Podcast Title: The Latest with Loren LoRosa
Host/Author: The Black Effect and iHeartPodcasts
Episode: Donald Trump comes for Gayle King + Does Kamala have a responsibility to remain political? ++ BET suspends award shows?
Release Date: August 5, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Latest with Loren LaRosa, host Lauren delves deep into the intertwining realms of politics, media, and pop culture. The discussion is anchored around three pivotal topics: Donald Trump's recent attacks on Gayle King, Vice President Kamala Harris's evolving role in politics, and the suspension of BET's iconic award shows. Through insightful analysis and personal reflections, Lauren navigates these complex subjects, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of their implications.

1. Donald Trump Targets Gayle King and CBS Mornings' Future

[02:36 - 13:13]

Lauren begins by addressing Donald Trump's latest move against Gayle King. Following his reinstatement on Truth Social after being previously banned from X (formerly Twitter), Trump openly criticized King, declaring, "Gayle King's career is over. She should have stayed with her belief in Trump. She never had the courage to do so. No talent, no ratings, no strength" ([08:45]). This attack stems from a New York Post article suggesting that CBS is reevaluating its morning show, CBS Mornings, due to declining ratings and a perceived shift away from "woke" content.

Key Points:

• Declining Ratings: The New York Post reports that CBS Mornings has lost between 20% to 30% of its audience compared to the previous year, particularly in the coveted 25 to 54 demographic ([05:20]).
• Content Shifts: CBS executives aim to minimize progressive and provocative segments, exemplified by the recent appearance of Bob the Drag Queen on the show promoting his novel, Harriet Tubman Live in Concert, which reimagines the historic figure through a gender-bending, hip-hop narrative ([06:50]).
• Trump's Amplification: Trump leveraged his platform on Truth Social to magnify these developments, portraying them as evidence of a broader intolerance for dissenting or progressive voices within mainstream media ([08:30]).

Lauren expresses concern over the implications of such attacks, highlighting the pressure on media figures to align with prevailing political sentiments to maintain their careers. She notes, “It’s getting scary... if you have an opinion at all, it seems like that leans away from what our current administration believes should be the conversation” ([11:50].

2. Kamala Harris's New Direction and Political Responsibility

[13:14 - 21:18]

The conversation shifts to Vice President Kamala Harris, who recently appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to discuss her new book and future plans. In the interview, Harris stated, “I believe, and I always believed, that as fragile as our democracy is, our systems would be strong enough to defend our most fundamental principles. And I think right now that they’re not as strong as they need to be” ([14:00]).

Key Points:

• Stepping Back from Politics: Harris emphasized her desire to engage more directly with communities rather than pursuing elected office, stating, “I want to travel the country. I want to listen to people. I want to talk with people” ([14:30].
• Lauren's Perspective: Lauren expresses mixed feelings about Harris's decision, acknowledging the importance of her contributions but disagreeing with the notion of stepping away from political roles. She argues, “I think we need her in the position” ([17:00] and [20:45]), emphasizing the necessity of strong leadership within the political system.
• Challenges for Black Women in Media and Politics: Lauren highlights the additional pressures faced by Black women like Harris and Gayle King, who must navigate societal expectations and microaggressions while maintaining their public personas. She reflects, “We are so good at it, because for so long and in different generations, you're literally taught that” ([19:30].

Lauren underscores the delicate balance Harris must maintain between personal well-being and public responsibility, questioning the long-term impact of her shift away from traditional political roles.

3. BET Suspends Award Shows Amid Changing Media Landscape

[23:50 - 34:30]

The final segment addresses BET's decision to suspend its long-running award shows—the BET Hip Hop Awards and the Soul Train Awards. Scott Mills, CEO of BET, discussed this move in an interview with Billboard, explaining that the suspension is part of a strategic reimagining to adapt to the evolving media environment ([26:10]).

Key Points:

• Strategic Shift: Mills stated, “It's less about them being no longer and more about our team having to reimagine them for this changing media landscape” ([24:20].
• Digital Transition: BET is considering moving these award shows to digital platforms or streaming services, recognizing the decline in linear TV viewership and the need to innovate to reach broader audiences ([25:00].
• Impact on Viewership: The 2025 BET Awards experienced a nearly 50% drop in viewership within the key 18 to 49 demographic compared to the previous year ([28:30]). Mills attributes this decline to the shrinking cable ecosystem and changing viewer habits.
• Positive Feedback on Recent Shows: Despite the overall decline, the 25th anniversary BET Awards received high praise for its production quality and star-studded appearances, suggesting a potential pathway for revitalizing the brand in new formats ([30:45].

Lauren critiques the suspension as a subtle nod to declining interest and the challenges of maintaining large-scale events on traditional television. She suggests that focusing resources on flagship events like the BET Awards while experimenting with digital formats for others could be a balanced approach. “There just needs to be a connectivity of sorts” ([32:15]).

Conclusion

Lauren wraps up the episode by reflecting on the broader implications of these developments. She draws parallels between the struggles faced by media personalities like Gayle King and political figures like Kamala Harris, emphasizing the interconnectedness of media, politics, and cultural representation. Her final remarks encapsulate a sense of urgency and concern for the future of honest discourse and representation in both media and politics. She poignantly states, “Life is too short and it’s coming to an end anyway. Let’s live our best lives” ([34:00]), urging listeners to engage actively with the changing landscape.

Notable Quotes

• Donald Trump on Gayle King: "Gayle King's career is over. She should have stayed with her belief in Trump. She never had the courage to do so. No talent, no ratings, no strength." ([08:45])
• Kamala Harris on Democracy: “I believe, and I always believed, that as fragile as our democracy is, our systems would be strong enough to defend our most fundamental principles. And I think right now that they’re not as strong as they need to be.” ([14:00])
• Scott Mills on BET's Strategic Shift: “It's less about them being no longer and more about our team having to reimagine them for this changing media landscape.” ([24:20])
• Lauren LaRosa on Media Pressures: “It’s getting scary... if you have an opinion at all, it seems like that leans away from what our current administration believes should be the conversation.” ([11:50])

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Latest with Loren LaRosa offers a nuanced exploration of the current tensions in media and politics, highlighting the delicate balance media figures must maintain amid external pressures. Lauren's candid reflections provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the stakes involved and the potential repercussions of these high-profile developments.

Stay Updated: For those who haven't tuned in, subscribing to The Latest with Loren LaRosa ensures you won't miss any of her insightful analyses on the most pressing topics in pop culture, politics, and media.