This discussion dives into the controversial arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, revealing how media narratives can distort the reality of free speech. It dissects the fine line between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism on campuses, highlighting major oversimplifications in public discourse. The critique extends to the response of universities to allegations of anti-Semitism, questioning their sincerity and inclusivity. Finally, it explores how political discourse conflates anti-Semitism with anti-Arab racism, stifling meaningful criticism of Israel and complicity in systemic oppression.

“It’s fair to call the deteriorating situation at the US/Mexican border a crisis,” declared NBC’s Meet the Press in 2021. “[CNN anchor Dana] Bash presses Netanyahu on Gaza death toll: 'Is Israel doing everything possible to... avoid civilian casualties?',” boasted CNN’s State of the Union in 2023. “Principle over party… The latest high-profile Republican endorsement for Harris. And she got another Cheney endorsement,” announced ABC’s This Week with George Stephanopoulos. These shows – ABC’s This Week, NBC’s Meet the Press, CNN’s State of the Union, CBS’s Face the Nation – are fixtures of a major genre of television: the Sunday morning news show. Since the 1940s, these weekly shows have featured panel interviews with government officials, lawmakers, candidates, and other political figures, usually from the US, as part of their stated missions to “tackle pressing issues,” produce robust discourse on current events, and hold electeds and aspiring electeds accountable. A relic from a different era, these Sunday News Show still loom large today. No, they don’t have particularly high ratings, but much like the role editorial boards of major newspapers play, they matter to people who matter. They shape the agenda and tell lawmakers, advisers, CEOs and other people who wield power across our political, economic and social systems what to care about that week and how to analyze the current moment. But to what extent do they serve any real journalistic function? To what extent do they actually ask difficult and challenging questions? Do the Sunday morning shows truly illuminate our political moments and interrogate the powerful, or essentially do the opposite? And what effect do these shows, known for “setting the agenda” in Washington, have on policymakers, news media, and the public? On this episode, we discuss the history, ideology, and effects of Sunday morning news shows, look at how—despite their lofty claims to challenging journalism—they prioritize and revel in prestige and access, flattering existing power structures and further enabling reactionary policy. Our guest is FAIR's Julie Hollar.

In this Beg-a-Thon live show, "Ancient Rome and the False Histories Inspiring Musk & the MAGA World," with guest Dr. Sarah E. Bond, we discuss Sarah's new book, Strike: Labor, Unions, and Resistance in the Roman Empire, and how Elon Musk and everyone in his MAGA orbit appropriate the aesthetics of Rome while understanding almost nothing about the history they're seemingly so infatuated with. Originally livestreamed on YouTube on Wednesday, February 19.      

Eoin Higgins, journalist and author of "Owned: How Tech Billionaires on the Right Bought the Loudest Voices on the Left," dives into the surprising ideological shifts of former leftist journalists. He explores how right-wing tech money has reshaped media narratives and influenced platforms to favor conservative views. The discussion reveals how media endorsements have evolved amid political polarization, leading to a confusing landscape for commentators grappling with their changing roles. Higgins sheds light on the broader implications of these dynamics for the future of media.

The discussion highlights the media's troubling portrayal of Elon Musk's initiatives as mere cost-cutting gains while ignoring their underlying ideologies. It critiques how major outlets normalize these actions, framing them as good management rather than opportunism. The speakers reveal the dangers of these narratives, particularly their impact on marginalized communities. They call for greater scrutiny of the motivations behind billionaire actions and urge activism to challenge the harmful implications of this media framing.

The discussion reveals the Trump administration's terror-inducing immigration strategy and its unexpected shortcomings. It critiques The New York Times' role in fostering a pro-mass deportation narrative. The podcast highlights how the media shapes public opinion and dehumanizes migrants, while also reflecting on the shift in political discourse where Democrats adopt harsh tactics. Activist organizations like No More Deaths are spotlighted for their essential work in supporting immigrants and educating communities about their rights.

The podcast digs into Trump's inauguration coverage, highlighting the striking absence of organized resistance. It discusses the challenges of crafting a counter-narrative to his populism and the disconnect between media portrayals and public sentiment. The conversation also critiques media responses to controversial symbols like Nazi salutes, pointing out the troubling normalization of extremist gestures. Finally, it calls for a more robust left-wing populist movement to address the needs of the working class amidst rising right-wing ideologies.

Malaika Jabali, a talented journalist and author known for her insightful analysis in The Guardian and Teen Vogue, dives deep into the facade of bipartisanship in American politics. She critiques how calls for collaboration often disguise a shift towards harmful right-wing policies. Jabali discusses the media's role in prioritizing legislative action over substance and highlights the disconnect between political elites and marginalized communities. She emphasizes the importance of confronting corporate interests while advocating for genuine representation.

In this News Brief, we talk to Joyce Ajlouny of the American Friends Service Committee, discuss a recent episode where the New York Times refused to run an AFSC pro-ceasefire ad with the word "genocide" in it, and detail the broader battle within liberalism over labeling the US and Israel's "war" as genocide––and what it would entail if our media did.

Dalia Hatuqa, a multimedia journalist specializing in Israeli-Palestinian affairs, unpacks the media's role in shaping narratives around Biden's response to the Gaza crisis. She highlights how U.S. media frames him as either powerless or deeply concerned, while the U.S. actually holds significant leverage over Israel. The discussion critiques the ethics of U.S. arms sales amid humanitarian crises, revealing the media's complicity in obscuring America's true foreign policy stance and reinforcing a narrative that often marginalizes Palestinian voices.