On the Media

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.

Joel Simon, founding director of the Journalism Protection Initiative, discusses the legal battle involving gossip blogger Perez Hilton and a subpoena from Blake Lively’s team. Simon explores the complexities of who qualifies as a journalist and the importance of expanding legal protections for them. He highlights Hilton's fearless resistance and unique sourcing methods, while also addressing the evolving nature of journalism in the face of informal news gatherers. The conversation weaves in the ACLU's interest in broadening journalist definitions and the implications for press freedom.

Anna Merlan, a Senior reporter at Mother Jones, explores the rise of a new Pentagon press corps filled with right-wing influencers and conspiracy theorists, such as Kingsley Wilson and Laura Loomer. Dan Lamothe from the Washington Post shares insights on the Pentagon's restrictive press policies and discusses the fallout of covering military actions like strikes in the Caribbean. Cam Higby, a member of the new press corps, adds his perspective on accessing military information while challenging traditional journalistic boundaries.

Vittoria Elliott, a reporter for Wired, explores the lingering influence of the DOGE task force in government. Despite being deemed disbanded, she reveals that its operatives have embedded themselves in various agencies. Elliott discusses the impact on workforce cuts, deregulation, and tech-style employee testing at the IRS. She warns of potential risks in data sharing, particularly regarding Social Security, and highlights how DOGE's policies are reshaping federal priorities, with real consequences for employees and public services.

Charlie Warzel, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of the Galaxy Brain newsletter, dives into the revealing new location feature on X, previously known as Twitter. He discusses how many influential MAGA accounts are connected to foreign countries, shedding light on the dynamics of disinformation and engagement on social media. Warzel also highlights the consequences of fake accounts and their impact on real political discourse. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of transparency, despite flaws in the new tool.

Jesse Thorn, the founder of Bullseye and the Maximum Fun network, celebrates 25 years of creating insightful conversations with artists. He discusses the origins of his unique college radio show and recounts memorable early interviews, including a cringe-worthy experience with Dustin Diamond. Thorn emphasizes the importance of in-person interviews and reveals his mission to explore the creative processes of artists. He shares how he transitioned to a worker-owned model for Maximum Fun, prioritizing sustainability and audience connection over venture capital.

G. Elliott Morris, a journalist and statistician known for his data-driven analysis, shares insights on how moderation might not be the electoral magic bullet some believe. Matt Bennett, co-founder of Third Way, discusses the political implications of progressive candidates' wins, emphasizing tone and authenticity to appeal to voters. Arizona state senator Annalise Ortiz reveals her innovative community strategies, including using TikTok for outreach and advocating for local engagement to win over constituents and even moderate voters.