The hottest Media Substack posts right now

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The Herd of Independent Minds Stampedes Off the Cliff

Bulwark+ • 6603 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Authoritarianism Media Political Analysis
  1. The Republican Party is now Trump's party, with members rushing to show loyalty despite the consequences.
  2. Ben Shapiro, once a Never Trumper, endorsed Donald Trump, showcasing a shift in allegiance.
  3. Many individuals, including politicians, media figures, and billionaires, are downplaying the threats posed by Trump, showing a trend of denialism and minimizing concerns.

Classic Takes: How I Murdered The Weekly Standard!

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 5483 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Media Opinion Journalism
  1. The author's essay on 'The Collapse of the Never Trumpers' led to significant consequences in conservative media.
  2. The essay sparked a public war among conservative intellectuals and contributed to the downfall of the Weekly Standard and the expulsion of key figures like Jonah Goldberg.
  3. The author's actions and writings challenged the traditional conservative narrative and had a notable impact on media personalities and institutions.

TGIF: Every Sperm Is Sacred

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3528 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legal Election Media Politics
  1. President Biden faced criticisms regarding his communication style and response to questions, showcasing potential weaknesses in his public image.
  2. Donald Trump is engaging in unique marketing strategies by selling high-priced branded sneakers, stirring up reactions from the opposition party.
  3. Trump's legal issues, particularly a civil fraud trial in New York, demonstrate the complex intersection of legitimate legal concerns and potentially politically motivated prosecutions.

UPDATE: Woman charged with homicide of Mika Westwolf 

Popular Information • 19890 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
📰 News Crime Justice Indigenous Investigation Media
  1. A woman has been charged with the homicide of Mika Westwolf after initially facing lesser charges
  2. Investigation into Mika Westwolf's death gained national attention after being under-resourced and misfocused initially
  3. Mika Westwolf's mother engaged in a campaign raising awareness about her daughter's case and other missing and murdered Indigenous women
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Orf vs. the Memory Hole: Rats!

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5698 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Speech Opposition Media
  1. The post discusses the controversy surrounding a quote from a Veterans' Day speech by Donald Trump, where he referred to political opponents as vermin and threatened to root them out.
  2. There is a reference to a media reaction that involved the exploding-media-heads style, hinting at a strong and immediate response to Trump's statement.
  3. To access the full content, readers are encouraged to subscribe to Racket News for a 7-day free trial.

Can a Writers Strike Save Hollywood from Monopoly?

BIG by Matt Stoller • 53286 implied HN points • 14 May 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Labor Media Economics Monopolies
  1. Hollywood is facing a crisis with streaming services struggling to profit while dominating the industry.
  2. Legal changes in the U.S. over the years have stripped independent producers of bargaining power, impacting the quality of content.
  3. The ongoing writers' strike highlights the need to address the structural issues in the industry caused by consolidation and lack of market signals.

Mother Russia, Father Time

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3375 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Political Commentary Media Television Comedy
  1. There is ongoing debate about Biden's age and cognitive decline, with various experts weighing in and comparisons to Trump's cognitive test.
  2. Tucker Carlson's recent visit to Moscow sparked controversy, as he praised the city and its affordability, prompting discussions on ideology and living standards.
  3. Jon Stewart's return to hosting _The Daily Show_ was well-received, especially due to his humor targeting both Biden and Trump, showing his enduring comedic prowess.

Gamifying the Self for Status and Profit

Freddie deBoer • 5844 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Media Journalism
  1. Web 2.0 principles underlying online platforms can be toxic and damaging to journalism and media.
  2. The pressure for individuals in the reporting and opinionating business to be on Twitter created a culture where tweeting was perceived as necessary for existence in the industry.
  3. Twitter and similar constant mass-broadcasting services can lead to peer pressure, conformity, and hinder independence of thought in journalism and commentary.

Israel Accused Of Torturing UN Workers To Obtain False Testimony About UNRWA

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1778 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Torture Israel UN Hamas Media
  1. UNRWA staff were reportedly tortured by Israeli forces to obtain false testimonies about the agency's ties with Hamas.
  2. The information ecosystem can sometimes prioritize certain narratives over others, with allegations against enemies receiving more attention than evidence against those in power.
  3. The media coverage around this incident highlights potential biases and disparities in how news is reported and prioritized.

Elon Musk Is Dangerous To Society

Where's Your Ed At • 21068 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Technology Finance Media Government Corruption
  1. Elon Musk has significant influence due to his wealth and power, and his actions can negatively impact global events.
  2. Musk's decisions, personal beliefs, and interactions with authoritarian regimes raise concerns about his potential misuse of power.
  3. Coverage of Musk should shift to recognize him as a harmful actor who prioritizes his desires over societal well-being.

NOW FREE: The Monologue That Got Tucker Carlson Fired

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 3380 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Speech Leadership Journalism Media Government
  1. Politicians should not censor speech or control thoughts; citizens have the right to criticize leaders.
  2. There is opposition to violence, such as against violent crime, late-term abortion, and the war in Ukraine.
  3. Discussions around January 6th events and the characterization of violence are debated, including the actions of Ray Epps.

Nick Wright and the Shameless Clown Industry

Freddie deBoer • 4855 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Media Athletes Criticism Fans Industry
  1. Sports media can sometimes be toxic with aimless shouting and pointless provocations.
  2. Nick Wright exemplifies how sports media can corrupt individuals, where his persona often overshadows his potential thoughtful side.
  3. Wright's obsessive criticism and cruelty towards athletes, like Josh Allen and Nikola Jokic, stems from personal biases and a lack of accountability in the sports media industry.

Note to Readers: "The Fix is In"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 3966 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Media
  1. The author clarified the involvement of Rosa Brooks in a reported 'loose-knit group' of public interest groups and lawmakers.
  2. Mary McCord, former acting head of the National Security Division, was mentioned as a participant in the new group, but Brooks denied being part of it.
  3. Brooks mentioned that there may not be a formal 'group,' just occasional coordination among various individuals and organizations.

WATCH: This Muslim Israeli Woman Is the Hope of the Middle East

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3111 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Media Israel Middle East Conflict Diversity
  1. Lucy Aharish is the first Arab Muslim news presenter on mainstream, Hebrew-language Israeli television.
  2. She is an iconoclast who challenges societal norms by being an Arab, a proud Israeli, and a Muslim married to a Jew.
  3. Lucy Aharish has been vocal in her criticism of far-right voices, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Arab violence, emphasizing unity between Israelis and Arabs.

“UK Files” Exclusive, Part 2: The Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) Told the IRS It Was A Charity. Documents Say Otherwise

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 3820 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Disinformation Media Lobbying
  1. The Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) incorrectly claimed charity status with the IRS, raising questions about their truthfulness.
  2. The CCDH is known for pressuring companies to restrict certain content and promoting its own political agenda in the media space.
  3. The CCDH's ties to major-party politics and regulatory mix-ups suggest a complex background and operational strategy.

Sometimes People Are Just Stupid

Holly’s Newsletter • 3125 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Opinion Social Issues Media Politics Entertainment
  1. There are conservative influencers targeting an artist and her relationship, sparking debates and theories about the implications of her endorsements and impact on voting demographics.
  2. The artist in question has messages of traditional love and relationships in her work, facing criticism and scrutiny from various political perspectives.
  3. The discussions around this artist's personal life and potential endorsements highlight broader cultural tensions and divisions, reflecting the complexity of celebrity influence and political narratives.

A Super Tuesday for Donald Trump

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1502 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Legislation Media Government
  1. Primary voters chose Trump and Biden, indicating a desire for a rematch, despite other challengers trying to offer alternatives.
  2. Nikki Haley's supporters continued to back her financially even when it became clear that her campaign wasn't successful, demonstrating loyalty and belief in her message.
  3. Across the Western world, new hate speech laws threaten freedom of speech, with Ireland, Canada, and Britain considering strict legislation.

Transcript: America This Week, Episode 78: "The Surveillance State is a Moody, Sadistic Child"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1634 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Intelligence Anxiety CIA Russia
  1. The rise in Bitcoin price can serve as a proxy for general anxiety felt by the investing public, reflecting concerns about uncertain times.
  2. A notable news development was the New York Times article revealing the ways in which the CIA assists Ukraine in its conflict against Putin.
  3. The general anxiety levels are increasing across various facets, not just limited to one area.

The anti-woke hero's journey

Read Max • 2082 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Current Events Media Folklore
  1. Some high-profile individuals like Bill Ackman and Elon Musk have transitioned from generic liberalism to becoming prominent anti-woke figures.
  2. Both Ackman and Musk utilize their media presence and attention for their political campaigns, believing it symbolizes genuine power.
  3. Ackman and Musk approach their anti-woke campaigns with a logic similar to their investment strategies, showing a strong attachment to Twitter as a platform for discourse.

Why did CNN do it?

Robert Reich • 30051 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Republicans Democracy Journalism
  1. CNN's decision to give Donald Trump an hour of prime-time television was criticized for promoting lies and insults.
  2. The shift in CNN's news coverage towards more conservative guests and avoiding certain terms was linked to corporate interests and right-wing billionaire influence.
  3. Criticism of CNN's decisions highlights the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity and not giving a platform to misinformation and demagoguery.