On the Media

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.

The Federal Communications Commission is currently investigating CBS for “intentional news distortion” for its editing of an interview with Kamala Harris. On this week’s On the Media, what the new chairman of the FCC has been up to, and what led a top CBS producer to quit. Plus, what a growing effort to rewrite the history of Watergate tells us about the American right.[01:00] The Federal Communications Commission is currently investigating CBS for “intentional news distortion” for its editing of an interview with Kamala Harris. Host Brooke Gladstone talks with Max Tani, Semafor’s Media Editor and co-host of the podcast Mixed Signals, about Brendan Carr’s busy first three months as Chairman of the FCC and the impacts that these kinds of investigations could have on press freedoms.[15:37] Host Micah Loewinger speaks with Michael Koncewicz, political historian at New York University, about the fight over who gets to tell the story of Watergate and the years-long conservative movement to rehabilitate Richard Nixon’s image.[29:26] Brooke sits down with Bryan Stevenson, public interest lawyer and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, a human rights organization based in Montgomery, Alabama, to talk about the Trump Administration's war on museums, especially those that deal with our nation's history of racism.  Further reading:How Nexstar dodged a Trump lawsuit, by Max TaniShari Redstone kept tabs on ‘60 Minutes’ segments on Trump, by Max TaniThe Alarming Effort To Rewrite the History of Watergate, by Michael KoncewiczThe Worst Thing We’ve Ever Done, On the Media (2018) On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today (https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm). Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing onthemedia@wnyc.org.

**EXTENDED VERSION**Micah spoke to left-wing YouTuber, David Pakman for last week's show. This is the long version of that conversation. On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today (https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm). Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing onthemedia@wnyc.org.

David Pakman, a progressive YouTuber and author of 'The Echo Chamber,' joins to discuss the vast online influence of right-wing media, which attracts significantly more followers than its liberal counterparts. He delves into the challenges Democrats face in connecting with younger audiences, emphasizing the need for innovative outreach. The conversation also examines how non-political topics become entry points for political narratives and the integral role of independent media in shaping public perceptions amid a polarized landscape.

Clive Thompson, author of 'Coders' and contributor to major publications like New York Times Magazine, joins to discuss the fascinating world of coding, particularly COBOL. He highlights COBOL's historical significance and how it transformed business and government operations since the 1950s. Thompson dives into the complexities of updating legacy systems, especially in government, and critiques the assumptions about replacing established technologies. He warns of the risks involved in modernizing critical infrastructure and the enduring necessity of COBOL in today's digital landscape.

Douglas Rushkoff, a Professor of digital economics and author of 'Survival of the Richest,' dives into the wild world of tech billionaires' survival fantasies and their implications for society. Meanwhile, Jay Graber, CEO of Bluesky, shares her vision for a decentralized social platform that champions user autonomy over traditional profit models. The discussion highlights the tumultuous effects of presidential tariffs on the economy and examines the evolving social media landscape in the wake of major shifts like Musk's Twitter acquisition.

Chris Murphy, Junior Senator from Connecticut, dives into the challenges facing American democracy under the Trump administration. He critiques party leadership, urging a shift towards a populist anti-big-money agenda to better engage voters. Murphy discusses the urgent need for advocacy for marginalized communities and the Democratic Party's internal conflicts. He emphasizes the importance of coalition-building and public mobilization, warning against the influence of money in politics and advocating for reform to safeguard democratic integrity.

Ilya Marritz, a reporter focused on American higher education, digs into the funding battles facing Harvard under the Trump administration. Alongside him, Randall Kennedy, a Harvard Law professor and author, sheds light on the historical evolution of diversity within academia. They discuss the implications of recent Supreme Court rulings on affirmative action and the broader societal impacts. The conversation reveals how political influences challenge academic autonomy while raising critical questions about the future of diversity in schools.