Podcast Summary: As The World Churns – "This Is Why News Is Disappearing"

Episode Overview

In the July 18, 2025 episode of As The World Churns, hosts Andy Levy and Danielle Moody delve into the alarming trend of declining support for independent news sources, focusing particularly on the recent Republican-led efforts to defund public broadcasting entities like NPR and PBS. The episode features insightful discussions with LaFontaine Oliver, President and CEO of New York Public Radio, and Radley, an expert on police militarization, providing listeners with a comprehensive analysis of the political and social forces undermining trustworthy journalism and public education.

Trump, MAGA, and Internal Conflicts

The episode opens with Andy Levy highlighting former President Donald Trump's frustration with segments of the MAGA movement targeting Attorney General Pam Bondi. Andy Levy remarks at [01:40]:

"Donald Trump is very unhappy that a large segment of the MAGA cult seems to be taking issues with Daddy, and it's not something he's used to."

Danielle Moody adds context, emphasizing the paradox in Trump's stance on the Epstein saga:

"He wants everyone to shut up about Epstein, but they keep doing things that make people talk more and more about Epstein and talk more and more about the fact that this feels like a cover-up." [02:28]

This internal strife within the MAGA movement signifies a fragmentation that complicates Trump's political strategy and suggests deeper underlying tensions.

Republican Moves to Defund Public Broadcasting

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the Republican Party's strategic move to withdraw $9 billion in funding from public broadcasting agencies. The hosts critique the timing and implications of this decision, especially in the wake of disasters like the tragic event in Kerr County, Texas.

Andy Levy criticizes the Republicans' approach:

"They waited until now to fire someone like Pam Bondi, which is ridiculous." [06:47]

Danielle Moody responds by pointing out the contradictory nature of Republican rhetoric versus their actions:

"They ran on taking down the deep state and exposing all the crimes, but now they're running from those very challenges." [08:46]

The hosts argue that this defunding effort stems from a desire to create an undereducated populace, stripping away essential services like emergency alerts and educational programming. Andy Levy underscores the political vulnerability of Republicans who once championed transparency:

"They ran on it and are now running from it. So that is the theme of Republicans." [10:04]

Interview with LaFontaine Oliver: The Lifeline of Public Broadcasting

LaFontaine Oliver joins the conversation to shed light on the critical role public broadcasting plays in informing and educating communities. At [21:14], Andy Levy introduces LaFontaine:

"Welcome to As The World Churns, the president and CEO of New York Public Radio, LaFontaine Oliver, here to talk about the 2am decision by Republicans to pull back $9 billion in funding."

LaFontaine Oliver emphasizes the democratic importance of public media:

"We are aligned with our local communities. It's our job to serve the information needs of our local communities without fear or favor." [22:13]

He discusses the potential existential crisis public broadcasting faces if the current funding cuts pass, highlighting the necessity for bipartisan support to preserve these vital services:

"This means just an existential crisis for public media. It means a fundamental change in how this country thinks about the importance of informing, entertaining, engaging, educating local communities." [26:43]

Oliver also points to recent natural disasters, illustrating the tangible consequences of defunding public broadcasting:

"In New York City and Texas, lack of emergency signaling has led to tragic loss of life. Public media plays a crucial role in disseminating vital information during such crises." [33:18]

He calls on listeners to advocate for public broadcasting by contacting their congressional representatives:

"Let elected officials know what is important to them in their local communities. Tell them how NPR and PBS have impacted your life." [34:21]

Militarization of Police: A Growing Concern

The episode transitions to an in-depth discussion on the militarization of police, featuring Radley, an authority on the subject. The conversation highlights how former President Trump’s administration has blurred the lines between military and police roles, raising alarms about potential authoritarianism.

Andy Levy sets the stage by referencing Radley’s work:

"Bradley Balco's 'Rise of the Warrior Cop' laid the groundwork for understanding police militarization. Radley’s recent piece argues that this debate is now over." [42:03]

Radley explains the historical context and the current threat:

"We've let police become more like soldiers, trained and armed for war-like confrontations instead of community policing." [42:44]

He expresses grave concerns over Trump’s efforts to replace key military and judicial figures to eliminate checks on presidential power:

"Trump fired all the JAG officers to remove constitutional limits on his actions. This erases decades of debate on police militarization." [46:36]

The discussion underscores the dangers of a "dual state" where legal arguments mask authoritarian policies:

"The dual state allows the administration to enact oppressive policies under the guise of legal legitimacy, much like historical fascist regimes." [56:04]

Radley warns of the long-term implications, including the erosion of civil liberties and the entrenchment of authoritarianism:

"An enforced state of fear could lead to authoritarian measures being justified under the pretext of national security." [55:33]

Conclusion: The Erosion of Trust and the Call to Action

Closing the episode, Levy and Moody express frustration with media figures like Greg Gutfeld and organizations like the Anti-Defamation League under new leadership, deeming their actions as contributing to the degradation of trust in public institutions.

Andy Levy castigates industry leaders:

"Jonathan Greenblatt at the ADL is now a Trumpist, trafficking in Islamophobia and racism. Absolutely disgusting." [66:12]

Danielle Moody reinforces the need for credible, community-focused media:

"We need to support organizations that genuinely educate and connect rather than those that perpetuate division and hate." [69:01]

The episode emphasizes the critical juncture at which news media stands, urging listeners to recognize the value of public broadcasting and to actively participate in defending democratic institutions against authoritarian encroachments.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andy Levy [02:28]: "No one was talking about Jeffrey Epstein until Donald Trump started using him as a political weapon."

• LaFontaine Oliver [22:13]: "Public media is the oxygen of our democracy."

• Danielle Moody [10:04]: "Republicans ran on transparency but are now fleeing from accountability."

• Radley [56:04]: "The dual state allows the administration to enact oppressive policies under the guise of legal legitimacy."

• Andy Levy [69:40]: "Jonathan Greenblatt at the ADL is now a Trumpist, trafficking in Islamophobia and racism. Absolutely disgusting."

Key Takeaways

1. Defunding Public Broadcasting: The Republican-led initiative to reduce funding for NPR and PBS threatens the integrity and accessibility of independent journalism, which serves as a crucial democratic check.

2. Impact of Political Fragmentation: Internal conflicts within the MAGA movement indicate a destabilization that might affect broader political strategies and agendas.

3. Militarization of Police: The ongoing debate over police militarization has been overshadowed by authoritarian tendencies within the current administration, raising concerns about the future of civil liberties.

4. Call to Action: The episode underscores the necessity for public support and advocacy to preserve vital educational and informational institutions amidst political and social turmoil.

5. Erosion of Trust in Institutions: Criticism of media figures and organizations signals a broader issue of declining trust in key public institutions, emphasizing the need for transparent and accountable journalism.

Final Thoughts

As The World Churns presents a compelling examination of the factors contributing to the disappearance of reliable news sources and the increasing militarization of law enforcement. Through expert interviews and incisive commentary, Andy Levy and Danielle Moody urge listeners to recognize the significance of public broadcasting and to actively engage in safeguarding democratic values against emerging authoritarian threats.