On the Media

LaFontaine E. Oliver, the President and CEO of New York Public Radio, discusses the significant impact of billion-dollar funding cuts to public media. He highlights new initiatives like offering national shows for free to struggling stations. Oliver shares how local journalism faces challenges and the importance of preserving community-focused reporting. He also details the innovative role of the Public Media Infrastructure Consortium in stabilizing operations amidst financial turmoil. The conversation centers on balancing national programming with local news needs.

Joseph Cox, an investigative reporter and co-founder of 404 Media, reveals how tech giants are removing apps documenting ICE activities, discussing the implications for future accountability. Mark Bray, a historian known for his work on Antifa, shares his harrowing experience of being doxxed, leading him to flee the country amidst a smear campaign. John J. Lennon, an editor and author from Sing Sing, critiques true crime narratives and their impact on public perception of incarcerated individuals, advocating for more nuanced storytelling.

Robert Malley is a veteran U.S. diplomat known for his work in Middle East peace efforts, while Hussein Agha is a seasoned Palestinian negotiator and scholar. They discuss their new book, highlighting the futility of the two-state solution and arguing it has only worsened the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Agha critiques the peace process for ignoring emotions and history, while Malley reflects on U.S. involvement and its detrimental impacts. They also address the challenges of security concerns, leadership weaknesses, and the need for a new approach to peace in the region.

Greg Sargent, a staff writer at The New Republic, reveals Stephen Miller's tactics to normalize authoritarian policies, advocating for an aggressive information strategy. Pema Levy from Mother Jones digs into Ernst Fraenkel's dual state theory, warning of how Supreme Court decisions might create a two-tiered justice system. Jake LaHut from Wired discusses the Ellison family's vast media acquisitions and their potential influence on politics, highlighting changes in American media dynamics and the impact of new power players stepping into the spotlight.

John J. Lennon, a contributing editor at Esquire and author serving time at Sing Sing, dives into the dark allure of true crime. He reflects on his own experience appearing in a documentary and critiques the genre's good vs. evil narrative, arguing it fuels societal fears. Lennon discusses how immersive literary approaches differ from sensational TV, even as he shares the transformative narratives of inmates. With a focus on remorse and accountability, he challenges media portrayals and explores the emotional toll of crime on both victims and perpetrators.

Jamelle Bouie, an opinion columnist at The New York Times, discusses Trump's military rhetoric, emphasizing its implications for domestic policing and civil-military norms. He argues that attacks on diversity reshape perceptions of inclusion and critiques the narrative of presidential mandates. Corey Robin, a political science professor, explores how fear-driven policies silence dissent and traces the origins of Hollywood's left-wing roots through 'Casablanca.' He also discusses the long-term impacts of McCarthyism and the need for collective action against repression.

Bobi Wine, a Ugandan pop star-turned-politician and leader of the National Unity Platform, shares his gripping journey from music to politics. He reveals how a personal assault transformed his songs into powerful political anthems, voicing the aspirations of Uganda’s youth. Bobi discusses the brutal repression he faced during his presidential campaign and the importance of international attention on Uganda’s struggles. He emphasizes the need for strong democratic institutions to prevent future autocrats, urging the world to condition aid on human rights.

John Tuthill, a neurobiology and biophysics professor, discusses the impact of funding cuts and political influences on biomedical research. Meanwhile, Josh Keating analyzes how the Trump administration intertwines the war on drugs with counterterrorism policies, raising concerns about legal justifications for military actions. Lastly, Matthew D. Taylor examines the memorialization of Charlie Kirk by the religious right, framing him as a martyr and exploring its implications for political polarization and Christian nationalism.

Discover the intriguing stories of Joseph and Shirley Wershba, who played pivotal roles in CBS news during the fight against McCarthyism. They share insights about the authenticity of 'Good Night, and Good Luck,' their secret marriage amidst office politics, and the influence of William Paley on the network. Explore the debate over journalistic impartiality in today's world, and hear a heartfelt reflection on naming their son after the legendary Edward R. Murrow. This conversation dives into the art of storytelling in journalism.

Lily Mason, a political science professor and co-author of Radical American Partisanship, discusses how political leaders can escalate or de-escalate threats of violence in today's polarized climate. Tech journalist Ryan Broderick dives into the digital radicalization linked to Charlie Kirk's alleged killer, analyzing the impact of memes and algorithmic amplification. Amanda Jones, a school librarian targeted by book-banning activists, shares her harrowing experiences and emphasizes the importance of fighting censorship to protect libraries.