On the Media

Sam Gringlas, a politics reporter at WABE, shares insights on Georgia's controversial new election rules, including legal challenges surrounding hand-counting ballots. Ari Berman, voting rights correspondent at Mother Jones, highlights the wave of voter suppression efforts across the U.S. and discusses the risk of a tie in the Electoral College. Meanwhile, Benjamin Mullin, a media reporter for The New York Times, analyzes how newsrooms are preparing for misinformation on election night, emphasizing the need for accurate reporting amidst rising tensions.

The launch of Fox News in 1996 was met with skepticism, but it soon changed the game during the chaotic 2000 presidential election. Its early call for Bush in Florida sparked controversy and raised questions about media ethics. Key figures like John Prescott Ellis navigated turbulent times, balancing political ties with journalistic integrity. The podcast delves into Fox's rise, the internal struggles it faced, and the lasting impact it has had on how news is consumed and perceived in America.

Macollvie Neel, special projects editor at The Haitian Times, discusses the alarming effects of misinformation on the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio, sparking fears and threats. Lilliana Mason, a political science professor, sheds light on the normalization of political violence in America. Historian Matthew Dallek provides insights into the historical context of political violence and its repercussions. Joshua Kaplan, a ProPublica reporter, reveals how militias have exploited the January 6th insurrection as a recruitment tool, raising concerns about future political stability.

Mark Clague, a musicology professor at the University of Michigan, discusses the dynamic link between music and politics. He highlights Taylor Swift's impactful endorsement during a pivotal debate and notes how pop stars like Billie Eilish are influencing voter engagement. Clague traces the historical role of political anthems and the emotional connections they create. He also addresses the complex relationship between music and political identity, including the challenges artists face with unauthorized song usage in campaigns.

Courtney Kennedy, Vice President of Methods and Innovation at the Pew Research Center, shares her insights on the evolution of election polling and its reliability in today's political climate. The discussion critiques Kamala Harris's media strategy, questioning whether her limited interaction with the press could hinder voters' understanding. Kennedy highlights the importance of cautious poll interpretation, especially after past election failures, urging a reevaluation of how polling data should be analyzed and understood in the lead-up to the next election.

Samantha Cole, co-founder of 404 Media and former editor at Motherboard, shares her insights on transforming online journalism. She discusses the birth of 404 Media, sparked by the rise of worker-owned outlets. Their commitment to independent and impactful stories sets them apart from mainstream media. Cole dives into pressing issues like digital security vulnerabilities and the ethical concerns around deepfakes. She also highlights the challenges of running a small media outlet in today's landscape, emphasizing the importance of subscriber support in ensuring journalistic integrity.

In this discussion, Daniel Drezner, a Tufts University professor specializing in global politics, critiques media coverage of Trump and the inconsistencies in accountability compared to other candidates. Dan Froomkin from PressWatchers.org highlights how fact-checking can sometimes create confusion in political narratives. Will Sommer from the Washington Post explores Kremlin influence on U.S. conservative media. Lastly, Dan Taberski dives into the mysterious connections between mass psychogenic illness and public perception, unraveling societal impacts.

The hosts dive into the rise of alternative funding models for public media, highlighting the shift to the membership model amidst financial challenges. They candidly discuss the ethical dilemmas of podcast advertising and the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity. Personal connections in host-read ads are explored, emphasizing trust in the changing landscape of promotions. Their love for audio gear, including Tivoli radios and Sennheiser microphones, adds a personal touch as they engage with listener feedback and tease future discussions on election coverage.

Carlos Lozada, a New York Times Opinion columnist and co-host of a weekly podcast, dives into the depths of political memoirs to uncover the hidden truths of presidential candidates. He discusses how personal anecdotes and omissions in these narratives offer insights into their true selves. The conversation also explores the discomfort of fictional portrayals of real political figures, with authors like Curtis Sittenfeld analyzing the complexities behind public personas and the impact of identity in politics. Discover how fiction and memoirs intertwine in understanding leadership today.

A recent Apple podcast app update has caused a surprising drop in downloads, affecting creators with significant losses. The discussion highlights Apple's pivotal role in podcasting's rise, from the launch of iTunes to the iPhone. The episode also addresses the interplay between Apple's strategies and the podcast ecosystem, raising concerns about corporate dominance. Finally, it explores the evolution of podcasting, celebrating its diversity while grappling with the challenge of standardization. This mix of history and current challenges makes for an intriguing listen.