Summary of "Consider This" Episode: "In Second Term, Will Trump Punish News Outlets That Anger Him?"

Introduction

In this episode of NPR's Consider This, hosts Ailsa Chang and media correspondent David Falkenflik delve into the fraught relationship between former President Donald Trump and the American news media. With Trump's potential return to the White House, the discussion centers on his previous antagonistic actions towards the press and explores the implications of a possible second term on media freedom and journalistic integrity.

Trump’s Antagonistic Relationship with the Media

Ailsa Chang opens the discussion by highlighting Trump's hostile stance towards the press during his first term, citing instances where he labeled the media as "fake news" and threatened punitive measures against major news outlets.

"President elect Donald Trump's win of a second term in the White House has prompted intense reporting and analysis from the news media, as well as some soul searching and concerns." [02:36]

David Falkenflik elaborates on Trump's disparaging remarks about the media, emphasizing his call for severe actions against news organizations he deemed unfavorable.

"He has particularly continued to foster and to benefit from a continued plunge in trust in the news media." [03:48]

Potential Punishments and Threats

The conversation shifts to the specific threats Trump has made regarding the press. Falkenflik discusses Trump's pledges to imprison reporters, loosen libel laws, and strip broadcast licenses from major networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC.

"He suggested that he would make libel laws looser, that is easier for places to successfully sue news outlets for coverage that they felt treated them unfairly." [06:09]

Falkenflik also touches upon Trump's threats to penalize public broadcasters such as PBS and NPR, potentially jeopardizing their funding and operational capacities.

"It would go after public broadcasting like PBS and NPR, only a modest amount. A couple percent of points of NPR's funds typically comes from federal sources, but our member stations get a lot more." [06:09]

Media Preparation for a Second Trump Term

The media's response to Trump's reelection includes strategizing to maintain journalistic integrity while navigating potential political pressures. Major news organizations like The New York Times and The Washington Post are evaluating how to continue their roles as watchdogs without becoming targets themselves.

Falkenflik notes the contrasting approaches within the media landscape:

"You have the Guardian and Mother Jones and some of the investigative outlets. They're saying, hey, we're going to be here. We're not owned by billionaires. We don't have interests in front of the federal government. And we're going to be under pressure, but we are going to be here to serve the needs of the public." [07:55]

Meanwhile, larger newspapers like The Washington Post are exercising caution to avoid further antagonizing Trump, balancing aggressive reporting with strategic restraint.

"They intend to do intensive, aggressive accountability reporting anytime it's needed and required of it, but that it's going to avoid cheap shots and a lot of sort of the histrionics and rhetoric." [08:28]

Strategies for Maintaining Press Freedom

Falkenflik discusses how different media outlets are preparing to uphold press freedom in the face of potential governmental pressures. He highlights The New York Times' focus on sustaining free speech and analyzing patterns from autocratic nations to reinforce the press's role in a healthy democracy.

"We are studying what happens in autocratic nations, how a press maintains its independence, how news organizations, while not being part of any oppositional force, are part of the checks and balance in a functioning democratic process." [08:45]

Conclusion

As the podcast wraps up, Ailsa Chang and David Falkenflik underscore the critical role of the media in a democratic society and the challenges it may face with Trump's potential return to power. The episode emphasizes the importance of resilient journalism and the need for media organizations to adapt strategically to safeguard their independence and continue serving the public interest.

Notable Quotes

• "Trump found out for sure he didn't really need the mainstream media." — David Falkenflik [04:54]

• "He is looking, or appears to be looking to punish outlets that failed to cover him and his approach in the way that he wants." — David Falkenflik [06:09]

• "We are going to be here to serve the needs of the public." — David Falkenflik [07:55]

Key Takeaways

• Antagonism Towards Media: Trump's first term was marked by a hostile approach to the press, including labeling unfavorable coverage as "fake news."

• Threats of Media Punishment: Trump has threatened various punitive measures against media outlets, including loosening libel laws and penalizing broadcasters.

• Media Strategy: News organizations are strategizing to maintain their watchdog roles while navigating potential political pressures in a possible second Trump term.

• Press Freedom: Ensuring press freedom remains a central concern, with media outlets exploring ways to resist authoritarian tendencies and uphold democratic principles.

This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex dynamics between Donald Trump and the media, offering insights into the potential future of journalism in a politically charged environment.