The hottest Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

MSNBC Sucks

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 28947 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. MSNBC shifted from reporting provable facts to spreading misinformation from politicians and intelligence officials.
  2. The network doubled down on false narratives about Trump-Russia collusion even after the collapse of the Mueller investigation.
  3. Hiring contributors who had perpetuated misinformation led to a reputation-tarnishing downfall for MSNBC.

Afterimages of the eclipse

Austin Kleon • 3916 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Poetry can really help us through tough times, and Louise Glück's work is a great place to start if you're looking for comfort in words.
  2. When creating art, it’s best to just focus on the process and forget about success or failure for a while.
  3. Listening to music can inspire creativity, just like how Carla Bley started her journey in music by being an attentive listener.

The Liberal Media Always Fails Against Fascism

Shatter Zone • 4107 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Liberal media institutions like the New York Times and Washington Post historically fail at confronting fascism.
  2. Evidence shows a decline in free societies despite an increase in global news media outlets and journalists.
  3. Journalists and publishers of legacy media companies have sometimes enabled fascist movements by prioritizing objectivity over advocacy against authoritarianism.
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Elon Musk Is Dangerous To Society

Where's Your Ed At • 21068 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  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.

The Weekend Press: Is Staying Married Taboo?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 440 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Divorce is now often framed as a triumphant path to self‑actualization, even though overall divorce rates have fallen, and saying you stayed in a marriage because it was worth saving can feel countercultural.
  2. Celebrity culture is producing glossy, sometimes unintentionally funny content — Meghan Markle’s holiday special was described as charmingly sloppy and emblematic of that trend.
  3. There’s a public debate about travel etiquette, with pushback against wearing slippers or pajamas in airports and a call from some writers to travel in a more polished, gentlemanly way.

On Today’s Absurd New York Times Hit Piece

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 14141 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The New York Times published a controversial piece about the Twitter Files and its connection to a Trump ally, which the author argues is a misrepresentation of reality.
  2. The Supreme Court case _Murthy v. Missouri_ is significant, as it involves challenges to government monitoring of online content and potential infringement on First Amendment rights.
  3. The article discusses the implications of exposing censorship programs and suggests a potential motive behind the Times' piece as a distraction tactic during the historic case.

TGIF: Trump’s Plan to Conquer Heaven

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1516 implied HN points • 22 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Trump is trying to improve the situation in Ukraine and is seeking ways to negotiate peace. He recently met with leaders from Ukraine and Europe, showing a united front against Russia.
  2. Critics are divided on Trump's approach, with some believing he is simply being babysat by European leaders during his meetings.
  3. There seems to be a positive shift in Trump's attitude towards Ukraine, as he now talks about security guarantees, suggesting he wants to support them more than before.

Our Promise to You

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5133 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Some people believe traditional media has too many rules that limit honest inquiry into controversial topics. They think this has hurt real journalism.
  2. There's a feeling that breaking the usual journalistic standards was okay to fight against what they see as extreme actions by certain political figures.
  3. Many in the media don't apologize for getting things wrong because they feel the greater goal justified those errors.

Merry Christmas To All

The DisInformation Chronicle • 265 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. A Free Speech Legal Defense Fund was launched to fight frivolous lawsuits and push for anti-SLAPP laws that protect journalists and ordinary people.
  2. Someone who posted U.S. court documents was sued in Madrid, won the case and two appeals, but continues to face new lawsuits that act as legal and financial harassment.
  3. The campaign has raised over $1,700 from 29 donors and the publication has grown to about 36,000 subscribers, and it asks readers to support the fund while sending holiday wishes.

And People Had No Problem Saying That Joe Biden Was Cognitively "Challenged"

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 369 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Many people openly said Joe Biden was cognitively "challenged." That would have been unthinkable before 2016 without invoking the 25th Amendment.
  2. The case being made against him is largely false—almost every sentence of that argument is inaccurate.
  3. Professional Republicans and many reporters apparently recognize these falsehoods but overwhelmingly do not correct them, which raises concerns about declining norms for calling out untrue claims.

US State Department Spokeswoman Says Israel Is Greater Than America

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2360 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. A U.S. State Department spokeswoman claimed Israel is a better country than America, which raised some eyebrows about U.S. foreign policy priorities.
  2. There are concerns that many political leaders prioritize Israel over American interests, and this is seen as problematic by some people.
  3. Debates around U.S. involvement in Israel and Iran reveal deeper issues about how foreign policy decisions impact everyday Americans.

Meghan Markle Is the Slop Princess We Deserve

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 440 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Her Netflix holiday special is a goofy, unhinged mix of cooking, crafts, and celeb cameos that many find unintentionally hilarious and downright charming.
  2. After stepping away from the royal family she tried a string of projects — a short-lived podcast, a lifestyle jam brand, and a Netflix deal that wasn’t renewed — but she kept hustling.
  3. She’s embraced a cozy, domestic shtick (wrapping gifts, making wreaths, cooking with guests) that makes her feel relatable and has helped people soften their view of her.

A gay man tries to buy a book

The Glinner Update • 3989 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. A gay man tried to buy a book and faced difficulties at different Waterstones stores.
  2. The book in question, 'Time to Think,' is about a medical scandal at the Tavistock Clinic.
  3. There might be intentional suppression of sales of this book by Waterstones.

The Apparent Musk-Epstein Smoking Gun Is Actually a Trump-Epstein Smoking Gun

Proof • 100 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. A widely reported email between Elon Musk and Jeffrey Epstein is being misread by many outlets; the exchange actually points more to Donald Trump’s connections with Epstein than to damning evidence against Musk.
  2. Donald Trump regularly vacationed near Epstein’s Little St. James and maintained a friendly relationship with Epstein during the period when many abuses occurred, which ties Trump more directly to Epstein’s activities.
  3. Newly released portions of the Epstein files shift the apparent "smoking gun" away from Musk and toward evidence that implicates Trump, so media interpretations should be reassessed.

The successful YouTube channels hiding in plain sight

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 299 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
💼 Business Media
  1. White-noise and other long-play YouTube videos can earn outsized revenue through YouTube Premium because they accumulate huge watch time, giving them much higher CPMs than typical videos.
  2. Host-read podcast ads perform better in audio-only environments than on YouTube video, so advertisers should ask for audio vs. video impression breakdowns and value audio impressions more highly.
  3. Platforms are simultaneously cracking down on deceptive AI content and rolling out more aggressive ad features and paywalls, so creators and brands must track changing policies and sponsorship opportunities to adapt monetization strategies.

I Am Begging Sports Media to Stop Misusing Regression to the Mean

Freddie deBoer • 2165 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🎾 Sports Media
  1. Regression to the mean means that extreme results are unlikely to happen again without some change in conditions. If a team's situation changes, it’s not just luck but a new factor affecting performance.
  2. Using regression to the mean incorrectly can lead to confusion. If someone thinks a team will do worse because they lost players, that’s not regression to the mean; it’s a different kind of prediction.
  3. There’s a risk of making mistakes by assuming past results will always influence future ones, like betting based on past game outcomes. Each situation should be treated by its own conditions.

The History of The Onion You Didn't Know You Needed

Culture Study • 2000 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The Onion started in Madison, Wisconsin, where a fun and collective writing approach helped create its distinct style. This Midwestern influence allowed the writers to focus on creativity without the pressure of big-city ambitions.
  2. The book discusses the conflicts between creativity and commercial success, suggesting that the essence of satire might struggle to survive under profit-driven ownership. This tension shapes how humor evolves in response to our changing media landscape.
  3. Satirizing the news plays an essential role in highlighting the flaws in how information is presented and understood. Even as the news environment changes, satire remains a valuable tool for challenging established narratives.

Update: The Ultimate Summer Reading Book Report (Including Melody's Romance Corner)

Culture Study • 1756 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. This week’s podcast discusses how motherhood is often watched and surveilled through things like baby monitors and daycare cameras. It's a great listen, even for people who aren't parents.
  2. The writer took a vacation to the Greek Islands, where she had time to read a lot of books. She put together a reading list and shared her thoughts on the books she read.
  3. The post includes a section where her co-producer shares her favorite romance books, adding more variety to summer reading recommendations.

The Weird Reactions To The Sydney Sweeney Ad Are a Smokescreen For Widespread Romantic Desperation

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1818 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Many people are struggling to find good romantic partners. This lack of options can lead to feelings of desperation.
  2. When people feel desperate, it can cause strange and sometimes cruel behaviors online.
  3. Issues like cheating and stalking often come from this same problem of not having enough desirable partners.

Israel Attacked: Pushing Back on Right Wing Disinfo

The Message Box • 3793 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Fast-moving events are fertile ground for disinformation, especially when shared without context or confirmation.
  2. The claim that the U.S. funded the attack in Iran is false; the unfrozen funds were for humanitarian assistance only.
  3. Claims circulating that U.S. weapons were used in the attack are also false; the photo shared is from 2021 in Afghanistan, not Israel.

Rough Times Ahead for News Business as Trump Bump Gives Way to Trump Dump

Big Technology • 6380 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The news business is facing tough times after Trump's latest election win. Many viewers are tuning out and canceling their subscriptions.
  2. Unlike the excitement around Trump's first win, this time people feel exhausted and less interested in political news. They are questioning whether their subscriptions are worth it now.
  3. Some media outlets that positioned themselves as opposing Trump are struggling to keep their audience. Meanwhile, some pro-Trump platforms are seeing a rise in popularity.

American Censorship Intensifies in the Information War

Glenn’s Substack • 2 HN points • 05 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Censorship in the US is getting stronger, targeting various media and putting pressure on tech companies to limit certain viewpoints. This affects how people get information and what they can freely express online.
  2. The process of normalizing censorship often starts with small, seemingly justified actions, making it easier for the public to accept them over time. This 'slow boiling' approach gradually expands what speech is considered unacceptable.
  3. As the government and tech companies control more online speech, there's a growing call for alternative platforms that support free expression, highlighting the increasing need for forums where diverse opinions can be shared.

Weekend reads: Stephen Marche on the crisis in Canadian cultural institutions

Lean Out with Tara Henley • 1906 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Stephen Marche's essay examines the politicization of Canadian cultural institutions dominated by radical leftist activists.
  2. The rise of extremist activism in Canada is leading to a decline in progressive activism's influence and support.
  3. Younger generations are turning away from progressivism towards more radical or right-wing ideologies, causing a shift in political landscapes.

A Perfectly Grilled Corn on the Cob of Links & Recs

Culture Study • 1667 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Grilled corn on the cob is a simple but delicious summer food, and it can be even better with a dash of salt or some cheese and spices.
  2. Summer days can be enjoyed by doing simple things like reading, gardening, or spending time outdoors with pets.
  3. It's important to stay aware of the hardships in the world, such as the ongoing food crisis in Gaza, and to help those in need through donations to organizations providing aid.

Hey Media: Stop Grading Republicans on a Curve

The Message Box • 3773 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The media should not portray minor accomplishments of Republicans as significant achievements.
  2. Republicans are often graded on a curve, receiving praise for basic actions that Democrats are held to higher standards for.
  3. The political media strives for balance over accuracy, leading to biased coverage that favors Republicans in certain scenarios.

TGIF: War Room Correspondent

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4739 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Trump's press team is changing how the White House briefing room works by opening it to more journalists, which is a big shift from the past. It means that anyone can now apply for access, rather than just be invited.
  2. Federal workers are upset about being told to return to the office, with some even suing over how the message was delivered. The email they received wasn't well received, and many are worried about juggling work and childcare.
  3. Colombia's president wrote a strange poem in response to Trump after initially refusing to take back migrants. This unusual communication shows the unpredictable nature of international relations in the current political climate.

Transcript - America This Week, August 22, 2025: "Is the New York Times a Government-in-Exile?"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1403 implied HN points • 23 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The New York Times is behaving as if it's a government in exile, questioning the current elected government's decisions and suggesting reforms.
  2. There seems to be a push from the Times to increase its own power, reflecting a desire for influence over how the government operates.
  3. Recent discussions hint at a belief that there may be a fundamental flaw in the Constitution that limits government effectiveness, as explored in recent articles.

Write-in mailbag

Slow Boring • 2004 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The internet and social media have changed political engagement by fostering 'political hobbyism'.
  2. Participating in internet arguments about politics can be a hobby for some, providing engagement and entertainment.
  3. The current Democratic Party does not have a clear path to secure a 55+ seat majority in the Senate.

The Monday Media Diet with Chris Danton

Why is this interesting? • 1447 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Many people consume too much content and can benefit from focusing on what's truly valuable. Starting something like a newsletter can help channel that energy in a productive way.
  2. It's important to read and learn from a variety of sources outside your own interests. This helps you gain new perspectives and prevents you from getting stuck in a bubble.
  3. Travel offers amazing experiences and insights. Exploring lesser-known places can be just as rewarding as popular destinations.