I’ve been listening to On the Media for as long as I can remember, and it never fails to illuminate current events and media coverage thereof in ways that are smart, useful, and completely different than what I hear anywhere else. They are unflinching in examining the role of the media in news/current events, and going behind the story to get at the premise, presumptions, and context that sets every story. The best hour on air!
Are you the type of person who prides themselves on being the most informed of all your friends? Do you listen to On the Media? If not, you are likely the most informed of all your misinformed friends.
Remedy this immediately and include On the Media into your routine with showering and breathing.
Do you like sanctimonious hosts who take heavy breaths to show how frustrated they are? How about ones that use phrases no one actually uses in real life (like "he who pays the piper picks the tune")? Then this is for you! It's fine if you work in the media and want to know what people are saying about our industry, but otherwise definitely skip this. Also the music is... ugh.
This is, in my opinion, the most relevant and important conversation that is happening right now. I listen to this and shout out loud and talk to myself and always come away with a better understanding of the world around me.
I love this show. I think it some of the highest quality journalism within a podcast that I listen to. However, because it’s a podcast, and because it involves interviews, the richness is in the spontaneity you hear in the voices. If within an interview I can hear that someone is reading their responses, it’s a real let down.
Keep up the good work, On the Media. But I hope you go for a little more authenticity.
Highly recommend. They dig into topics and challenge the media’s usual tropes. A little disappointed they decided to pull back on Trump coverage but I understand them not wanting to get into the Trump wack-a-mole coverage most media do.
There are a couple of things Donald Trump gets right, mostly despite his instincts, and fake news is one of them. I’m angered by much of what is sold to us as “legitimate” news broadcasting because it has contributed in very significant ways to our public discourse and to the government we have created these last several decades. FOXNews? Sure, but don’t discount CNN, MSNBC or the New York Times (Iraq cheerleading anyone?) and many other so-called “real” news outlets. I’m genuinely surprised at the integrity I find in the On the Media show and I do not mean this disrespectfully. I would not listen if I thought it wasn’t reliable, honest and willing to look past accepted narratives for truth. That is what is missing in much of what is available. Accepted narratives must be analyzed before any news outlet can hope to be seen as legitimate in my view. It is the core problem with most of what I see. Thank you for making that a central theme here. - Neal Fitzgerald, Los Osos CA
I used to love On the Media, but in the past year or so it has simply turned into the anti-Trump podcast. During the election OTM went so far as to say that Trump was so bad a candidate that journalists should not give him equal time with Clinton. Coverage should be unfair.
Since the election virtually every story continues to attack the President and undermine his administration. A recent one basically told people how they can leak classified information without getting caught.
A recent episode was simply an attack on the Supreme Court nominee. It had nothing to do with media coverage, but a commentary against him. Sadly, I have officially deleted On the Media from my podcasts.
I can’t live without this pod esp in these times. This pod sets the record straight and reminds us where the bar should be bc many - voters as well as those holding the highest offices - have forgotten or more likely just steamrolled over standards of truth, fairness, decency and justice. Thank you.
On the Media helps is a counterbalance to disinformation age in which we live. It targets are often the originators of lies, hyperbole, spin, half-truths, and convenient memory lapses and their enablers. It takes on those in the media who will not say truth to power or engage in reasoned debate.
It is sometime funny, but it is never just for fun.
None of these so called journalist did any real reporting on Obama. But now with Trump they are all experts on America!
Pathetic. Just admit y’all let Obamacare yea away with anything/everything!
IRS
Clinton’s runway meeting
On and on and on.
And we will admit Trump is a fool. At least he is honest about his intentions.
Your shiny story should have been about Obama.
You know this!!!!!!!!!!
Used to love this podcast and would listen to it all the time, great production value, updates regularly. Recently though it’s become more and more of an opiate: slow music, intellectual voices droning on, and its developed an enemy: people who care.
Finally had to unsubscribe after an episode on the Overton Window where their antagonist was described as the media with “their hair on fire.” It’s absolutely insane to think that outrageous things couldn’t and shouldn’t be called out.
Until the hosts can realize that people that care about politics aren’t the problem, it’s off my list.
This program gives me hope in the midst of the current crisis of unreason. Each episode is thoughtful, fact-based, and delivered in a civilized tone. No snark, no banter, no talking over one another. Just informed people digging deep into a topic. Refreshing!
You have a President who has unemployment at an all time low, a booming stock market supported by 4% GDP, and peace negotiated with North Korea. And all these fake news losers can do is tear him down. Sad.
I usually continue reflecting over the many issues that are raised in many of your programs. Thank you for providing us, listeners with such a thorough job in so many important topics that we are facing today
You guys are truly a treasure!
An insightful look at media which is often quite funny. Covers all sorts of media (print, cable, TV, film, internet and even video games). One of the few NPR shows with an opinion. In this day and age it's even more vital. I can't recommend the series of poverty in America enough.
If you're interested in journalism, you're likely to find this radio show/podcast thought-provoking and insightful. It's actually gotten better over time.
Haven't missed a show since 2005. Just plain excellent analysis of the media.
Hey Bob, easy on the snark! You guys are serioulsy great though; don't know what I'd do without you.
This podcast comes from a SUPER liberal perspective. If that’s what you are looking for, it’s a decent source for balance. However, the title is a little misleading. This is not necessarily about the media. It’s more of a liberal soapbox.
I don't even remember where I first heard of this delightful and erudite podcast but I cannot recomment it too powerfully.
I'm a little behind in the episodes. And one of my favorites was an interview with Glenn Beck a couple of months ago.
But the hosts cover an amazsing array of subjects, from gerrymandering to, well, any issue you can think of.
If you'd like an honest, intelligent discussion, this is one I recommend far more than most other podcasts.
Such a smart group of individuals. I appreciate the attention to detail and willingness to bring in multiple perspectives. This has helped shape my perspective on media + human nature. I can see / understand better the reasons “why” I’m evoked to a certain emotion or feeling. This. Was. So. Needed. Thanks, team!
I listen to these podcasts to say informed, not to hear rants. Both podcasts are superb and are a productive way for me to work out at the gym or go for an hour's run. News is so stressful now that the radio is tuned to VT Public Radio Classical. Please listen to these fantastic podcasts!!
Brooke and Bob kept me sane during the presidential election of 2016. Their reports during the ongoing sexual harassment story were informative and super entertaining. They're passionate and committed—I hope they never close up shop.
We’ve been listening to On The Media since 2008. Simply put, each episode is probably the first podcast I listen to on a Friday when it becomes available. If you work in tech, entertainment, and obviously the media, you should listen to it to. (MC)
Frankly, if every American listened to this show, our country wouldn’t have nearly as many problems as it has today. And reporting/the media would be much, much better. (EC)
It's about the Media, which means it's about everything. Brooke, Bob and all the other OTM team members search out interesting takes on contemporary issues (and sometimes important historical reviews,) all through the lens of our Media—newspapers, television, social media, news . . .
Brooke's reporting on poverty in America should be required listening for politicians and policy folk. Bob's interviews of media makers—both fair and fowl—should be legend.
