Power Lines with Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino

Bari Weiss faces tough scrutiny after unveiling a new vision for a major news network and naming controversial contributors. Deep cuts and collapsing morale at a leading national paper contrast with its owner jetting off to fashion week. Murdoch outlets and influencers shift narratives around an ICE operation and a fatal Minneapolis shooting, fueling misinformation and editorial debate.

On this week’s Power Lines: Embattled CBS News boss Bari Weiss badmouthed her own staff to reporters after holding up a “60 Minutes” segment on Trump deportees, suggesting the struggling new chief has much to learn. Plus, new “CBS Evening News” anchor Tony Dokoupil’s abysmal ratings continue as the network’s sudden right-turn alienates audiences. Then, CNN’s pro-MAGA contributor Scott Jennings is slammed by network guests over his warped relationship with the truth as he aligns himself with Donald Trump. Speaking of distortion realities, the biggest stars on Fox News and across the MAGAverse are suddenly all-in on the idea of the U.S. taking over Greenland in lockstep with Trump. And finally, Status’ Brian Lowry joins the show to break down the biggest surprises and snubs of the 2026 Oscar nominations. 00:00 Intro 00:55 CBS News Ratings Drop for Weiss & Dokoupil 01:31 Behind the Scenes Drama at 60 Minutes 06:02 Bari Weiss's Management Style 16:48 Scott Jennings Under Fire at CNN 26:48 Fox News Defends Trump's Greenland Gambit 32:27 Unpacking Oscar Nominations 34:53 Sinners: The Movie of the Year? 36:19 Best Picture Nominees 37:13 Surprising Oscar Snubs 41:49 Oscar Predictions and Dark Horses Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Natalie Korak, a Status media correspondent, joins to dissect the tumultuous media landscape. She highlights Tony Dokoupil's struggles with ratings after a rocky Trump interview, suggesting a rebranding crisis for CBS. The conversation shifts as Joe Rogan critiques ICE, surprisingly breaking ranks with Trump and calling the agency 'the Gestapo.' In a troubling development, an FBI raid on a Washington Post journalist raises red flags about press freedom, leaving staff frustrated by Jeff Bezos's silence on the matter.

Tony Dokoupil's chaotic debut as CBS Evening News anchor is scrutinized, highlighting his awkward moments and the network's rightward shift. MAGA Media faces backlash for their insensitive response to an ICE shooting victim while Fox News draws criticism for its praise of government actions in Venezuela. The hosts dive into Elon Musk's controversial Grok app, which has sparked outrage over its content and misinformation claims. Lastly, Dan Bongino makes a fiery comeback, taking aim at Matt Gaetz and stirring up tensions within the MAGA sphere.

In a thrilling kick-off to 2026, hosts dive into the impending shake-ups in Hollywood, spotlighting the intense bidding wars among major studios. They tackle the future of news media amidst transformation, particularly the implications of leadership changes at CBS News. The discussion shifts to the rapidly evolving AI landscape, examining the rivalry between tech giants and how consumer interactions with AI tools are reshaping expectations and habits. Buckle up for insightful predictions that could redefine the entertainment and media landscape!

Explore the chaotic landscape of 2025's media world, from significant layoffs at major news outlets to a fierce internal divide among MAGA media figures. The bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery heats up, while AI's influence reshapes content creation and trust. Tech giants face scrutiny as they seemingly bow to Trump, navigating settlements and policy changes. Amidst this turmoil, independent media gains traction as consumers push back against corporate dominance, hinting at a shifting power dynamic in the industry.

On this week’s Power Lines: A Vanity Fair bombshell revealed chief of staff Susie Wiles privately torching Donald Trump and his cabinet alongside unflattering photos of the White House staff. Oliver and Jon unpack why Wiles went on the record and what it actually shows about Trump’s team. Then, Fox News and the MAGA Media ecosystem openly break with Trump after his shocking post blaming the murder of Rob Reiner and his wife on “TDS.” Plus, why Warner Bros. is rejecting Paramount again, Ted Cruz confronts Brendan Carr, and Bari Weiss’ much-hyped town hall with Erika Kirk falls flat. 00:00 Intro 00:51 Vanity Fair's White House Profile 09:32 The Controversial Photo Spread 14:56 Trump Faces Backlash Over Rob Reiner Comments 24:21 Bari Weiss' Erika Kirk Town Hall Ratings Disaster 31:47 Warner Brothers Discovery Takeover Battle 36:15 Ted Cruz's Comments on FCC Head Brendan Carr Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Get 15% off OneSkin with the code [STATUS] at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump demands CNN be sold, calling its coverage a disgrace, while discussing the troubling implications of government influence on media. The hosts critique CBS News for its 'Fox News-ification' under Bari Weiss and address Tucker Carlson’s sexist attacks on her qualifications. They also examine a controversial interview with Trump that failed to challenge his election claims. Meanwhile, Tim Pool faces financial woes as his alleged Russian funding dries up, and Ben Shapiro’s bid for Golden Globe recognition ends in disappointment.

Olivia Nuzzi breaks her silence, offering an emotional yet vague reflection on her recent scandal. The hosts scrutinize MAGA Media's defense of Pete Hegseth amid war crimes allegations, spotlighting a bizarre interview with Katie Miller. Sabrina Carpenter calls out the White House for using her song in an unwelcome deportation video. They also discuss David Ellison's Saudi-backed bid for Warner Bros. Discovery and Dan Bongino's latest social media meltdown, highlighting the ongoing infighting within MAGA ranks.

Bari Weiss proposes a controversial vision to reshape acceptable debate, sparking a critique of 'both-sides-ism' in today’s polarized climate. New insights from the Smartmatic lawsuit reveal Fox News prioritized ratings over the truth during the 2020 election, with insiders' private criticisms of Trump surfacing. Meanwhile, Olivia Nuzzi's scandal concerning a nude portrait raises eyebrows at Vanity Fair. On a lighter note, Donald Trump pushes for a new 'Rush Hour' film, highlighting the curious ties between Hollywood and politics.