Reveal Podcast Episode Summary Episode Title: Trump’s “Pincer Attack” on Journalism Is Working. But There’s Hope.
Release Date: April 9, 2025
Host: The Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX
Guest: David Folkenflick, NPR’s Media Correspondent

Introduction: The Escalating Assault on Media

In this compelling episode of Reveal, host Al Edson engages in a deep discussion with David Folkenflick, NPR’s seasoned media correspondent, to unpack the intensified strategies employed by former President Donald Trump against journalistic institutions. The conversation delves into the multifaceted "pincer attack" targeting both public broadcasting entities and mainstream media, exploring its implications for the future of journalism in America.

Trump’s Intensified Hostility Towards the Media

David Folkenflick opens the dialogue by contextualizing the historical antagonism between Trump and the press. He draws a parallel between the fragmented architecture of London and the current state of American media, highlighting the coexistence of new disruptive media actors alongside traditional outlets like NPR and PBS.

David Folkenflick [00:02]: “They are trying to create kind of a pincer attack on the foundations of funding for public broadcasting just as they're going after media in a variety of ways.”

Folkenflick emphasizes that Trump’s approach has evolved from overt hostility to more nuanced, systemic pressures aimed at undermining the credibility and financial stability of established media organizations.

Financial Warfare: Stripping Funding from Public Broadcasting

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to examining the financial strategies employed to weaken public broadcasting. Folkenflick points out the bipartisan efforts in Congress to defund NPR and PBS, despite these organizations receiving minimal direct federal funding.

David Folkenflick [17:28]: “There are calls on Capitol Hill from both sides of Congress to strip all funding from all of public broadcasting.”

He highlights the disproportionate impact on local NPR stations, especially those serving marginalized communities, which rely heavily on fragmented funding sources. The potential shutdown of these stations threatens the diversity and reach of public media.

Editorial Manipulation and Subscriber Exodus

The conversation shifts to the repercussions of editorial decisions influenced by political pressures. Folkenflick discusses the Washington Post and Los Angeles Times as case studies, illustrating how editorial shifts to align more sympathetically with Trump have led to massive subscriber losses.

David Folkenflick [09:43]: “300,000 people canceled... 12% in something like 10, 11 days. That's unheard of.”

He underscores the long-term financial repercussions for these newspapers, noting that losses of this magnitude are tolerable for billionaires like Jeff Bezos but catastrophic for the sustainability of journalistic endeavors.

FCC’s Investigation into Public Broadcasting Sponsorships

Al Edson brings attention to the FCC’s investigation into the sponsorship practices of NPR and PBS, questioning the legality and transparency of underwriting spots versus commercial advertisements.

David Folkenflick [17:28]: “Carr is saying there's no distinction to be made. What the senior executives at PBS and at NPR are saying is, look, we always bend over backwards and err on the side of caution when it comes to complying with the FCC codes and regulations.”

Folkenflick defends public broadcasters by detailing their adherence to FCC guidelines and the minimal percentage of federal funding they receive. He argues that the FCC’s actions are part of a broader strategy to destabilize public media.

The Fragmentation of Media and Public Trust

Addressing the fractured media landscape, Folkenflick and Edson discuss the challenges of rebuilding public trust amidst polarized news consumption. Folkenflick criticizes major networks like CNN for leaning into opinion-based content at the expense of rigorous reporting, thereby eroding credibility.

David Folkenflick [25:15]: “We live in a time where you don't have any room for error... All of the public figures. It used to be the reverse, where the press could get things wrong and the politicians had to be perfect or we'd pummel them.”

He advocates for a return to objective reporting and civic discourse, emphasizing the role of public radio in facilitating balanced conversations and fostering trust.

Hope for Journalism: Strategies to Reclaim Trust and Integrity

Despite the daunting challenges, Folkenflick remains optimistic about the resilience of journalism. He highlights the importance of public radio in modeling constructive dialogue and maintaining integrity without succumbing to external pressures.

David Folkenflick [28:28]: “Public radio... brings people in from different sides... it's trying to have some sort of synthesis of how do we go forward, what might make sense.”

Folkenflick suggests that embracing less partisan reporting, focusing on factual accuracy, and fostering community engagement are essential steps towards healing the rift between the media and the public.

Conclusion: Navigating the Future of Media

As the episode wraps up, Al Edson and David Folkenflick reflect on the urgent need for media organizations to adapt and reconnect with their audiences. Folkenflick underscores the critical role of investigative journalism in holding power to account and believes that with concerted efforts, the media can overcome current adversities.

David Folkenflick [30:27]: “We are holding the power to account. We are telling hard truths and we're not being deferential simply because that advances our financial interests.”

The episode concludes on a hopeful note, emphasizing the enduring importance of trustworthy journalism in a democratic society.

Key Takeaways

• Systematic Undermining: Trump's administration employs multifaceted strategies to destabilize both public and mainstream media, targeting financial foundations and editorial independence.

• Financial Strain: Legislative pressures and editorial shifts have led to significant subscriber losses for major newspapers, threatening their operational sustainability.

• FCC Scrutiny: Public broadcasters face investigations into their sponsorship practices, perceived as an attempt to delegitimize non-commercial media.

• Media Fragmentation: The polarized media environment complicates efforts to rebuild public trust, with opinion-driven content overshadowing factual reporting.

• Path Forward: Emphasizing objective reporting, embracing community engagement, and fostering balanced discourse are crucial for restoring credibility and trust in journalism.

This episode of Reveal provides a thorough analysis of the ongoing challenges facing journalism in the wake of Trump’s aggressive tactics. Through insightful dialogue with David Folkenflick, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the systemic threats to media integrity and the potential pathways to safeguarding a free and fair press.