The Daily: A Dark Moment for Journalism — and Devastation in Texas
Episode Release Date: July 7, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of The Daily by The New York Times, hosts Rachel Abrams and David Enrich delve into two critical stories: the devastating flash floods in Texas and a significant legal battle between CBS News and former President Donald Trump. Additionally, the episode features an insightful interview with esteemed journalist Lowell Bergman, drawing parallels between past and present challenges faced by journalism.
Catastrophic Floods Devastate Texas
Unprecedented Disaster in Kerr County
At the outset, Rachel Abrams reports on a catastrophic flood emergency in Kerr County, Texas. Within hours, a month's worth of torrential rain transformed the region, resulting in flash flooding that has tragically killed at least 80 people, with dozens still missing as of Sunday afternoon.
Personal Stories Amidst the Tragedy
The narrative intensifies as Abrams introduces personal accounts, notably that of Brian Eads, who endured the nightmare alongside his wife at Camp Mystic, a summer camp located along the Guadalupe River.
- Brian Eads' Ordeal (02:23 - 04:26):
"Between 3 and 4 o' clock in the morning, the entire RV parked was just a torrential flood." – Brian Eads [02:23]
Eads recounts the harrowing experience of being swept away by raging waters, the desperate attempts to save his wife, and the unimaginable loss he faced.
On-the-Ground Insights
Rachel Abrams speaks with Edgar Sandoval, a colleague on the ground in Kerrville, Texas, providing a vivid depiction of the disaster's aftermath.
- Edgar Sandoval on the Scene (01:38 - 06:46):
"The scene was just out of a war zone. You could see just hours later after the rain started that it had taken entire neighborhoods. Ent houses were gone, there were smashed trees everywhere." – Edgar Sandoval [01:38]
Sandoval highlights the suddenness and ferocity of the flood, emphasizing the area's nickname, "Flash Flood Valley," and the inadequate time residents had to respond to the emergency warnings.
Questions and Reflections
Abrams probes deeper into the response to the flood:
- Question on Warnings and Evacuations (05:24 - 06:07):
"Can you talk a little bit more about the kind of warnings that went out before these floods began? Like, why does it seem like they did not come in time?" – Rachel Abrams [05:24]
Sandoval explains that warnings were issued around 4-5 AM, but many residents only took evacuation seriously once the water reached their floors, leaving little time to escape.
CBS News vs. Donald Trump: A Battle Over Journalistic Integrity
The Lawsuit Explained
Transitioning from the tragedy in Texas, Rachel Abrams introduces a contentious legal settlement where CBS News agreed to pay former President Donald Trump $16 million. This settlement arose from Trump's allegations that CBS had deceptively edited an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris to portray her more favorably.
- David Enrich on the Lawsuit (08:10 - 10:16):
"The lawsuit is about an allegation by Trump that CBS, when it aired an interview with Kamala Harris last October, deceptively edited it in a way that was designed to make Kamala Harris sound a lot better than she really did." – David Enrich [08:10]
Enrich details the specifics of the lawsuit, noting that Trump contends the edited interview influenced Texas voters against him, a claim regarded by many as weak and unsubstantiated.
Legal and Corporate Dynamics
Former CBS producer Lowell Bergman joins the discussion, drawing historical parallels to past challenges faced by CBS.
- Lowell Bergman on the Settlement (10:16 - 14:31):
"What they did with her, I believe, is the biggest scandal in broadcast history." – Lowell Bergman [10:16]
Bergman criticizes CBS's handling of the situation, likening it to previous instances where corporate interests overshadowed journalistic integrity, such as during his involvement with the tobacco industry's legal battles depicted in the movie The Insider.
Parallels to "The Insider" and Past Compromises
Bergman recounts his own experience at CBS, where a significant story on the tobacco industry's deceptive practices was suppressed due to legal threats, leading to compromised journalistic standards.
- Bergman's Account of Suppressed Journalism (25:26 - 31:03):
"All news organizations have the limits as to what they will publish or push out... The ownership of stations by major corporate conglomerates was in the background here." – Lowell Bergman [29:08]
He emphasizes how corporate ownership influenced CBS's decision to prioritize legal safety over groundbreaking journalism, drawing a direct line to the current settlement with Trump.
Implications for the Future of Journalism
The conversation shifts to the broader implications of such settlements on media independence and the potential for increased self-censorship within news organizations.
- Concerns About Media Independence (16:09 - 18:45):
"This is going to set a precedent both internally at CBS, but for the broader news media in general." – Lowell Bergman [16:09]
Bergman warns that legal pressures from powerful figures like Trump may lead news organizations to avoid controversial stories, fearing costly lawsuits and corporate retribution.
Lowell Bergman’s In-Depth Interview
In a pivotal segment, Rachel Abrams interviews Lowell Bergman, whose experiences mirror the current crisis facing CBS. Bergman shares his firsthand account of journalistic compromises and the impact of corporate and legal pressures.
Bergman's Story of the Suppressed Tobacco Investigation
Bergman details how his investigative work on the tobacco industry's deceptive practices was halted by CBS management to avoid expensive litigation.
- Details of the Suppressed Story (27:17 - 31:18):
"I decided to fight using any means necessary that I could gather to reverse what had happened. I promised myself I would get out the story of what did happen because this is information about the public health." – Lowell Bergman [27:35]
He recounts the internal battle between journalistic integrity and corporate safety, ultimately leading to the suppression of a critical public health story.
Comparison to Current Events
Bergman draws a stark comparison between his past experiences and the current settlement, suggesting that the situation with CBS and Trump is not only similar but potentially more damaging.
- Bergman on Current Settlement vs. Past (31:03 - 33:58):
"We are at a really grim moment when absurd lawsuits and huge amounts of money come together to damage the public interest. So I would say you got to be a little bit depressed about what the future holds." – Lowell Bergman [31:17]
He expresses deep concern over the potential erosion of journalistic standards and the increasing influence of powerful entities over news organizations.
Conclusion: A Grim Outlook for Journalism
The episode culminates with a sobering outlook on the state of journalism. Bergman's reflections underscore the precarious balance between maintaining journalistic integrity and navigating corporate and legal pressures. The settlement between CBS and Trump serves as a cautionary tale of how external forces can undermine the foundational principles of free and independent media.
Key Takeaways:
- The Texas floods highlight the vulnerability of communities to sudden natural disasters and the critical importance of timely and effective emergency responses.
- The CBS-Trump legal battle exemplifies the ongoing struggle between media organizations and powerful figures, raising significant concerns about the future independence of journalism.
- Lowell Bergman's experiences provide a historical context that illuminates the persistent challenges faced by journalists in upholding truth against corporate and legal pressures.
As the episode closes, listeners are left to ponder the implications of these events on the broader landscape of news reporting and the essential role of a free press in a democratic society.
This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the key discussions, personal stories, and critical insights shared by the hosts and guest speakers. Notable quotes with timestamps are integrated to provide depth and context, ensuring an engaging and comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the episode.