On the Media

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.

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.