Podcast
Power Lines with Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino
Hosted by Status · EN
Power Lines is the official podcast of Status, where veteran journalists Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino break down their reporting and deliver analysis on how information moves and shapes society. From the media and Silicon Valley to Hollywood, they examine the institutions driving narratives, shaping perception, and influencing culture. New episodes drop every Friday.
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42episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
'CBS Evening News' Hits New Lows, White House Attacks Google, MS NOW Shakes Up Lineup
Mar 2000:38:31Tap to summarizeOn this week’s Power Lines… CBS News is running into headwinds—and the spotlight is squarely on Bari Weiss. The network’s revamped “Evening News,” helmed by Tony Dokoupil under Weiss' editorial direction, is hitting dangerous ratings lows, slipping below four million viewers. Unfortunately for Weiss, the problems aren’t confined to what’s happening on air. Inside the building, tensions are mounting as staffers at CBS News’ streaming division walked off the job amid a contract dispute. Meanwhile, in Washington, the White House is escalating its fight with Big Tech, this time zeroing in on Google. Officials are amplifying claims that the platform is biased against conservative outlets, citing a deeply flawed report from a right-wing attack dog. Over at MS Now, a major programming shakeup is underway. The network is reshuffling its daytime lineup in an effort to hold onto viewers beyond the morning hours and present a more cohesive lineup of programming. Plus, in the Q&A section of Power Lines—now known as Open Lines—Jon and Oliver answer your questions, from the future of CBS News talent to the broader shift toward independent media. 0:00 Intro 1:12 CBS Evening News Ratings Slide 7:17 Streaming Staff Walkout at CBS 12:35 White House Targets Google Over Media Bias 22:30 MS Now Programming Shakeup 29:39 Open Lines: Responding to Your Questions Thank you to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Trump’s War With Press Escalates, Another Major CBS Journalist Quits Network, and Senators Sound Alarm on Ellison
Mar 1300:39:45Tap to summarizeOn this week’s Power Lines… With the war in Iran as the backdrop, the Trump administration is waging another full scale battle against the press. From restricting photographer access at the Pentagon to accusing The New York Times of harassment, the administration is lashing out at journalists as it struggles to explain its actions overseas and losing support in the process. Next, Scott MacFarlane is the latest major talent to depart CBS rather than work under Bari Weiss. While the network managed to retain Gayle King for now, larger problems are brewing as top journalists continue to leave and staff grow increasingly concerned that the tone of CBS News is beginning to mirror that of Weiss’s outlet, The Free Press. Finally, Status obtained a statement from Senator Elizabeth Warren expressing concern over China’s potential stake in David Ellison’s Paramount deal. What would normally be treated as a major national security issue and possible deal breaker now appears to be little more than a footnote the Trump administration is willing to overlook. Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Get 15% off OneSkin with the code [STATUS] at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #ad 0:00 Intro 0:59 Trump and Hegseth Escalate War With the Press 5:43 Joe Rogan Speaks Out Against Iran War 13:33 Scott MacFarlane Leaves CBS 18:09 CBS News Staffers Criticize Mamdani Coverage 20:04 Gayle King's New Contract & CBS Mornings Changes 22:11 Senators Raise Concerns over Saudi-Backed Paramount Deal 30:21 Oliver and Jon Respond to Comments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →CNN Fury Over Scott Jennings, Bari Weiss' Morning Show Shakeup, Trump's Press Dinner Backlash
Mar 600:54:28Tap to summarizeOn this week’s Power Lines: MAGA Media’s biggest stars are waging war with one another over Trump’s Iran conflict, dividing his most loyal mouthpieces. Oliver and Jon discuss what it means for the fracturing coalition that put Trump into office. And at CNN, Scott Jennings is facing blowback from the network’s own reporters for parroting the administration’s bogus war claim. Plus, Trump’s stunning decision to attend the White House Correspondents’ Dinner is being met with alarm and dread inside the group, with some reporters fearing it will be used to “bash the press to our faces.” Finally, Bari Weiss is hard at work tinkering with CBS’s morning show. Oliver reveals the MAGA-friendly former ESPN host Weiss attempted to recruit, the former “GMA” host now being considered for “CBS Mornings,” and what it reveals about the future of the show. Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status 0:00 Intro 1:34: CNN reacts internally to Scott Jennings tweet 6:09 MAGA media turns on itself over Iran war 19:35 Trump plans to attend the White House Correspondents’ Dinner 26:41 Kaitlan Collins vs. Karoline Leavitt 34:09 Bari Weiss looks to shake up CBS Mornings 47:44 Oliver & Jon respond to listener comments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →CNN Braces for David Ellison and Bari Weiss to Take Control After WBD Shocker
Feb 2700:56:58Tap to summarizeOn this week’s Power Lines: CNN staffers are in full-blown panic after a shocking twist delivered the network to the MAGA-friendly David Ellison. Oliver and Jon discuss how Netflix's deal for CNN's parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, collapsed and what is to come for the network now that Bari Weiss is positioned to take charge. Plus, Tucker Carlson humiliates Mike Huckabee in a wide-ranging three hour conversation, and Ben Shapiro blasts Candace Owens as “evil.” Read the full stories in Status: https://www.status.news/ Thank you to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Inside the Colbert–CBS Feud, How Bari Weiss Lost Anderson Cooper, and Zuckerberg Gets Uncomfortable
Feb 2000:54:33Tap to summarizeOn this week’s Power Lines: Stephen Colbert stunned viewers by calling out CBS for blocking the broadcast of his interview with Texas Democrat James Talarico, citing pressure from Donald Trump’s FCC.. Why the move backfired in a big way and what it means for CBS. Next, Oliver and Jon break down Anderson Cooper’s decision to exit “60 Minutes” after nearly two decades—and why his freedom from being managed by Bari Weiss might not last as long as it seems. Finally, a clear-eyed look at Fox News’ conspicuous silence on the Epstein Files now that the president’s name features prominently in them. Plus, Mark Zuckerberg takes the stand in a high-stakes trial that could mark the end of infinite scroll as we know it. 0:00 Intro 2:08 Colbert Feuds with CBS after Carr’s FCC Threat 19:45 Inside Anderson Cooper’s Decision to Leave 60 Minutes 32:47 Fox News’ Conspicuous Silence on Epstein Files 40:30 Zuckerberg Takes the Stand in Meta Trial Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Bari Weiss Blasted As Staffers Quit, MAGA Turns on Pam Bondi, Tim Cook Targeted Over “Bias”
Feb 1300:39:52Tap to summarizeOn this week’s Power Lines: Trump's A.G. Pam Bondi is facing a revolt from MAGA Media stars after her disastrous congressional hearing on the Epstein Files, prompting a flurry of voices to slam the spectacle and call on her to resign. At Bari Weiss' revamped "CBS Evening News," a quarter of the staff is taking a buyout, including one producer who said they were pressured to “self-censor.” But Oliver and Jon have learned even bigger cuts are on the horizon amid Weiss’ MAGA-friendly changes to the outlet. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is escalating pressure on Tim Cook, accusing Apple of news bias for ignoring shoddy right-wing media outlets. And TV newsrooms are on edge after the abduction of Savannah Guthrie's mom—how networks are increasing security for top stars. Read the full stories and more at https://www.status.news/ Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Get 15% off OneSkin with the code [STATUS] at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #ad 00:00 Intro 00:51 Pam Bondi's Epstein Testimony 09:53 Weiss' CBS News Staff Exodus 24:13 Apple News Accused of Bias 31:09 Savannah Guthrie's Mother's Disappearance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Bezos Bails on Washington Post, Weiss Backs Attia Over Epstein Emails, Trump Attacks Kaitlan Collins
Feb 600:54:14Tap to summarizeJeff Bezos leaves The Washington Post to twist in the wind, slashing a third of the storied newsroom while ignoring pleas from his staffers—all while currying favor with the Trump administration. Bari Weiss moves to keep newly minted wellness contributor Peter Attia on the CBS News payroll, even as DOJ-released documents expose his cozy ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Plus, Ted Sarandos is dragged into the MAGA culture wars on Capitol Hill, and Donald Trump unleashes a blatantly sexist attack on Kaitlan Collins for allegedly “not smiling” enough. Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Go to cozyearth.com and enter code STATUSBOGO for a buy one get one pajama deal. Deal ends February 8th! 00:00 Intro 01:05 Massive Layoffs at the Washington Post 04:56 Bezos's Priorities: Blue Origin Over Journalism 17:20 CBS News Peter Attia and the Epstein Files 31:43 Josh Hawley Grills Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos 35:31 Ted Cruz's Antics at the Hearing 44:14 Trump's Attack on Kaitlan Collins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Bari Weiss' Message to CBS News, Jeff Bezos Snubs Washington Post, Fox News Shifts On ICE
Jan 3000:50:10Tap to summarizeOn this week’s Power Lines: Bari Weiss kicked off her first all-hands meeting at CBS News, trying to sell her new vision to skeptical journalists—but instead found herself grilled by staffers as she announced a slate of eyebrow-raising contributors. Next, at The Washington Post, morale is collapsing as deep newsroom cuts loom. But owner Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are jetting off to Haute Couture Week, seemingly unconcerned with employee pleas for help. Then, Rupert Murdoch’s media empire abruptly changed its tune on Trump's ICE operation in Minneapolis following the killing of Alex Pretti, even as MAGA influencers Benny Johnson and Megyn Kelly pushed lies and smears about Pretti. Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status at CBS Town Hall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Bari Weiss’ CBS News Backfire, CNN’s Scott Jennings Torched, Biggest Oscars Surprises
Jan 2300:55:14Tap to summarizeOn this week’s Power Lines: Embattled CBS News boss Bari Weiss badmouthed her own staff to reporters after holding up a “60 Minutes” segment on Trump deportees, suggesting the struggling new chief has much to learn. Plus, new “CBS Evening News” anchor Tony Dokoupil’s abysmal ratings continue as the network’s sudden right-turn alienates audiences. Then, CNN’s pro-MAGA contributor Scott Jennings is slammed by network guests over his warped relationship with the truth as he aligns himself with Donald Trump. Speaking of distortion realities, the biggest stars on Fox News and across the MAGAverse are suddenly all-in on the idea of the U.S. taking over Greenland in lockstep with Trump. And finally, Status’ Brian Lowry joins the show to break down the biggest surprises and snubs of the 2026 Oscar nominations. 00:00 Intro 00:55 CBS News Ratings Drop for Weiss & Dokoupil 01:31 Behind the Scenes Drama at 60 Minutes 06:02 Bari Weiss's Management Style 16:48 Scott Jennings Under Fire at CNN 26:48 Fox News Defends Trump's Greenland Gambit 32:27 Unpacking Oscar Nominations 34:53 Sinners: The Movie of the Year? 36:19 Best Picture Nominees 37:13 Surprising Oscar Snubs 41:49 Oscar Predictions and Dark Horses Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Trump Overruns Dokoupil, Rogan Compares ICE to ‘Gestapo,’ Bezos Stays Silent
Jan 1600:40:13Tap to summarizeTony Dokoupil gets steamrolled in an interview with Donald Trump as his “CBS Evening News” grapples with poor ratings, suggesting Bari Weiss’ MAGA-ification of the network might be backfiring. Then, Joe Rogan breaks with Trump over ICE, comparing the agency to “the Gestapo,” while Laura Ingraham goes another route and works to convince Fox News viewers that an “insurgency” is unfolding in Minnesota. Finally, FBI agents carry out an alarming raid on the home of a Washington Post journalist — and Jeff Bezos says absolutely nothing in defense of his newsroom, angering staffers. Thank you to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Get 15% off OneSkin with the code [STATUS] at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #ad 00:00 Intro 01:01 Tony Dokoupil's Ratings Struggles 08:42 CBS Evening News' Interview with Trump 18:12 Joe Rogan's Critique of ICE 23:28 Fox News' Support for ICE and Demonization of Protesters 29:28 DOJ's Raid on Washington Post Reporter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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