On the Media

**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.

Rebecca Clark-Callender, a producer known for her insightful reporting on media dynamics, discusses the explosive growth of the betting industry in sports journalism. She highlights the staggering $3.1 billion expected in March Madness bets and the partnerships formed between major outlets and betting companies. The conversation delves into ethical dilemmas faced by journalists amidst insider information risks and the potential for gambling scandals. Additionally, Clark-Callender addresses the rise of fantasy sports and the shift towards tech-driven betting, reshaping the landscape of sports media.

Will Sommer, a Senior reporter at The Bulwark, dives into the 'Signalgate' scandal, where an accidental leak of sensitive military plans led to a media frenzy and intense backlash from conservative circles. Jennifer Berkshire, co-author of The Education Wars, sheds light on the surprising conservative opposition to school voucher programs, exposing deep rifts within the Republican base. Jacob Silverman, journalist and crypto expert, discusses Trump's dramatic pivot to becoming the 'Crypto President,' launching a $TRUMP memecoin and his connection to the crypto industry.

Lee Zeldin, former President Trump’s appointee at the EPA, discusses his controversial rollbacks of environmental regulations. He explains the elimination of 31 key protections aimed at climate change and pollution, sparking debates on economic versus ecological priorities. The conversation also traces the historical shift in environmental policy, contrasting today's political battleground with the late 1960s, when the environment united bipartisan efforts. Zeldin highlights the evolving public perception of the EPA and its challenges in safeguarding ecological interests.

Nicole Hemmer, a political historian and co-host of "This Day," discusses the significant funding cuts to Voice of America and their historical implications for press freedom. Dorian Lynskey, a cultural journalist and author of "Everything Must Go," dives into humanity's obsession with end-of-the-world narratives, linking them to contemporary anxieties about climate change and social instability. Together, they explore how these stories reveal our deepest fears and the vital importance of independent journalism in preserving truth in a chaotic world.