On the Media

Anna Gomez, soon the lone Democratic commissioner at the FCC, discusses her concerns about the weaponization of her agency against public media. She highlights the alarming influence of political motivations on media integrity and First Amendment rights. The conversation also touches on the surprising battle for shortwave radio frequencies, where creative pirate broadcasters face off against wealthy entities looking to monetize the airwaves. Gomez advocates for preserving public access and the unique voices in media that challenge mainstream narratives.

Bennett Cobb, a retired trade journalist with decades of experience covering the FCC, now runs a blog focused on radio topics. In this discussion, he reveals the rise of pirate radio broadcasting, emphasizing its cultural importance amidst corporate threats to public airwaves. Cobb highlights how finance firms are attempting to commodify radio waves, raising concerns about the loss of public access. The conversation also touches on shortwave technology's surprising role in high-frequency trading, posing critical questions about the future of communication.

Discover how MAGA supporters are grappling with conspiracy theories that are now backfiring on them. Delve into the rifts within the Republican Party as frustrations arise over Jeffrey Epstein’s revelations. Explore the far-reaching impact of a controversial radio station in Maine that amplifies extremist viewpoints. Also, learn about the rise of unconventional ministries that blend conspiracy with religion, raising questions about free speech and the dangers of misinformation in today's media landscape.

Discover the intriguing past of shortwave radio as a revolutionary communication tool and its decline into extremism. The narrative follows a man's daring journey to establish a pirate radio station, highlighting the clash between free speech and controversial programming. Uncover how WBCQ became a hub for far-right voices while navigating financial struggles. Explore the challenges of broadcasting extremist viewpoints and the landscape of shortwave radio today, revealing a complex battle between pirates and profiteers for control of the airwaves.

Carolyn Holmes, a political science professor at the University of Tennessee, dives into the controversial arrival of Afrikaner refugees in the U.S. She discusses the unintended consequences of a PR campaign promoting their narrative and the objections from white rights groups. The dialogue also reveals the long-standing ties between U.S. and South African white nationalists. Additionally, the second segment explores how right-wing extremists have historically utilized shortwave radio as a platform to spread their ideologies, shaping modern political dynamics.

Explore the fascinating evolution of shortwave radio as a communication tool from a bastion of peace to a breeding ground for extremism. Learn about the rise of anti-government militias and their strategic use of airwaves to spread divisive rhetoric. Discover the unexpected unity at events like the Rocky Mountain Rendezvous, where diverse factions coalesced against federal authority. The chilling connections between shortwave broadcasts and tragic events like the Oklahoma City bombing illustrate the dangerous legacy of this medium in the realm of far-right ideology.

Chris Geidner, a journalist specializing in Supreme Court coverage for Law Dork, discusses the plethora of legal challenges facing Trump, highlighting emerging trends and the surprising success of some lawsuits. Katie Thornton, host of The Divided Dial, takes listeners on a journey through the fascinating world of shortwave radio, from its utopian beginnings to its role in propaganda. They explore how this technology shaped global communication and its complicated legacy during wartime, revealing a tool that has transformed from connection to division.

Discover the fascinating world of shortwave radio, a global communication tool with a rich history. Explore its dual nature, from connecting distant voices to becoming a vehicle for propaganda. Uncover how shortwave shaped narratives during WWII, with figures like Axis Sally, and its role in the Cold War through initiatives like Radio Free Europe. Learn about jazz as a diplomatic tool in the U.S. and the evolution of shortwave from a trusted info source to a means for fringe political movements.

Jason Koebler, co-founder of 404 Media, discusses a powerful surveillance database aiding ICE in tracking and deporting individuals, raising concerns about civil liberties. Jason Leopold, an investigative reporter at Bloomberg, reveals the Trump administration's attempts to undermine FOIA processes, posing threats to government transparency. McKay Coppins from The Atlantic shares insights from his extensive interviews with the Murdoch family, exploring their fierce internal disputes and the influence of HBO's 'Succession' on their media empire's future.

Rachel Abrams, a senior producer and reporter at The New York Times Presents, dives into the tumultuous legacy of media mogul Sumner Redstone and his daughter Shari's rise to power at Paramount Global. She unpacks familial tensions, highlighting how Shari navigated a male-dominated landscape while confronting personal and corporate strife. The discussion also touches on the impact of corporate mergers on journalistic integrity, revealing a compelling tale of affairs, betrayal, and the quest for control within a media dynasty.