Victor Wembanyama's phenomenal season and the Spurs' playoff chances as they face strategies aimed at minimizing his dominance.

Nitish Pahwa, a Slate staff writer specializing in prediction markets and sports betting, dives into the intricate world of legal gambling. He discusses how platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket operate under tight regulations and their competing dynamics with traditional sportsbooks. The conversation also touches on the implications of betting predictions on politics and crises, and the future of gambling amidst changing public attitudes. Additionally, the hosts talk about Bill Belichick's rocky start at UNC and the ongoing conflict between WNBA players and commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

Nitish Pahwa, a staff writer at Slate focusing on business and technology, dives into the troubling dynamics of media consolidation. He discusses how media giants like Paramount and Disney have quickly yielded to pressure from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, with potential implications from new ownership like the Ellisons. The conversation highlights the chilling effects of this consolidation on the news landscape and the broader consequences for journalism and public discourse. Pahwa's insights shed light on the intersection of power, influence, and media integrity.