Summary of "PBS, NPR, the Fed, Wuhan, and 'Jaws'" Episode – Commentary Magazine Podcast

Release Date: July 17, 2025

The "Commentary Magazine Podcast" episode titled "PBS, NPR, the Fed, Wuhan, and 'Jaws'" delves into a range of pressing topics, from media funding and political maneuvers to scientific debates and cultural milestones. Hosted by John Pod Horowitz and featuring Matt Continetti, the discussion offers insightful analysis on the intersection of politics, media, and society.

1. YouTube Subscriber Campaign

The episode begins with a discussion about the podcast's YouTube channel growth. Matt Continetti shares an update on their subscriber count, expressing both disappointment and optimism.

• Matt Continetti (01:16): "We are now at 17,600 subscribers on our YouTube page... our goal was to get to 20,000 by Labor Day."

John Pod Horowitz emphasizes the importance of audience engagement to achieve this goal, likening their request to a modern form of a pledge drive.

• John Pod Horowitz (02:04): "Consider this a form of a pledge drive. All we're asking you to do right now is go to YouTube and hit like and subscribe."

2. Rescission Bill and Budget Cuts

A significant portion of the conversation addresses the Senate's passage of a rescission bill aimed at cutting $9 billion from previously authorized and appropriated funds. This includes reductions in foreign aid programs and public broadcasting.

• John Pod Horowitz (07:41): "Yesterday we had a conversation about rescission... the Senate passed a bill to cut $9 billion."

Matt Continetti provides context on the political and symbolic implications of these cuts, highlighting the restoration of funds to the PEPFAR program as a noteworthy exception.

• Matt Continetti (09:17): "The Congress stripped the PEPFAR cut and now it's a $9 billion package passed by the Senate."

3. Impact on Public Broadcasting: NPR and PBS

The hosts delve into the ramifications of the budget cuts on public broadcasting entities like NPR and PBS. They critique the inefficacy and ideological biases within these organizations.

• Matt Continetti (12:35): "Public broadcasting is not liberal or leftist. If they were sensible, they would have been more bipartisan."

John Pod Horowitz discusses the financial structures supporting these networks and the misconception surrounding their audience reach.

• John Pod Horowitz (28:10): "She claimed... 75% of Americans rely on public broadcasting. But the average audience for networks fell to around 2 million per night."

4. Conservative Priorities and Political Strategy

The discussion shifts to the broader conservative agenda, underscoring achievements like military spending increases and border security measures under the Trump administration. The hosts argue that these policies reflect long-standing conservative goals finally coming to fruition.

• Matt Continetti (14:45): "These things can be accomplished if you have the political will... we're delivering on long-standing conservative priorities."

Abe Greenwald adds that despite controversial conduct, the administration's assertive style has effectively pushed through policies that were previously stalled.

• Abe Greenwald (15:52): "There is this plus side to the style... moving what otherwise would be sclerotic institutions into action."

5. Critique of Media Institutions and Information Dissemination

John and Matt offer a critical perspective on traditional media institutions, arguing that their influence is waning in the age of information atomization.

• John Pod Horowitz (29:56): "The notion that important institutions transmit information to the American people is being disproven every single day."

Matt Continetti further criticizes the reliance on large media networks, suggesting that their relevance is diminishing compared to niche and digital platforms.

• Matt Continetti (36:23): "What are we going to do in a world where we don't hear the authentic pronunciation of place names?"

6. Gain of Function Research and COVID-19 Origins

A contentious topic arises around gain of function research and its possible link to the COVID-19 pandemic's origins. The hosts debate the politicization of scientific research and the administration's stance on laboratory safety.

• John Pod Horowitz (48:06): "There is gain of function research going on in the United States, a lot of it involving tuberculosis. And there are labs performing gain of function research with tuberculosis."

Matt Continetti counters prevalent narratives by highlighting recent governmental actions aimed at bolstering technological and military capabilities against China.

• Matt Continetti (46:21): "Donald Trump was in Pennsylvania... announcing $90 billion in investments to promote technological development and artificial intelligence."

7. 'Jaws' Anniversary and Documentary Insights

Shifting gears, the episode celebrates the 50th anniversary of the iconic film "Jaws." Matt Continetti recommends a new documentary, "Jaws at 50: The Definitive Inside Story," exploring the film's production challenges and cultural impact.

• Matt Continetti (64:01): "I want to recommend to all the new documentary 'Jaws at 50,' the definitive inside story. You can find it on Disney Plus."

John Pod Horowitz reminisces about the film's making, highlighting Steven Spielberg's resilience despite numerous setbacks.

• John Pod Horowitz (64:47): "Spielberg insisted on shooting in actual water, not a tank... the entire structure is about what is not seen."

Abe Greenwald adds appreciation for the film’s technical and narrative achievements, emphasizing its lasting influence on cinema.

• Abe Greenwald (63:00): "The scriptwriting, the rewrites... it was a huge undertaking that resulted in an incredibly effective movie."

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, the hosts reflect on the interconnectedness of media, politics, and cultural narratives. They underscore the importance of critical engagement with institutional policies and celebrate enduring cultural landmarks like "Jaws."

• John Pod Horowitz (74:29): "There's never been anyone like Steven Spielberg after he's gone from the scene. Just the achievement and connection to old Hollywood and contemporary times."

Matt Continetti echoes the sentiment, recognizing Spielberg's unparalleled influence in blending art with commercial success.

• Matt Continetti (72:33): "The only person who has combined art and commercialism to this degree is Steven Spielberg."

Key Takeaways

• Media Funding and Political Influence: The episode highlights the ongoing struggle between government funding and the ideological direction of public broadcasting entities like NPR and PBS. The conservative push to cut funding is seen as both a financial and symbolic move against perceived liberal biases.

• Conservative Achievements: Under the Trump administration, longstanding conservative priorities have been realized, including increased military spending and enhanced border security, despite controversial leadership styles.

• Critique of Traditional Media: The hosts argue that traditional media institutions are losing their foothold in an era where information is decentralized and digitally consumed.

• Scientific and Political Intersection: The debate around gain of function research and its implications for public health underscores the tension between scientific inquiry and political agendas.

• Cultural Impact of 'Jaws': Celebrating the 50th anniversary of "Jaws," the podcast underscores the film's revolutionary impact on blockbuster filmmaking and its lasting cultural legacy.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Continetti (01:16): "We are now at 17,600 subscribers on our YouTube page... our goal was to get to 20,000 by Labor Day."

• John Pod Horowitz (02:04): "Consider this a form of a pledge drive. All we're asking you to do right now is go to YouTube and hit like and subscribe."

• John Pod Horowitz (07:41): "Yesterday we had a conversation about rescission... the Senate passed a bill to cut $9 billion."

• Matt Continetti (12:35): "Public broadcasting is not liberal or leftist. If they were sensible, they would have been more bipartisan."

• Matt Continetti (46:21): "Donald Trump was in Pennsylvania... announcing $90 billion in investments to promote technological development and artificial intelligence."

• John Pod Horowitz (64:47): "Spielberg insisted on shooting in actual water, not a tank... the entire structure is about what is not seen."

This episode of the Commentary Magazine Podcast offers a multifaceted exploration of contemporary issues, blending political analysis with cultural reflections, and urging listeners to critically engage with the dynamics shaping modern American society.