On the Media

Investigative reporter Andy Kroll, who covers justice and the rule of law at ProPublica, delves into the enigmatic Russell Vought, a powerful figure within the White House. Kroll explains how Vought’s unconventional strategies at the Office of Management and Budget often align with MAGA priorities and discusses his controversial funding freezes, including implications surrounding impeachment. He also traces Vought’s journey from a Hill aide to an influential activist, revealing how Vought's rhetoric aims to instill fear in federal employees and potentially shape future administrations.

Jeffrey Mitrott, a senior investigative reporter for the Minnesota Star Tribune, dives into the fallout from a deadly ICE shooting in Minneapolis, revealing the truth behind viral claims of fraud at Somali daycares. Rafael Osio Cabrices, editor-in-chief of Caracas Chronicles, discusses Venezuela's fractured media landscape and the complexities surrounding U.S. foreign policy interventions. Political scientist Abe Newman explains 'neo-royalism' and critiques how elite-driven foreign policies prioritize personal power over global stability.

Emily Nussbaum, a television critic for The New Yorker, dives into the fascinating story of Gertrude Berg, the pioneer behind the sitcom. They explore how Berg crafted the character of Molly Goldberg to redefine stereotypes of Jewish mothers. Nussbaum highlights the show's politically charged themes during the Depression and its bold transition to television. The discussion also touches on the impact of the Red Scare on Berg’s legacy and the erasure of her contributions from TV history, drawing eerie parallels to today's media landscape.

Mehdi Hasan, journalist and editor-in-chief of Zeteo, shares insights from his confronting debates with far-right conservatives on Jubilee, tackling the evolving nature of political discourse online. He raises critical questions about the fine line between platforming extremist views and fostering understanding. Meanwhile, Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, emphasizes the importance of truthful historical memory, arguing against the erasure of painful histories. He inspires hope through storytelling and advocates for public narratives that honor the legacy of slavery and racial violence.

Peter Shamshiri, co-host of If Books Could Kill, dives into the meteoric rise of Bari Weiss, the new editor in chief of CBS News. He discusses her controversial academic activism at Columbia and highlights her transition from the New York Times to founding The Free Press. Shamshiri critiques the site's perceived neutrality amid its conservative leanings and examines its rapid subscriber growth and funding from Silicon Valley. The conversation touches on the framing of narratives in media and the intriguing parallels between the woke left and right.

As 2025 wraps up, a whirlwind of news unfolds from AI impacts to press room reshaping. Major shifts occur in legacy media following the Trump administration's influence, while far-right personalities gain traction. The aftermath of controversial events, like Charlie Kirk's murder, raises questions about media framing. Meanwhile, changes in public media funding and press permissions signal a new era. Expect political pushback and local victories as we brace for what’s next in this evolving landscape.

Marshall Curry, a documentary filmmaker who directed 'The New Yorker at 100,' shares insights on selecting pivotal stories and the challenges of storytelling through archival content. Judd Apatow, a film producer and the documentary's executive producer, adds anecdotes about the magazine's cultural significance and his creative process. They discuss the meticulous fact-checking behind articles, how the film captures the essence of The New Yorker's tone, and explore the magazine's evolving narrative, addressing its historical blind spots while celebrating the art of journalism.

Maria Curi, a tech policy reporter from Axios, dives into Trump's controversial executive order on AI regulation and the political stakes for the GOP. Stephen Witt discusses the energy demands and economic implications of the booming data center industry—and wonders if AI is a bubble. Craig Silverman reveals how platforms have embraced AI-generated misinformation, removing fact-checks and monetizing fake content. Together, they explore the dangerous mix of technology, politics, and digital deception shaping our future.

In this insightful discussion, Craig Silverman, co-founder of Indicator and expert on misinformation, delves into how 2025 saw Big Tech embracing deception. He highlights the damaging political pressure leading platforms to scale back moderation and the rise of AI-generated fakes. With alarming examples, Craig reveals how companies monetize hoaxes and the ethical implications of relaxed impersonation rules. He also discusses the detrimental effects of skepticism on public trust and urges listeners to critically engage with content online.

Noah Rosenblum, an associate professor of law, discusses how the Supreme Court's decision in Trump v. Slaughter could radically increase presidential powers, affecting government integrity. Media reporter Oliver Darcy dives into the fierce bidding war between Netflix and Paramount for Warner Bros. Discovery, highlighting the potential fallout for CNN. Joel Simon, a journalism expert, explores the implications of the Perez Hilton subpoena case, emphasizing the need for stronger legal protections for journalists amidst evolving media landscapes.