On the Media
WNYC Studios
On the Media is a weekly show that uses the media as a lens to understand our world. On the Media listeners say the show is an essential companion, helping them survive the firehose of media coming at them 24/7. Hosted by Brooke Gladstone and Micah Loewinger, the show does not do ‘hot takes’, instead offering listeners context, historical parallels, media analysis and often a much appreciated deep exhale. On the Media hosts have an eye on the nuances and details regularly missed by other outlets which helps listeners understand where they should be paying attention (and what they can afford to ignore). Our media diets have untruths woven in, and inconvenient truths left out. These are the bits explored every week at On the Media.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 15, 2024 • 31min
The Story Behind Biden’s New Tariffs
President Biden announced new tariffs on imports from China, impacting batteries, steel, and semiconductors. Electric vehicle tariffs will rise from 25% to 100%. Economist Gordon Hanson explains the shift in tariff policies and implications for the American economy. The podcast explores the impact of China's growth, trade wars, and Biden's strategies. It also delves into the challenges and benefits of Biden's plans for green energy and semiconductor manufacturing.
15 snips
May 10, 2024 • 51min
What the Media Get Wrong About Campus Protests
Journalism professor Danielle K. Brown discusses how media coverage of pro-Palestinian campus protests distracts from students' demands. The conversation continues with debunking theories about Bill Gates' funding of activism and reporters' tendencies to draw parallels with past protests, obscuring the uniqueness of current events.
May 8, 2024 • 25min
Revisiting a Conversation with Paul Auster
Renowned writer Paul Auster discusses Stephen Crane's impact on literature, exploring his works, rebel nature, and genre blending. The podcast reflects on unemployment during the Great Depression, contrasts journalism with fiction writing styles, and delves into mortality's influence on literature.
May 3, 2024 • 51min
How to Read a President, with Carlos Lozada, Vinson Cunningham, and Curtis Sittenfeld
Guests Carlos Lozada, Vinson Cunningham, and Curtis Sittenfeld discuss mining political memoirs for truths about politicians, imagining private lives of former presidents, and exploring political figures through fiction. They cover insights from memoirs, complexities of portraying Obama in fiction, and challenges of crafting intimate scenes in novels based on public figures.
May 1, 2024 • 19min
'The Three Body Problem' And the Rise of Chinese Science Fiction
Chinese science fiction has become a major export, with 'The Three Body Problem' adaptation on Netflix attracting millions of viewers. The genre's rise was fueled by a 2008 book, surpassing all literary exports from China. Professor Jing Tsu discusses the genre as a soft power tool and its complex relationship with the Chinese government. The podcast delves into the evolution of Chinese science fiction from Western influences to its fusion with Chinese storytelling and socialist ideology, culminating in the success of 'The Three Body Problem'.
8 snips
Apr 26, 2024 • 51min
How Not to Cover the Trump Trials. Plus, the Latest Push To Defund NPR
Dahlia Lithwick discusses how pundits approach Trump's legal challenges. Kelly McBride explores the push to 'defund NPR'. Alicia Montgomery delves into issues at NPR. The podcast highlights media coverage of Trump's legal battles and the controversy surrounding NPR's funding and editorial decisions.
4 snips
Apr 24, 2024 • 23min
A War Photographer Watches Alex Garland's 'Civil War'
Award-winning photojournalist Lynsey Addario discusses the real-life experiences of covering wars abroad and compares them to the depiction in Alex Garland's new film 'Civil War'. The podcast delves into the emotional toll and impact of being a war photographer, the changing perception and treatment of journalists, the emotional toll of war photography, and documenting human rights abuses and war crimes.
Apr 19, 2024 • 51min
Meet the Media Prophets Who Preach Christian Supremacy. Plus, Journalism in ‘Civil War’
Guest Matthew D. Taylor discusses Christian nationalism shaping American politics and the role of independent charismatic Christianity. Zack Beauchamp talks about the new film Civil War and its portrayal of journalism during societal collapse.
Apr 17, 2024 • 22min
Happy Bicycle Day!
Explore the wild ride of LSD's origins with Albert Hofmann, Ken Kesey's acid-fueled journeys, and Tom Wolfe's insights on Kesey's legacy. Dive into the counterculture revolution sparked by psychedelics, challenging societal norms and fostering creative genius.
Apr 12, 2024 • 52min
The Rise and Fall of Alt-Weeklies, and Backpage.com vs The Feds
Tricia Romano discusses The Village Voice's impact on journalism, focusing on its early days and eventual demise due to Craigslist. The rise and fall of alt-weekly mogul Mike Lacey is explored, shedding light on his controversial online presence and legal battles. The podcast dives into the influential legacy of alternative weeklies and the changing media landscape, emphasizing the importance of free speech and journalistic defiance.
