3f:I[185,["/_next/static/chunks/3xnt26d00_zk-.js","/_next/static/chunks/2aeejfufo02km.js","/_next/static/chunks/42spz6paskvb6.js","/_next/static/chunks/06x30xgfe6iur.js","/_next/static/chunks/2qm8z4gyuajgj.js","/_next/static/chunks/3jnlvw-emqotx.js"],"SendEmailButton"] 41:I[63625,["/_next/static/chunks/3xnt26d00_zk-.js","/_next/static/chunks/2aeejfufo02km.js","/_next/static/chunks/42spz6paskvb6.js","/_next/static/chunks/06x30xgfe6iur.js","/_next/static/chunks/2qm8z4gyuajgj.js","/_next/static/chunks/3jnlvw-emqotx.js"],"AddToLibraryButton"] 44:I[45269,["/_next/static/chunks/3xnt26d00_zk-.js","/_next/static/chunks/2aeejfufo02km.js","/_next/static/chunks/42spz6paskvb6.js","/_next/static/chunks/06x30xgfe6iur.js","/_next/static/chunks/2qm8z4gyuajgj.js","/_next/static/chunks/3jnlvw-emqotx.js"],"SignupCTA"] 40:T51d,

The story of a man's rise from local media firebrand to out-sized TV personality superstar to political demagogue. Sound familiar?

It's actually the plot of Elia Kazan's 1957 film "A Face in the Crowd", which charts the dramatic ascent of Larry "Lonesome" Rhodes, played by Andy Griffith. WNYC's Sara Fishko, host of the Fishko Files, explores what the film's story about a rise and fall can tell us about our current political moment.

You can find more Fishko Files at wnyc.org/shows/fishko.

On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today (https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm). Follow our show on Instagram, Bluesky, TikTok and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing onthemedia@wnyc.org.

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