Mixed Signals from Semafor Media

David Weigel, a seasoned Semafor reporter with extensive experience in political coverage, joins the discussion alongside Max Tani. They explore the chaotic landscape of Election 2024, highlighting bizarre political ads like those during a Steelers game and in an Arizona nail salon. Weigel reveals the impact of local advertising on voter perception while dissecting the repercussions of The Washington Post's controversial non-endorsement. The conversation dives into how evolving media dynamics and campaign financing shape electoral outcomes and public trust.

With recent appearances from Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, JD Vance and Tim Walz, it looks like Fox is dominating this election. Ben and Nayeema investigate the channel’s durability despite massive lawsuits, MeToo scandals, and star exits from Tucker Carlson, Bill O’Reilly and Megyn Kelly. To go inside the machine, they talk to former “O’Reilly Factor” and “The Five” producer Nate Fredman (who spent nearly 20 years at the network) about what makes Fox tick — and stick.Stick around for Ben and Nayeema’s debrief with Max Tani, who wrote about Fox this week. Fox News insiders, send your tips to Max! If you have a tip or a comment, email us mixedsignals@semafor.comFind us on X: @semaforben, @nayeema @maxwelltani or on Instagram @nayeemaraza Sign up for Semafor Media’s Sunday newsletter: https://www.semafor.com/newsletters/media 

In this engaging discussion, James Bennet, a senior editor at The Economist and former Jerusalem Bureau Chief at The New York Times, shares his insights on media bias during turbulent times. He examines the ethical dilemmas journalists confront, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Bennet reflects on how cultural ties shape reporting and illuminates the challenges of maintaining objectivity amidst political pressures. His experiences provide a poignant lens on the emotional toll of conflict reporting and the urgent need for nuanced media discourse.

Ben and Nayeema tackle the emerging AI battle between machines and humans, a topic that was glaringly absent from this week’s Veep debates but is at the center of everything from the dockworkers’ strike to Hollywood’s grand plans. To figure out how long they and the creative and media elite have job security, they speak with Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and playwright Ayad Akhtar whose latest play, McNEAL, wrestles with AI and ethics.And for Blindspots, Max spills on what film you need to see … before, um, the machines replace the filmmakers. NOTE: This episode discusses the dockworkers’ strike, and was taped before the strike was suspended on Thursday night.If you have a tip or a comment, email us mixedsignals@semafor.comFind us on X: @semaforben, @nayeema @maxwelltani or on Instagram @nayeemaraza Sign up for Semafor Media’s Sunday newsletter: https://www.semafor.com/newsletters/media 

Tim Miller, host of The Bulwark Podcast and anti-MAGA advocate, joins to discuss the intriguing landscape of modern journalism and media ethics, especially amidst provocative stories like a reporter's digital interactions with RFK Jr. He explores whether centrism has found its niche on platforms like YouTube, reflecting on political disillusionment among Americans. Additionally, the conversation touches on Kamala Harris's recent sports podcast appearance, questioning the impact of reaching out to male-dominated audiences in today’s media environment.

On the heels of Mark Zuckerberg’s live interview with the Acquired podcast, hosted at a packed Chase Center in San Francisco, Ben and Nayeema explore the icy relationship between traditional media and big tech. Why are Silicon Valley’s CEOs more likely to be found gabbing on a podcast about their fashion choices than quoted in the New York Times? When did the media and tech breakup, who is to blame, and who wins and loses when hard questions are optional?To answer these questions, they talk to a podcast host, creator, and investor who has been on the winning side of this dynamic: Jason Calacanis host of This Week in Startups and co-host of All-In. On All-In, Jason has interviewed tech titans and political figures including Marc Benioff, Elon Musk, JD Vance, and Donald Trump. Ben and Nayeema ask whether anything is lost when “CEO safe spaces” replace hardball interviews. To wrap things up and bring the temperature down, Max Tani brings on an ESPN blindspot. If you have a tip or a comment, email us mixedsignals@semafor.comFind us on X: @semaforben, @nayeema, @maxwelltani or on Instagram @nayeemaraza Sign up for Semafor Media’s Sunday newsletter: https://www.semafor.com/newsletters/media 

Pete Wells, a New York Times reporter and former restaurant critic, dives into the evolving world of food criticism. He discusses the clash between traditional critics and social media influencers, sharing how TikTok and celebrity chefs have changed culinary power dynamics. Wells debates the authenticity of diversifying food reviews amidst cultural conversations and humorously reveals he’s never tasted dog or cat. The conversation uncovers the importance of maintaining credibility in journalism while adapting to rapidly changing trends in food and media.

John Skipper, former President of ESPN and now CEO of Meadowlark Media, shares his insights on the booming sports landscape. The conversation delves into the commercialization of sports, examining how branding and sponsorship shape contemporary culture. They discuss the intersection of sports and celebrity, the evolving role of women in sports, and the influence of technology on fan engagement. Additionally, Skipper highlights the impact of wealthy owners and the complex dynamics between athletes and their teams amidst this sports surge.

Tommy Vietor, a co-host from Pod Save America, dives into the dynamics of the Democratic National Convention, discussing the influence of social media on political narratives. He reveals how the DNC is tuning out Gaza protesters and whether unity around Kamala Harris can endure. Joining the conversation, Max, recently featured in GQ, brings a lighthearted take on style and quirky marketing ideas, including a potential Chick-fil-A streaming service. Together, they unpack how evolving masculinity impacts political communication and campaign strategies.

Fresh off digital detoxes, Ben and Nayeema plug back in to a moment of Olympics patriotism and to a patriotic (?) American media that is refusing to report on the substance of a foreign hacking campaign that targeted former President Trump.This episode digs into the irony of the media’s glee at the 2016 DNC hack – and the careful treatment of the Trump campaign hack of today. Eight years ago Wikileaks dumped a trove of emails before the public, leading to revelations about Hillary Clinton’s Goldman Sachs speeches and John Podesta’s secret to a great risotto. Today, we’re not sure if any amazing recipes are part of the Trump campaign hack because The New York Times, Politico, and The Washington Post have all declined to report its contents. Ben and Nayeema explore why these two campaign hacks are receiving totally different media treatments and why people are mad at Ben for celebrating today’s editorial restraint. To dive deeper, they talk to Christina Reynolds, a Democratic operative, opposition researcher, and two-time victim of digital hacks. Her emails were part of both the 2014 Sony hack and the 2016 DNC hack. Finally, producer Alli stands in for Max this week, offering a breakdancing blindspot.