The hottest Media Criticism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Michael Shellenberger Mixed Up Two Guys With Sorta Similar Names And Falsely Told His Readers — And Congress — One Of Them Might Be A Spy As A Result

Singal-Minded • 1046 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. Michael Shellenberger mistakenly mixed up two people with similar names, leading to false claims about one of them possibly being a spy. This is a serious error for a journalist.
  2. Critics have pointed out that Shellenberger has often published misleading information about people he disagrees with politically, which raises questions about his journalistic standards.
  3. After realizing the mistake, Shellenberger corrected the information but did not make a big announcement about the error, which is concerning for public trust in his work.

NY Times Opinion Page is a Fact-Challenged Disaster

The DisInformation Chronicle • 840 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. The New York Times' opinion page is facing criticism for not sticking to strong journalism standards anymore. Many believe it prioritizes narratives over facts.
  2. Recent articles in the Times show a lack of thorough fact-checking and reliance on questionable information. This has led to misleading claims being widely shared.
  3. There are growing concerns about the connections between writers at the Times and big industries, especially in how they report on issues like healthcare and the opioid crisis.

Dingus of the Week: Everyone except Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde

Men Yell at Me • 729 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. Trump's recent actions and decisions seem reckless and disconnected from reality, drawing strange comparisons to the past.
  2. Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde's plea for compassion during a recent prayer service highlights the importance of kindness to vulnerable people, despite backlash from conservative commentators.
  3. There is a growing sentiment that the established political rules are no longer effective, and new, bold strategies are needed to create positive change.

Two years of Read Max

Read Max • 2555 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Media Criticism
  1. Read Max newsletter has become a sustainable business over two successful years.
  2. The newsletter has seen significant growth in subscribers and engagement.
  3. Future plans include expanding content with more writers, a possible podcast, and additional subscriber-only newsletters.

Wired’s Scicomm Writer Emily Mullin Attacks Independent Research, Because of Course

The DisInformation Chronicle • 565 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. The article critiques a piece by Emily Mullin that is critical of a new science journal, saying it contains many errors and misleading statements. It argues that journalists can sometimes promote their own biases instead of focusing on factual reporting.
  2. It highlights a term called 'dial-a-quote,' where writers seek quotes from people they know will support their narrative, instead of looking for a balanced perspective. This practice can skew the way information is presented to readers.
  3. The discussion raises concerns about the credibility of some researchers who contribute to science writing. It points out how certain quotes and opinions may align with existing narratives rather than presenting objective scientific information.
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The New York Times: Professional Makeup Artist

The Algorithmic Bridge • 286 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. The New York Times often highlights dramatic stories tied to new technology, like ChatGPT, but can miss the bigger picture of how society reacts to these changes.
  2. Media coverage tends to focus more on violent or sensational stories, which skews public perception and creates a belief that the world is more dangerous than it really is.
  3. It's important for journalists to tell stories with context and nuance, especially when discussing sensitive issues, so people don't jump to exaggerated conclusions.

why the media is becoming absurd

bad cattitude • 223 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. Media is losing relevance and is resorting to extreme and silly headlines to grab attention. It's like they're shouting for help but are only getting ignored.
  2. The rise of new media, driven by everyday people, is replacing traditional journalism. This new approach focuses more on trust and real conversations.
  3. To help improve media quality, we should stop engaging with the ridiculous content. By not clicking on that nonsense, we can encourage better reporting.

The Jon Swift List: Best Blog Posts of the Year

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 30 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media Criticism
  1. Blogging helped build lasting political communities and careers in the early 2000s, but its cultural cachet has faded as podcasts and short-form platforms rose, even though small-blog energy survives on places like Substack.
  2. A satirical blogger known as Jon Swift inspired an annual "best blog posts" roundup that continues today, and the 2025 list has been released to honor that tradition.
  3. The publisher plans to focus on big-picture critique of nation-states, offer middle-distance commentary instead of daily outrage, and bring more hope, humor, and some fiction into the coming year.

Why Doesn't Matt Taibbi Want to Talk About Gaza?

KERFUFFLE • 213 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. Matt Taibbi used to write confidently about the Israel-Palestine conflict, but now he avoids discussing it. It’s unclear why his stance on the topic has changed over the years.
  2. The ongoing violence and issues in the region remain serious, with the situation described as complicated but rooted in historical conflicts.
  3. People can learn from various sources, even if the source isn’t an expert, suggesting that sharing knowledge might be valuable regardless of one’s background.

Friday Funnies: Free Stuff!

Who is Robert Malone • 33 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. Many people are getting free things lately, and it's always fun to see what you can find. It's good to stay in the loop about chances to get free stuff.
  2. There's been a big push for federal employees to return to the office, which has changed the work environment in DC. This shift might make things different for both workers and the community.
  3. Some media outlets are blaming political leaders for various issues, which can seem unfair. It's important to think critically about the news we consume and go beyond the headlines.

Jocasta's Silence

coldhealing • 255 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Media Criticism
  1. Oedipus's self-inflicted disability was tragic - what disabilities might his parents have had?
  2. Families can have conflicts over individuality - like in movies where children pursue different paths from their parents.
  3. Communication barriers between parents and children can lead to sad desynchronization, but can be resolved with effort and understanding.

Everybody hates Andrew Tate

Of Boys and Men • 286 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. Andrew Tate is widely criticized for his controversial views on gender roles, often referring to women in derogatory terms.
  2. Even conservative figures, like Ron DeSantis and Ben Shapiro, are speaking out against Tate, showing a rare unity in disapproval across the political spectrum.
  3. Despite some minor support from fringe groups, the general consensus is that most people do not want Andrew Tate in the U.S. due to his alleged criminal background.

Dingus of the week: Pete Hegseth

Men Yell at Me • 380 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. Pete Hegseth, a nominee for a high military position, has a controversial history with accusations of misconduct and a toxic work environment. His qualifications for such a role are questioned.
  2. There are serious concerns about how the military treats women, especially considering that many report experiencing harassment and assault. Putting someone like Hegseth in charge could worsen this issue.
  3. The healthcare system is failing many Americans, leading to feelings of rage and frustration. People are struggling to access necessary medical care, and this creates a sense of violence in everyday life.

Yes, It is Snowing in New York

Outspoken with Dr Naomi Wolf • 3 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. News outlets exaggerated a routine Northeast snowfall as an unprecedented emergency, which helped build public panic and justify strict city measures.
  2. The mayor’s emergency order banned private vehicle travel while exempting many nonprofits, delivery services, and essential workers, and it forced property owners to clear wide paths or face fines, raising questions about fairness and civil liberties.
  3. Closing bridges and restricting movement could create real security risks by trapping people during an attack, and allegations about staff and donor ties to extremist groups increase fears these powers might be abused.

More Misleading News

David Friedman’s Substack • 260 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. Disney is changing its approach to diversity programs. It might just be quieter about them rather than completely cutting them out.
  2. Trump's comments about journalists at his rally were controversial. He wasn't saying he wanted someone to shoot them, but rather that he wouldn't mind dying if it happened during a confrontation.
  3. Some news articles can exaggerate facts. For example, a machine was called indispensable in a story, but there are actually many similar machines, and the headline misled readers.

Why is it so easy to hate women?

Men Yell at Me • 315 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Criticism
  1. People often jump at the chance to criticize women in the public eye, sometimes without understanding the full story. This shows a pattern where women are easily targeted and attacked.
  2. In the case of Blake Lively, many turned against her based on manipulated narratives that distorted her character. This highlights how quickly public opinion can sway against women.
  3. Not all women have the same resources to defend themselves against these attacks, which makes it harder for some to fight back when they are wrongly criticized.

leaving in a huff

bad cattitude • 327 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. Some people are leaving social media platforms because they can't handle disagreements about their ideas. Instead of debating, they prefer to retreat to spaces where only their views are accepted.
  2. When someone sees their beliefs challenged, it can feel like a personal attack. This can lead to a strong reaction, making them defensive and unwilling to explore other viewpoints.
  3. The focus on consensus can lead to a false sense of security. People may feel more comfortable in like-minded groups, but this limits healthy discussions and the chance to grow through different opinions.

Mankeeping? No, it's gender defending

Sex and the State • 85 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. The concept of 'mankeeping' shows how loneliness impacts men more than women, and it's often women who feel the burden of this loneliness.
  2. Media coverage on male loneliness sometimes shifts focus away from men's needs, emphasizing how it affects their partners instead, which misses the main issue.
  3. There seems to be a bias in how these topics are reported, often reinforcing existing social norms rather than challenging them for more meaningful change.

Julie K. Brown: Groundbreaking Epstein journalist, or ridiculous myth-peddler?

Michael Tracey • 84 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. Julie K. Brown's reporting on Jeffrey Epstein triggered serious investigations that led to his arrest. Her Miami Herald series sparked public interest and political action against Epstein and his associates.
  2. Brown has faced criticism for using Virginia Giuffre's fictionalized accounts in her book without proper context. This raises questions about the reliability of the information she presents in her reporting.
  3. Despite her recognition as an expert on Epstein, there are concerns about her credibility and the sources she relies on. Critics argue that she hasn't adequately addressed the troubling aspects of her narrative.

This is what happens if you dare to ask the most gently critical questions about the media and Epstein

Michael Tracey • 86 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. It's important to ask tough questions about major issues like the Epstein case, even if it feels uncomfortable. When people just accept narratives without questioning them, it can lead to misunderstandings and misinformation.
  2. Media figures sometimes have personal connections or biases that can affect their reporting. This can make it hard to trust the facts being presented.
  3. People need to be careful about jumping to conclusions based on victim claims without considering their credibility. It's essential to maintain a balanced view and not blindly support every narrative.

Inaugural Three-Dot Thursday: In honor of the great Herb Caen, we’re going back to school — old school, that is…

Gotham by Susan Dyer Reynolds • 176 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. Herb Caen popularized 'Three Dot Journalism' with one-liners, gossip, anecdotes, and information.
  2. Oakland Animal Services facing overcrowding and potential euthanasia of dogs due to high intakes.
  3. San Francisco and Oakland facing challenges with white-collar criminals, shoplifting incidents, and political controversies.

Here's what happens if you ask trivially basic questions about Epstein, Part 2

Michael Tracey • 79 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. Asking basic questions about claims related to high-profile cases can lead to unexpected reactions, sometimes even hostile ones, instead of straightforward answers.
  2. Claims about large numbers of victims can often be exaggerated or unverified, highlighting the importance of supporting statements with clear evidence.
  3. Skepticism and the need for verification are essential in journalism, especially in sensitive matters like victimization and allegations of abuse.

What's the Point of The New York Times?

JoeWrote • 196 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. Many people don't trust traditional media like The New York Times anymore. They are turning to other sources like podcasts and blogs for news.
  2. Legacy media companies have lost readers because they often prioritize profits and sensational stories over accurate reporting.
  3. Even big newspapers can make mistakes, and if they don't admit them or improve their practices, they risk losing even more readers.

Episode 101: In Plain Sight

Disaffected Newsletter • 419 implied HN points • 09 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. California's new law may let child abductors find safety there, which is really concerning.
  2. Some people who commit serious crimes still get treated nicely in public, which feels unfair.
  3. Marxism is discussed as a dangerous idea that leads to violence, and it's surprising how many people still support it.

The Price Of Orthodoxies

The Weekly Dish • 186 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. Orthodoxies can make us ignore hard truths and the suffering of others. They create blind spots that can hide serious issues.
  2. When we stick too closely to a certain belief or idea, we might miss out on understanding the full picture of what's really happening.
  3. It's important to challenge our beliefs and stay open to new information, so we can see and address injustices.

"The Chinese Government Will Lie to You!" said the U.S. Government the Day It Was Caught Lying to Us.

JoeWrote • 165 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. The ceasefire in Gaza shows what really happened during the conflict. Now that fighting has stopped, more people can report the true impact on civilians.
  2. The U.S. government and media have misled the public about the reasons behind the ceasefire and the crisis in Gaza. Many now see this as part of a larger pattern of dishonesty.
  3. Concerns over apps like TikTok highlight a divide in perception about security and media control. Some people believe manipulation is happening on both sides, questioning why they should fear one over the other.

Weaponized Hate Watching

Trantor Publishing • 199 implied HN points • 12 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Media Criticism
  1. Hate watching involves critiquing or mocking media online, portraying mixed emotions towards mainstream content.
  2. Different types of hate watchers include YouTube critics, nostalgia-driven viewers, and those drawn to woke elements in modern productions.
  3. Hate watching can be leveraged by independent creators to build audiences and redirect attention towards their own content.

The Chair Company (2025)

The Author Is Dumb • 3 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Media Criticism
  1. Tim Robinson essentially plays a familiar, narrow-range persona and the show drops that character into a 1970s-style conspiracy thriller, making the premise feel original and intentionally strange.
  2. The series mixes anti-comedy and thriller elements in a Lynchian way, so moments can be either hilariously brilliant or gratingly awkward, with occasional real vulnerability that lands powerfully.
  3. The show is polarizing: devoted fans defend it fiercely while many critics find it baffling or unfunny, which highlights the gap between personal taste and professional review.

Jake Tapper's Unoriginal Sin

Unreported Truths • 61 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson's book 'Original Sin' lacks new and important information about Joe Biden's mental decline. It mostly restates what many already knew.
  2. The media has praised the book as groundbreaking, but it does not address its own failures in covering Biden's issues during his presidency.
  3. Good journalism should question authority and seek the truth, rather than just echoing popular opinions or the status quo.

War on Gaza (w/ Joe Sacco) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 111 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. Joe Sacco uses graphic journalism to share stories from war zones, bringing a unique perspective that traditional media often misses. His work combines drawings and humor to convey tough realities.
  2. Sacco raises important questions about how we define aggression and self-defense, especially in context of the violence in Gaza. He suggests we need new terms to describe the complex nature of these conflicts.
  3. The discussion highlights the moral dilemmas faced in voting and supporting policies that contribute to violence, questioning how citizens can remain complicit while wanting change.

On Shane Tamura, the NYC office shooter: yet again, cannabis psychosis and violence may be hiding in plain sight

Unreported Truths • 37 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. The media often tries to blame things like football for violence, while ignoring more likely causes like cannabis use. It's easier for them to follow popular beliefs than to dig deeper into facts.
  2. Researchers see a strong link between heavy cannabis use and mental health issues like schizophrenia, especially in young people. This makes it an important factor to consider in discussions about violent behavior.
  3. Many people in the media downplay the potential dangers of cannabis, which can lead to serious problems. Understanding these risks is crucial to prevent tragedies like mass shootings.

January 6th was Successful

Unpopular Front • 114 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. The January 6th attack on the Capitol was seen as a political success for Trump. Even after the chaos, he managed to rally support among his followers.
  2. Trump's approach has shifted the political landscape, making opposition seem less credible. Some critics are now viewed as supportive of him, whether they realize it or not.
  3. There is a sense that Trump's actions have broken the systems of law and norms, leading to a more raw and partisan political environment, where traditional standards no longer apply.

On Israel, Gaza, and the truth

Unreported Truths • 40 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. The hunger crisis in Gaza is a serious issue that needs attention, even if it's uncomfortable to discuss. It's important to face difficult topics head-on, despite differing opinions.
  2. Many readers feel that mainstream media does not cover Israel fairly, often showing anti-Israel bias. This causes frustration for those who want a balanced view.
  3. While it's essential to support Israel's right to defend itself, that right must have limits. Being open about those limits can lead to more honest discussions.

Daniel Penny Is A Hero

Journal of Free Black Thought • 101 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. Daniel Penny was found not guilty for the death of Jordan Neely during a subway incident. Many believe he acted in defense of other passengers who felt threatened.
  2. There were concerns that the media focused too much on race in this situation, ignoring facts like other passengers helping Penny and Neely's troubling behavior.
  3. The writer argues that the real issues are the failures of the local politicians to handle problems like homelessness and mental health, rather than blaming Penny for the incident.

An open letter to Dave Smith, friend to Holocaust deniers

Unreported Truths • 31 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. Accusations of denying the Holocaust can have serious consequences. It's important to recognize when words said in jest can hurt others and lead to real harm.
  2. Aligning with people who hold dangerous beliefs can muddy one's own reputation. It's crucial to choose friends and influences wisely.
  3. Critiquing historical events like the Holocaust is valid, but it should come from a place of understanding and respect, not from promoting harmful narratives.

Climate Con Job

Diane Francis • 399 implied HN points • 28 Oct 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Media Criticism
  1. The media often creates a sense of urgency about climate change, especially around big events like COP26. This can sometimes lead to fear and panic rather than constructive solutions.
  2. There are positive developments regarding climate change that are often overlooked by those focusing solely on the negatives. It's important to recognize the progress being made.
  3. Political leaders may use the climate crisis for their own advantage, which can complicate the conversation and actions needed to address the issue. We should look critically at their motives.

The left's open borders insanity, caught in a single email

Unreported Truths • 82 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. Some people believe there's a plan to flood the U.S. with migrants to help Democrats, but that's not supported by evidence. It looks more like a mix of mistakes and interests rather than a big conspiracy.
  2. Unchecked migration has actually pushed some working-class voters, including Black and Hispanic groups, towards Trump, which is the opposite of what some might expect.
  3. The author examines why there's such strong support for open borders, suggesting it stems from a moral panic rather than a coordinated strategy.

NYT vs. The Musk Foundation: A Masterclass in Slant

The Save Journalism Committee • 216 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
💼 Business Media Criticism
  1. The NYT article raises concerns about Elon Musk's foundation finances, but overlooks crucial details like the grace period where the foundation caught up on giving deficits in following years.
  2. Private foundations like Musk's have latitude in choosing charities based on legal approvals, not restrictions like public charities. Contextual understanding of foundation structures is essential.
  3. The article highlights Musk's charitable acts but frames them in a negative light, despite him helping schools, disasters, and children in need. The public benefit of these actions is significant.

Legacy Media Still Lying, Calls Atlas, Bhattacharya, Makary 'COVID Deniers'

Unmasked • 67 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. Legacy media continues to blame others for their mistakes during the COVID-19 pandemic, refusing to acknowledge their own errors.
  2. There is a pattern of the elite using their influence to enforce unreasonable rules on the public, then blaming people for not following them.
  3. Articles in mainstream publications often contain misinformation and inaccuracies, causing frustration for those looking for truthful reporting.

Regrets, I have a few

Unpopular Front • 87 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism
  1. It's important to be a leader and voice your opinions instead of just following the crowd, especially when you see issues that need addressing.
  2. Believing in the current political leadership can lead to complacency, and it's crucial to remain critical and aware of the system's flaws.
  3. Having the courage to make bold predictions and criticisms, even if they go against the grain, is necessary for true progress and understanding.