On the Media

Ezra Klein, a New York Times opinion columnist and host of "The Ezra Klein Show," and Derek Thompson, a staff writer at The Atlantic and host of "Plain English," discuss their book, "Abundance." They critique contemporary liberalism, addressing the false narratives of scarcity and how red states lead in clean energy. The duo explores the housing crisis in New York, linking it with income inequality, and highlights the essential role of immigrants in driving U.S. innovation and economic growth, urging a shift in immigration policy.

Corey Robin, a distinguished political science professor and author, examines the parallels between current events and the Red Scare, particularly in the context of Mahmoud Khalil's recent detention. He discusses how government crackdowns on free speech can erode political culture. David Enrich, business investigations editor for The New York Times, highlights the growing threats to press freedom and the dangerous rise of defamation lawsuits, warning of their implications for journalists and the First Amendment.

Last January the hedge fund Alden Global Capital sold The Baltimore Sun to David Smith, an executive at Sinclair Broadcast Group. Smith once told Trump that Sinclair was "here to deliver your message.” He is also known to support conservative causes like Moms for Liberty. It's been a year and with the release of new circulation numbers, its clear that whatever Smith is doing at the Sun, isn't working: Circulation is down, web traffic is down, journalists are leaving in the their droves. After the sale went through last year, we spoke to Milton Kent, professor of practice in the School of Global Journalism and Communication at Morgan State University and Liz Bowie, who worked at The Sun for over 30 years before making the jump to the nonprofit, the Baltimore Banner.  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.

Gordon Hanson, a Harvard Kennedy School economist, discusses the chaotic impacts of President Trump’s tariffs on the economy, highlighting concerns about manufacturing and trade relationships. Mark Blyth, a Brown University professor, delves into the rhetoric of short-term pain for long-term gain while unpacking the complexities of current economic policies. They also explore the intersection of health initiatives and food regulation policy, bringing attention to the challenges of ensuring food safety and the implications of RFK Jr.'s proposals.

Beverly Gage, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "G-Man," gives a deep dive into the controversial legacy of J. Edgar Hoover and his impact on the FBI. She explores how Hoover's tactics of weaponizing the FBI laid the groundwork for political interference. Gage warns that under Kash Patel, the agency could see an even greater politicization. The conversation also touches on Hoover's manipulative political mastery and the challenges of reforming an institution that has historically struggled with accountability.

Anna Merlan, a Senior Reporter at Mother Jones, sheds light on the White House's unprecedented control over the press pool, favoring far-right influencers. Brandy Zadrozny of NBC News discusses the implications of Dan Bongino's rise to the FBI, noting his prior anti-FBI stance. Yaroslav Trofimov from The Wall Street Journal explores changing U.S.-Russia relations, emphasizing Trump's influence on Republican foreign policy regarding Ukraine. This insightful conversation delves into media dynamics and the intersection of politics and national security.

Mikhail Zygar, a renowned Russian investigative journalist and author of "War and Punishment," dives deep into the historical narratives that fuel Russia's imperial ambitions. He discusses Putin's controversial claims about Ukrainian identity and the long-standing myths perpetuated by state media. Zygar traces these inaccuracies back to medieval times, revealing how figures like Ivan Mazepa have been mythologized. The conversation highlights the importance of a truthful account of Russian history and the role of cultural icons in shaping national identity.

Will Oremus, a tech reporter at The Washington Post, dives into Elon Musk's role in shaping modern media narratives and right-wing politics, highlighting his controversial feuds and influence on public perception. Becca Lewis discusses Silicon Valley's conservative transition and its impact on technology's role in governance. Elyse Graham reveals how scholars and librarians became unlikely spies during WWII, showcasing the power of narrative manipulation in conflict. Together, these insights unravel the complex interplay between tech and politics both historically and today.

Elaina Plott Calabro, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for her in-depth profiles, discusses the controversial rise of Kash Patel. She traces his journey from attorney to a prominent figure in the Trump administration. Elaina delves into Patel's transformation and his intense disdain for the media, particularly fueled by his experiences at the Justice Department. The conversation also covers his self-image as both a hero and a victim, and how conspiracy theories, like Italy Gate, shaped his political rhetoric and motivations.

In this discussion, Jason Stanley, a Yale philosophy professor and author of "Erasing History," reveals how the current administration rewrites narratives to maintain control and implement authoritarian strategies. He emphasizes the dangers of manipulating historical truths. Meanwhile, Matthew D. Taylor, a scholar on Christian nationalism, examines the power struggles among three Christian factions vying for political influence, including Charismatics and traditional Catholics. Their insights illuminate the intertwining of faith and politics in today's landscape.