Power Lines with Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino

Bari Weiss proposes a controversial vision to reshape acceptable debate, sparking a critique of 'both-sides-ism' in today’s polarized climate. New insights from the Smartmatic lawsuit reveal Fox News prioritized ratings over the truth during the 2020 election, with insiders' private criticisms of Trump surfacing. Meanwhile, Olivia Nuzzi's scandal concerning a nude portrait raises eyebrows at Vanity Fair. On a lighter note, Donald Trump pushes for a new 'Rush Hour' film, highlighting the curious ties between Hollywood and politics.

Former journalist Olivia Nuzzi faces fallout as allegations about her reporting relationships surface, raising serious ethical questions. Meanwhile, Trump’s defense of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sparks controversy, especially during a state dinner attended by notable figures. The show delves into the implications of media connections, highlighting Ben Shapiro's newfound hypocrisy in his Golden Globes campaign. Finally, the discussion turns to the release of the Epstein files and the intense spin from right-wing media on Trump's involvement.

Uncovered Epstein emails raise eyebrows with connections to Michael Wolff and Trump. The hosts dissect why Wolff offered Epstein advice and the initial media blackout. Trump’s recent threat to sue the BBC over a documentary edit sparks discussion on timing and misleading content. South Park’s provocative Trump-themed scene catches attention, while Tucker Carlson dives into wild chemtrail conspiracy theories. Finally, they analyze Sydney Sweeney’s underwhelming box office performance and her lackluster response to a controversial ad.

On this week’s Power Lines Podcast: Zohran Mamdani wins New York’s mayoral race: Oliver and Jon break down the reactions, from the predictable outrage on Fox News to the surprising pushback from CNN, and what his rise means for the Democratic establishment as right-wing media gears up to weaponize his every move. The MAGA civil war heats up: Ben Shapiro publicly torches Tucker Carlson for platforming white nationalist Nick Fuentes and Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts got caught in the crossfire, after his awkward defense of Tucker and the claim he “didn’t know” who Fuentes was. Plus: Jon Stewart returns to Comedy Central, Marjorie Taylor Greene might be (sort of) maturing, and Netflix doubles down on podcasting. We’ll see you next week. Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tucker Carlson's surprising alliance with white supremacist Nick Fuentes raises eyebrows about extremism in mainstream media. The hosts explore Comcast's controversial funding of a White House event and its implications for journalistic independence. Paramount's layoffs signal drastic shifts in news strategy, while the rise of Grokipedia, a new platform from Elon Musk, highlights the risks of misinformation. The conversation dives deep into how corporate powers are reshaping newsrooms and the media landscape.

On this week’s Power Lines Podcast: Oliver and Jon break down why all roads lead to David Ellison's WBD takeover and the serious implications it would have for CNN. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt goes viral with a shocking text message response to a reporter. Oliver and Jon dig into the pay-to-play operation behind the Golden Globes' new podcast award. Fox News is losing it over Zohran Mamdani And finally, Oliver and Jon analyze the concrete numbers behind the massive Disney/Kimmel backlash. Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, who powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Get 15% off OneSkin with the code [STATUS] at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #ad 00:00 Intro 00:37 Warner Brothers Discovery's Struggles 02:34 David Ellison's Takeover Bid 06:38 The Media Landscape Shake-Up 08:25 Potential WBD Buyers and Implications 25:54 Karoline Leavitt's Controversial Texts with Reporter 33:30 Far-Right Influencers Replace Pentagon Correspondents 36:03 Golden Globes' New Podcast Category 44:08 Fox News' Obsession with Zohran Momani 50:27 Disney's Backlash Over Jimmy Kimmel Suspension Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Power Lines podcast: Pentagon reporters walked out after Pete Hegseth’s team demanded they sign a loyalty pledge—effectively banning the press from one of the most powerful buildings in the world. Oliver and Jon take you inside the standoff, breaking down what led to the walkout and what it means for press freedom. Then, NBC lays off 150 staffers, gutting its diversity reporting teams as MSNBC and CNBC spin off into a new company. What do the cuts signal about the future of network news and corporate fear of government retaliation over DEI? Finally, the Manosphere fractures. Joe Rogan, Tim Dillon, Theo Von, Andrew Schulz and more are blasting Trump’s ICE raids as cruel. Are the podcasters who helped Trump win the election turning on the right? Plus, Trump melts down over his new Time cover, Zohran Mamdani speaks directly to Trump during his Fox News appearance ahead of the NYC mayoral debate, and Olivia Nuzzi reemerges at Vanity Fair with a new book and renewed controversy over her relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Power Lines is the official podcast of Status, where veteran journalists Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino break down their exclusive reporting and deliver sharp, uncompromising analysis on how information moves and shapes society. From the Fourth Estate to Silicon Valley to Hollywood, they scrutinize the powerful institutions driving narratives, shaping perception, and steering the culture. __________________________________________________________________________________________ Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, who powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Get 15% off OneSkin with the code [STATUS] at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s Power Lines, Oliver and Jon discuss: Bari Weiss at CBS News: Does her both-sides-ism and "Lets fucking do the news" war cry signal a major shift, or is it just corporate noise? We analyze what her new EIC role signals to the Trump administration and debate how hands-on she'll actually be. Pete Hegseth's New Press Rules: We detail the Pentagon’s new restrictions, question how the former Fox News personality would have reacted if they were imposed by a different administration, and explain why restricting access won't stop great journalism. Riyadh Comedy Festival Blowback: Top comedians, including Dave Chappelle, are facing heavy criticism for performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival. Now some are justifying it by saying they did it for the Saudi people. Does performing at the request of an oppressive government truly help the citizens of Saudi Arabia? That’s all for now, have a great weekend. We’ll see you next week. 0:00 Bari Weiss is officially EIC at CBS News 3:02 Bari's "Both Sides" Claim 6:10 What does this hire signal to the Trump Administration? 9:35 How will the CBS News staff react? 12:06 Running The Free Press vs Running CBS News 16:37 Will Bari Weiss actually be running the show? 21:26 Is Bari Weiss in for a rude awakening? 26:40 Pete Hegseth's "safe space" 30:46 Oliver lays out new Pentagon press rules 32:50 Government approved narratives only 34:54 Journalists don't need to be at the Pentagon to do their work 36:16 Trump not on board with what's happening at Pentagon 40:26 Riyadh Comedy Festival comedians react to backlash 43:05 Chappelle's outrageous free speech claims 44:10 Aziz Ansari's argument for participating 47:48 How long will backlash last? 50:06 Comics linked arms with the government oppressing the Saudi people 51:13 A suggestion for Dave Chappelle Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, who powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Get 15% off OneSkin with the code [STATUS] at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Power Lines. This week, Oliver welcome’s Status’ new media correspondent Natalie Korach!  Oliver and Natalie kick things off covering the relentless attacks on the free press, Oliver’s role in a Senate "spotlight hearing" on threats to journalism, the chilling effect of pressure applied by Brendan Carr and Pete Hegseth, and the alarming, unprovoked assaults on reporters by masked ICE agents. Next, the controversy surrounding the Riyadh Comedy Festival, where A-list comedians like Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, and Bill Burr are taking huge paychecks despite Saudi Arabia's atrocious human rights record and restrictions on free expression. Finally, Oliver and Natalie break down the misleading messaging from MAGA media outlets like Fox News on the government shutdown, and the disturbing celebration of potential mass firings of federal workers. Have a great weekend, we’ll see you next week. 00:00 Welcome Natalie Korach! 01:39 Oliver Goes to Washington 06:17 Pentagon Press Restrictions 12:50 ICE and Press Freedom Concerns 20:55 Riyadh Comedy Festival Controversy 33:21 MAGA Media's Spin on the Government Shutdown Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, who powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Get 15% off OneSkin with the code [STATUS] at  https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show returned this week after Disney executives backpedaled on a short-lived suspension that elicited a tidal wave of backlash. But the battle is far from over. Major station groups Nexstar and Sinclair are still refusing to carry the program on their ABC affiliates, effectively blocking it from nearly a quarter of American households. Oliver and Jon break down how the FCC’s targeting of Kimmel ended up backfiring, why even some conservatives are defending his right to speak, and what Disney could be up against next if Nexstar pulls off its bid to acquire TEGNA. One thing is clear: the Kimmel fight is only just beginning. They also cover the revolt inside CNN’s newsroom over its handling of an on-air story featuring far-right conspiracy theorist Jack Posobiec, and how mainstream outlets often miss or downplay the cultural impact of internet personalities. Plus, some big (and exciting) changes at Status!Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, who powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STATUS at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices