On the Media

For the eighth episode of our summer listening series, a sweet exploration of America's favorite pastime. To hear more of our summer listening, don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts, and leave a review while you're there! And as always, follow us on twitter @OnTheMedia.

A decade after Hurricane Katrina, the story of two nursing home owners who became media scapegoats for the tragedy in New Orleans. Plus, a bit of indulgent speculation about a Trump presidency, the NSA's "house philosopher," and activists protesting new surveillance technologies with a tool of the past: faxes. 

On January 20, 2017, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States. Impossible? Sure. But it happened anyway. From the not too distant future, we relive the shock and confusion of those early days and trace the path, tragically predictable but not without surprises, of the next four years. How could such a thing happen? What did it mean? And is it possible that it wasn't all bad?  Adapted from the article by Jon Lovett for The Atlantic.

For the seventh episode of our summer listening series, a quixotic quest to become a TV pundit. To hear more of our summer listening, don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts, and leave a review while you're there! And as always, follow us on twitter @OnTheMedia.

After Donald Trump insulted Fox News' Megyn Kelly, the network made a strange deal with the GOP front runner. We hear what it says about media relationships with candidates in this election cycle. Plus, an anniversary in Ferguson, and writer David Lipsky on his interviews with the late David Foster Wallace. 

For the sixth episode of our summer listening series, a look at the world of television pitchmen. To hear more of our summer listening, don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts, and leave a review while you're there! And as always, follow us on twitter @OnTheMedia.

A special hour on the enthralling genre of true crime. 

The booms and busts of political reporting, a skeptical look into health and diet news, and an indie throwback film gets the red carpet treatment. 

For the fifth episode of our summer listening series, an exploration of the fear-inducing "uncanny valley." To hear more of our summer listening, don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts, and leave a review while you're there! And as always, follow us on twitter @OnTheMedia.

For the fourth episode of our summer listening series, a look at corporate anthems: what are they, and who are they for? Plus, an earworm of an anthem you won't be able to shake.  To hear more of our summer listening, don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts, and leave a review while you're there! And as always, follow us on twitter @OnTheMedia.

Revisiting the Elián González story as the US embassy reopens in Havana. Plus: Paul Ford examines the various issues raised by the Ashley Madison hack, and Jon Ronson on public shaming.

For the third episode of our summer listening series, Brooke shadows a former New York Post reporter with a singular beat. If you've seen the movie Nightcrawler, this one's for you.  To hear more of our summer listening, don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts, and leave a review while you're there! And as always, follow us on twitter @OnTheMedia.

Listening in on the national conversation about race, on Twitter and beyond. Plus, the re-release of a satirical novel about bi-racial identity, and upheaval at Reddit.

For our second installment of our summer listening series, the story of an actor whose film credits include in Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars, and Toy Story, to name a few. Well, not quite an actor, but a star nonetheless.  To hear more of our summer listening, don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts, and leave a review while you're there! And as always, follow us on twitter @OnTheMedia.   

With Donald Trump in first place, the media uses polls irresponsibly. Plus: how the Dominican press is covering a humanitarian crisis there; blocking ad-blockers; DuckDuckGo; and more.