Full Measure After Hours: Media Shift During Trump 2.0
Podcast Information:
- Title: Full Measure After Hours
- Host/Author: Cheryl Attkisson
- Episode: After Hours: Media Shift During Trump 2.0
- Release Date: April 10, 2025
Summary:
In the April 10, 2025 episode of Full Measure After Hours, host Cheryl Attkisson engages in a comprehensive discussion with media analyst Frank Sesno about the evolving relationship between the media and former President Donald Trump during his second term, referred to as "Trump 2.0." The conversation delves into how media practices have shifted, the implications of legal actions taken by Trump against news organizations, and the broader impact on journalism and the media landscape.
1. Introduction to Media Shift in Trump 2.0
Cheryl Attkisson sets the stage by highlighting the contentious relationship between Donald Trump and the media during his second term. She notes the president's ongoing challenges against what he perceives as media misreporting and defamation, leading to threatened lawsuits and significant settlements. Additionally, Attkisson observes changes within the White House's approach to media access, favoring certain conservative outlets over traditional liberal news organizations.
Key Points:
- Shift in Media Relationships: Trump and the media are interacting differently compared to his first term, with increased tensions and legal confrontations.
- White House Media Access: A move away from traditional media outlets towards conservative and non-traditional sources.
2. Media's Treatment of Trump in the Second Term
Frank Sesno addresses how different segments of the media are handling Trump's presidency. He emphasizes the pluralistic nature of "media," distinguishing between partisan outlets and traditional journalistic organizations.
Notable Quote:
"Some media are treating him very well, very favorably. The conservative right wing media have a seat at the table that they haven't had before." (02:33)
Key Points:
- Conservative Media Support: Right-wing media outlets have gained unprecedented access and favor with Trump, maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship.
- Challenges for Legacy Media: Traditional and legacy media organizations are experiencing restricted access and find it increasingly difficult to cover Trump using conventional journalistic methods.
3. Changes in White House Press Access
The discussion explores how Trump's administration has altered the traditional protocols of White House press conferences by broadening media access beyond established news organizations.
Notable Quote:
"I think it's high time that a change be made because the media landscape has changed so much." (05:55)
Key Points:
- Broadening Access: Introduction of non-traditional media and conservative outlets into White House press briefings.
- Pros and Cons: While increased access diversifies voices, it also raises concerns about the quality and accountability of information disseminated.
4. Legal Actions Against the Media
Attkisson and Sesno delve into the trend of legal actions initiated by Trump and other political figures against media organizations. This includes defamation lawsuits and demands for settlements.
Notable Quote:
"I'm always very concerned about that. I think it's a very fine line often between accountability and intimidation." (11:05)
Key Points:
- Chilling Effect on Journalism: Potential suppression of investigative reporting due to fear of legal repercussions.
- Accountability vs. Intimidation: The necessity for legal actions to be focused on genuine accountability rather than silencing criticism.
5. Impact of Lawsuits on Journalistic Practices
The conversation touches on how lawsuits might influence news organizations' internal processes, potentially leading to more rigorous fact-checking and adherence to journalistic standards.
Notable Quote:
"Maybe that's the silver lining." (15:44)
Key Points:
- Increased Standards: Legal pressures may compel media outlets to implement stricter verification processes and uphold higher standards of accuracy.
- Risk of Self-Censorship: Alternatively, fear of litigation could lead to media self-censoring to avoid conflicts.
6. Specific Cases Discussed
a. ABC vs. Donald Trump
Attkisson references a specific case where ABC made a payment to Trump over incorrect statements made by George Stephanopoulos regarding a rape conviction.
Notable Quote:
"I don't think that payment should have been made by ABC to Donald Trump." (14:19)
Key Points:
- Accountability for Errors: Emphasis on the need for journalists to acknowledge and rectify mistakes publicly.
- Editorial Responsibility: The importance of transparency in reporting and the consequences of editorial missteps.
b. 60 Minutes and Kamala Harris Interview
The episode discusses the controversy surrounding 60 Minutes' interview with Kamala Harris, where accusations arose of dishonest editing.
Notable Quote:
"The first obligation that news organizations have is to the truth and to accuracy." (17:48)
Key Points:
- Ethical Editing Practices: The necessity for full transparency in how interviews are edited to maintain trust and integrity.
- Potential Settlements: Speculation on whether 60 Minutes might face legal repercussions or settlements similar to other lawsuits.
7. Future of the Media Landscape
Looking ahead, Sesno shares his perspectives on the evolving media environment, predicting a more fragmented and self-regulated landscape where individuals curate their own news consumption.
Notable Quote:
"People are going to need to understand that they are their own executive producers and their own executive editors and they are responsible for the information that they consume." (21:09)
Key Points:
- Increased Fragmentation: Proliferation of diverse media voices, leading to a "free for all" scenario.
- Personal Responsibility: The rising importance of media literacy as individuals navigate a myriad of information sources.
8. Conclusion and Future Episodes
Cheryl Attkisson concludes the discussion by teasing the upcoming episode on April 13th, where a more in-depth interview with Frank Sesno will be featured. She also promotes her other works, encouraging listeners to engage further with the topics discussed.
Key Takeaways:
- Evolving Media Dynamics: The second Trump term is reshaping media practices, access, and accountability.
- Balance Between Access and Integrity: While increased media access can democratize information, it also necessitates a vigilant commitment to journalistic standards.
- Future Implications: The ongoing changes may redefine how information is consumed and disseminated in the years to come.
Additional Resources:
- Visit SharylAttkisson.com and FullMeasure.News for more insights and updates.
- Subscribe to Full Measure After Hours and explore Cheryl Attkisson’s other works for a deeper understanding of the media landscape and its challenges.