The perception of disagreement in media has transformed, where presenting progressive content can label the opposing side as irrational insurrectionists, leading to a dismissal of their opinions. The shift towards ideological segregation and the decline of traditional local news has affected the ability to engage with diverse viewpoints. Previously, local news publications aimed for balanced reporting to appeal to a broad community, fostering discussions even with those who dissented. However, the rise of younger, activist-driven media professionals has veered away from traditional notions of fairness and objectivity, silencing dissenting voices and undermining the value of diverse perspectives.
Yascha Mounk and Mike Pesca discuss what real balance ought to look like in reporting hotly contested issues.
Mike Pesca is a journalist and the host of "The Gist", the longest running daily news podcast in history. He spent a decade as a correspondent for NPR, guest hosting “All Things Considered” and “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me.”
In this week’s conversation, Yascha Mounk and Mike Pesca discuss why many news organizations have discarded objectivity in favor of “moral clarity” in recent years; the recent internal upheaval at NPR and the limits to giving every side equal coverage; and whether journalists, academics and other experts ought to consider themselves “defenders of democracy.”
This transcript has been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.
Please do listen and spread the word about The Good Fight.
If you have not yet signed up for our podcast, please do so now by following this link on your phone.
Email: podcast@persuasion.community
Website: http://www.persuasion.community
Podcast production by Jack Shields, and Brendan Ruberry
Connect with us!
Spotify | Apple | Google
Twitter: @Yascha_Mounk & @joinpersuasion
Youtube: Yascha Mounk
LinkedIn: Persuasion Community
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices