Conspirituality Podcast Episode 248: "What Side Are You On?" – Detailed Summary

Hosts: Derek Beres, Matthew Remski, Julian Walker
Release Date: March 13, 2025

I. Introduction: Navigating the Media Landscape

In Episode 248 of Conspirituality, titled "What Side Are You On?", hosts Derek Beres, Matthew Remski, and Julian Walker delve into the intricate and often perilous intersections between traditional journalism, new media influencers, and the resurgence of conspiracy theories. The episode explores how historical precedents of media influence compare to contemporary challenges posed by digital platforms and media moguls.

II. The History of Journalism and the Quest for Objectivity

Timestamp: 14:23

Derek Beres initiates the discussion by tracing the evolution of journalism from its sensationalist roots to the pursuit of objectivity in the 19th century. He highlights the founding of the New York Times as a pivotal moment in striving for unbiased reporting, contrasting it with earlier newspapers like the New York Sun, which balanced factual reporting with sensational stories to maximize readership and advertising revenue.

Derek Barris [14:23]:
"The New York Times was founded as an attempt to remedy the sensationalist gossip that dominated earlier newspapers."

Beres emphasizes that the ideal of objective reporting is relatively recent and not entirely free from inherent biases. He introduces a heuristic for identifying quality journalism: a commitment to following facts wherever they may lead, even if it diverges from initial narratives or biases.

Derek Barris [15:36]:
"There's no such thing as purely objective reporting... Great journalism is not linear."

III. Objectivity and Bias in Modern Journalism

Timestamp: 17:49

The conversation shifts to the complexities of maintaining objectivity in today's media environment. Beres argues that complete objectivity is unattainable, as reporters inevitably bring their own biases to the stories they cover. He suggests that transparency about these biases and a willingness to adapt narratives based on emerging facts are crucial for maintaining credibility.

Derek Barris [17:49]:
"There's no purely objective reporting, but reporters can strive to be better by following the facts wherever they lead."

Matthew Remski adds that readers often remain unaware of journalists' biases, which complicates the discernment of genuine reporting from opinionated commentary.

IV. The Rise of Media Influencers and Conservative Media Networks

Timestamp: 45:01

Julian Walker and Matthew Remski explore the emergence of conservative media networks like PragerU, Daily Wire, and The Free Press. They discuss how these platforms have transitioned from traditional talk radio influences to powerful digital entities that shape political discourse through engaging, often propagandistic content.

Julian Walker [47:53]:
"PragerU relies on short animated videos that propagate falsehoods about climate, slavery, racism, Covid, immigration, and fascism."

Beres underscores the significant influence these new media outlets wield, particularly among younger audiences who increasingly consume news via social media rather than traditional sources.

Derek Barris [48:35]:
"These platforms are optimized for algorithms that favor propagandists who rely on populist and emotional appeals over factual reporting."

V. Comparing 1930s Media to Today’s Digital Landscape

Timestamp: 37:49

The hosts draw parallels between the media's role in the rise of fascism in the 1930s and today's digital media environment. They highlight how both eras saw media owners wield significant influence, often aligning with political agendas that served broader oligarchic or authoritarian interests.

Matthew Rimsky [37:49]:
"The oligarch class today mirrors the media tycoons of the 1930s, shaping narratives to maintain power and influence."

Beres references historical figures like William Randolph Hearst and modern equivalents like Jeff Bezos and Patrick Soon-Shiong, illustrating the enduring relationship between wealth and media control.

VI. Billionaires and Media Ownership: A Double-Edged Sword

Timestamp: 59:45

A critical examination is conducted on how billionaire ownership affects legacy media outlets. Beres argues that significant financial interests can compromise journalistic integrity, leading to biased reporting that serves the owners' business and political agendas.

Derek Barris [64:30]:
"No, keep oligarchs far away from the fourth estate. Even if Bezos was a good owner initially, his other business interests inevitably corrupt the news."

The discussion includes specific examples, such as Jeff Bezos' Washington Post and Patrick Soon-Shiong's LA Times, questioning the ability of these major publications to remain impartial when their owners have vast and varied business interests.

VII. The Role of Social Media in News Consumption

Timestamp: 45:28

Matthew Remski cites a Pew Research study indicating that a significant portion of Americans, especially those under 30, source their news from social media platforms. This shift exacerbates the spread of misinformation and reduces reliance on traditional journalistic standards.

Matthew Remski [45:28]:
"One in five Americans get their news from social media, and for those under 30, it's 37%."

The hosts discuss how social media algorithms prioritize content that generates engagement, often favoring sensationalist or emotionally charged material over accurate reporting.

VIII. Interviews with Controversial Figures and Platforming Extremist Voices

Timestamp: 73:52

The episode critiques mainstream media outlets that provide platforms to extremist voices, arguing that such interviews can inadvertently legitimize harmful ideologies. Examples include Steve Bannon and Curtis Yarvin appearing on The New York Times podcasts, where their views on authoritarianism and fascism are given airtime.

Julian Walker [70:38]:
"How do you possibly position yourself as part of the Rebel Alliance when you're the wealthiest people with the most influence?"

Beres and Remski express concerns that allowing these figures to speak freely without rigorous challenge can embolden their followers and obscure the true dangers of their beliefs.

Derek Barris [72:45]:
"There's something very valuable about having those conversations... but without challenging their bullshit, it can be dangerous."

IX. Conclusions and Recommendations: Safeguarding Journalistic Integrity

In wrapping up, the hosts propose solutions to mitigate the influence of biased media and promote genuine journalism. They advocate for diverse ownership models, such as nonprofit media, cooperative structures like the Associated Press, and publicly funded outlets that remain independent from governmental control.

Derek Barris [62:53]:
"In an ideal world, media that's taxpayer-funded yet remains separate from government intervention would be a boon."

Matthew Remski acknowledges existing models, like Canada's CBC, while noting their vulnerabilities to political pressures and the inherent challenges in maintaining unbiased reporting.

Matthew Remski [64:07]:
"Publicly funded media is a tougher sell today, but it supports regional and marginalized news effectively."

The episode concludes with a call for media consumers to critically assess their sources and support journalistic efforts that strive for transparency and integrity amidst a fragmented and polarized media landscape.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Derek Barris [14:23]:
  "The New York Times was founded as an attempt to remedy the sensationalist gossip that dominated earlier newspapers."

• Derek Barris [17:49]:
  "There's no purely objective reporting, but reporters can strive to be better by following the facts wherever they lead."

• Julian Walker [47:53]:
  "PragerU relies on short animated videos that propagate falsehoods about climate, slavery, racism, Covid, immigration, and fascism."

• Derek Barris [48:35]:
  "These platforms are optimized for algorithms that favor propagandists who rely on populist and emotional appeals over factual reporting."

• Matthew Remski [45:28]:
  "One in five Americans get their news from social media, and for those under 30, it's 37%."

• Julian Walker [70:38]:
  "How do you possibly position yourself as part of the Rebel Alliance when you're the wealthiest people with the most influence?"

• Derek Barris [72:45]:
  "There's something very valuable about having those conversations... but without challenging their bullshit, it can be dangerous."

• Derek Barris [62:53]:
  "In an ideal world, media that's taxpayer-funded yet remains separate from government intervention would be a boon."

• Matthew Remski [64:07]:
  "Publicly funded media is a tougher sell today, but it supports regional and marginalized news effectively."

Final Thoughts

Episode 248 of Conspirituality offers a profound exploration of the evolving media landscape, drawing historical parallels to illuminate the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity in the face of concentrated ownership and the rise of digital influencers. The hosts underscore the necessity for diverse and independent media structures to foster informed and resilient public discourse amidst growing conspiratorial and conspiratorial-mad influences.