Victor Pickard

Victor Pickard, Professor of Media Policy and Political Economy, joins the show to discuss the crisis in news media and the need for structural alternatives. Topics include the decline of local newspapers, the negative effects of commercialization, the influence of libertarian ideas on media, and the impact of the 1996 Telecommunications Act. They also explore challenges for independent publications and the importance of reinvesting in public infrastructure for journalism and democracy.

Victor Pickard, Professor an der Annenberg School for Communication, beleuchtet die Herausforderungen des Journalismus im Zeitalter der Kommerzialisierung. Er diskutiert, wie der Druck, klickfreundliche Inhalte zu erstellen, die Berichterstattung beeinträchtigt und die Arbeitsbedingungen verschlechtert. Pickard zeigt auf, wie Metriken ursprünglich den Journalisten helfen sollten, jetzt aber Stress und Ungleichheit fördern. Zudem thematisiert er die Krise des Journalismus als Chance für alternative Mediensysteme und die Bedeutung von Gewerkschaften.

Discussing the current crisis in journalism with a focus on job layoffs and revenue decline, Victor Pickard proposes a new model based on public funding. The podcast explores systemic market failures, the importance of community-driven journalism, and the impact of public media subsidies. Guests shed light on innovative community engagement efforts in journalism and reflect on marginalized communities impacted by HIV/AIDS.

Amy Goodman, a trailblazing journalist and host of Democracy Now!, shares insights into Noam Chomsky's critique of U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing its relevance today. Bev Stohl reflects on personal anecdotes from her time working with Chomsky at MIT, revealing his warmth and humor. Greg Grandin provides historical context, examining how Chomsky's ideas challenge mainstream narratives. Victor Pickard discusses the media's role in shaping public perception, highlighting the need for critical engagement with journalism. Together, they uncover the enduring legacy of Chomsky's activism in today's political landscape.

Victor Pickard, a renowned media policy expert and author, dives into America's troubled media landscape, particularly during the Trump era. He discusses the corrosive impact of media oligarchy on democracy and highlights the rise of news deserts as a threat to civic engagement. Pickard advocates for public funding of media and explores how reforming local journalism could restore integrity. The conversation also critiques sensationalized coverage and emphasizes the urgent need for ethical journalism to empower informed citizens.