Steve Herman, a longtime Voice of America correspondent and author, shares insights about the impact of recent government actions on the iconic broadcaster. Sarah Ellison, media reporter at The Washington Post, discusses Carrie Lake's controversial appointment and its implications for journalistic integrity. They explore the historical significance of VOA, its mission to deliver credible news, and the repercussions of its shutdown on global awareness. The conversation highlights the ongoing tensions between political influence and independent journalism.

Sarah Ellison, a media and democracy reporter for The Washington Post, joins Drew Harwell, a tech reporter, to dissect the Trump administration's bold new communication strategies. They explore how the White House is shunning legacy media to dominate narratives through social media, even using viral content to simplify complex issues. Their discussion touches on the clever use of memes and satire, and how these tactics reshape public discourse and challenge traditional democratic checks, showcasing a radical shift in political messaging.

Sarah Ellison, a seasoned Washington Post reporter with extensive experience covering Rupert Murdoch's media empire, discusses Prince Harry's legal battle against tabloids. She unpacks the recent settlement where Murdoch's group apologized and paid substantial damages. Ellison sheds light on why Harry decided to settle after years of pursuing justice against invasive practices like phone hacking. The conversation also explores the implications of this settlement on media accountability and the shifting narrative surrounding privacy rights.

In this discussion, Sarah Ellison, a seasoned reporter at The Washington Post, and David Falkenflick, NPR's media correspondent and author, delve into the high-stakes drama surrounding Rupert Murdoch's family trust. They uncover the implications of Murdoch's attempt to shift control towards his son Lachlan while exploring the broader impact on media ownership and family dynamics. Listeners gain insights into the secrecy of courtroom proceedings and the parallels to the hit series 'Succession,' enriching our understanding of this media titan's legacy.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Danielle Paquette, a National correspondent for The Washington Post, shares chilling insights from her recent visit to Springfield, Ohio, where unfounded claims about Haitian immigrants have incited fear and tension. Sarah Ellison, a Democracy reporter, dives into the origins of the online disinformation that sparked these racist smears. Together, they unpack how viral misinformation can escalate real-world consequences, exposing the resilience of the Haitian community during this troubling time.