Power Lines with Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino
Status
Power Lines is the official podcast of Status, where veteran journalists Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino break down their reporting and deliver analysis on how information moves and shapes society. From the media and Silicon Valley to Hollywood, they examine the institutions driving narratives, shaping perception, and influencing culture. New episodes drop every Friday.
Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@status
Subscribe to Status, the newsletter behind Power Lines: https://www.status.news/
Follow Power Lines:
https://www.instagram.com/get_status/?hl=en
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:5buikzg4ppbye7ib7chprio6
https://www.tiktok.com/@status.news
Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@status
Subscribe to Status, the newsletter behind Power Lines: https://www.status.news/
Follow Power Lines:
https://www.instagram.com/get_status/?hl=en
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:5buikzg4ppbye7ib7chprio6
https://www.tiktok.com/@status.news
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 3, 2026 • 43min
White House Melts Down Over Photo, Bari Weiss Eyes ‘60 Minutes’ Overhaul, MS NOW-NBC Tensions Spike
A scoop about the White House quietly pressuring AFP to pull an unflattering press photo and the unexpected fallout. Inside maneuvering at a flagship newsmagazine as plans for a major midseason shakeup and leadership changes swirl. A messy tug-of-war over talent between NBC and a rival network reshuffles faces and raises industry tensions.
Apr 1, 2026 • 29min
SPECIAL EPISODE: Jim Acosta on Trump’s Growing Influence Over the Media
Jim Acosta, veteran political journalist and former CNN chief White House correspondent turned independent reporter, discusses Trump’s expanding sway over newsrooms. He covers media consolidation, high-profile settlements and access limits. He explores networks’ retreats, risks from new owners, and the rise of independent creators as an emerging counterweight.
Mar 27, 2026 • 48min
Bari Weiss’ CBS News Ratings Collapse, Tensions Mount Inside CNN, Hegseth Escalates War on Press
Exclusive ratings data show CBS News plunged to historic lows under recent leadership. Staff at CNN grilled executives over potential new ownership and threats to editorial independence. A court rebuke did not stop new Pentagon limits on war coverage, sparking a wider debate about press access. Hosts also field listener questions and trade playful banter.
8 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 39min
'CBS Evening News' Hits New Lows, White House Attacks Google, MS NOW Shakes Up Lineup
They dig into CBS News' sharp ratings drop and backstage staff walkouts. The White House's clash with Google and claims of platform bias get a deep look. A major MS Now daytime reshuffle and strategy to hold viewers is explained. Listener questions drive a wider discussion on independent media versus legacy outlets.
Mar 13, 2026 • 40min
Trump’s War With Press Escalates, Another Major CBS Journalist Quits Network, and Senators Sound Alarm on Ellison
A heated clash between the administration and news photographers as coverage of the Iran conflict intensifies. Major departures at a legacy network spark concern about a shift toward opinion-driven coverage. Lawmakers sound alarms over foreign financing tied to a big studio deal and potential influence on news independence.
Mar 6, 2026 • 54min
CNN Fury Over Scott Jennings, Bari Weiss' Morning Show Shakeup, Trump's Press Dinner Backlash
A breakdown of infighting among MAGA media figures over the Iran conflict and what that split means for their coalition. Coverage of CNN turmoil after a controversial tweet from a conservative commentator and staff backlash. Debate over the risks of the president attending the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and the dread among reporters. A look at Bari Weiss reshaping a major morning show and her candidate choices.
7 snips
Feb 27, 2026 • 57min
CNN Braces for David Ellison and Bari Weiss to Take Control After WBD Shocker
A breakdown of the dramatic bid battle that handed a major news network to a MAGA-aligned buyer and the political pressure that reshaped the deal. A look at who might run the network next and why staffers are worried about editorial changes. A combative long-form interview that forces a politician to backtrack on casualty claims. A conservative commentator publicly called out by a fellow pundit.
Feb 20, 2026 • 55min
Inside the Colbert–CBS Feud, How Bari Weiss Lost Anderson Cooper, and Zuckerberg Gets Uncomfortable
A heated clash over a blocked interview and whether FCC pressure spooked a major network. A veteran news anchor’s surprising exit and internal editorial shakeups that rattled a newsroom. A network’s near silence on explosive files tied to powerful figures. Mark Zuckerberg on the stand as a trial threatens design features that shape how we scroll.
8 snips
Feb 13, 2026 • 40min
Bari Weiss Blasted As Staffers Quit, MAGA Turns on Pam Bondi, Tim Cook Targeted Over “Bias”
A cascade of newsroom shakeups as a major evening news team sees mass buyouts and rumors of deeper cuts. MAGA media erupts over a contentious congressional testimony and conservative figures turn on one of their own. Big tech comes under fire with accusations of news bias aimed at Apple. Networks tighten security after a high-profile abduction stokes concerns for on-air talent safety.
Feb 6, 2026 • 54min
Bezos Bails on Washington Post, Weiss Backs Attia Over Epstein Emails, Trump Attacks Kaitlan Collins
Massive newsroom layoffs at a major paper and who might be responsible. Bezos's shifting priorities and his ties to the Trump administration. Newly revealed emails linking a CBS contributor to Jeffrey Epstein and the fallout. Senators grilling a streaming CEO over a potential mega-deal and culture-war questioning. A high-profile on-air sexist attack that sparks outrage.
