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.

Nitish Pahwa, a staff writer at Slate focused on business and technology, dives into the controversial rise of AI technologies in everyday life. He discusses the privacy issues surrounding AI-enabled sunglasses, and why companies are revisiting smart glasses despite past failures. Nitish also critiques the ethics of simulated companions and erotic chatbots, warning about their impact on social relationships. Finally, he reflects on the contrasting consumer skepticism and industry enthusiasm for AI, pondering the future of this tech bubble.

Join journalist Nitish Pahwa as he dives into the monumental merger between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal that could reshape the streaming landscape. Pahwa dissects David Ellison's aggressive takeover bid and the implications for cinephiles everywhere. With insights into the motives behind Netflix’s purchase and the potential fallout from corporate consolidation, this discussion reveals how the entertainment industry is transforming into a tech-dominated arena. Don't miss this riveting analysis!

Nitish Pahwa, Slate writer on AI and hiring tech, and Wailin Wong, NPR Indicator co-host and labor analyst, explore why jobseekers feel stuck despite low unemployment. They discuss ghost jobs, AI filters that reduce applicants to keywords, biased black-box algorithms, and how hiring platforms resemble noisy dating apps. Short, sharp takes on tech-driven hiring dynamics.

Nitish Pahwa, a staff writer at Slate specializing in technology and business, delves into the increasingly dystopian landscape of AI tech. He discusses the unsettling implications of AI-enabled sunglasses, highlighting their hidden features that blend real-world interactions with digital intrusion. The conversation touches on the market's push for smarter wearables and the risks of parasocial relationships with AI chatbots. Nitish also raises ethical concerns about creating AI replicas of deceased loved ones and the growing skepticism among consumers regarding AI's real impact.

Nitish Pahwa, a staff writer at Slate covering business and technology, dives into the unsettling world of 2025's most dystopian tech. He highlights AI sunglasses, discussing their features and privacy risks. The conversation explores why companies are reviving smart glasses, despite past failures, and the troubling implications of personalized AI avatars. Nitish cites the clash between public skepticism and industry momentum, predicting a bumpy road ahead for AI regulation and consumer acceptance.

Nitish Pahwa, a Slate staff writer specializing in business and tech, dives into the intense battle for Warner Bros. Discovery. He explains Netflix's strategic acquisition of the company amidst a hostile takeover by Paramount's David Ellison. The podcast explores the ambitions of both Ellison and Warner Bros.' CEO David Zaslav, revealing how their competing visions could reshape the entertainment landscape. Pahwa also discusses the broader implications of these megamergers on theaters, streaming services, and the future of film.

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.