Podcast Title: This is Gavin Newsom
Host: iHeartPodcasts
Episode: Taking On Fox News (Live with Terry Moran!)
Release Date: June 27, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "Taking On Fox News," Gavin Newsom joins host Terry Moran for a candid and in-depth discussion about his legal actions against Fox News. The conversation delves into the motivations behind the lawsuit, the broader implications for media integrity, and the current state of American democracy.

Gavin Newsom on the Fox News Lawsuit

[02:47] Gavin Newsom:
"This is Gavin Newsom."
Gavin opens the discussion by addressing his ongoing lawsuit against Fox News, highlighting significant grievances and the broader context of media ethics.

Reasons for the Lawsuit:
Gavin articulates that Fox News has consistently engaged in malicious slander and defamation by altering and misrepresenting facts. He specifically references an incident involving a phone call with former President Donald Trump:

[04:30] Gavin Newsom:
"The beef is, you know, you can't maliciously slander someone. You can't defame someone by altering facts, editing facts, knowingly doing that without being held to some higher level of ethics and accountability."

Gavin contrasts Fox News's behavior with the standards expected of a legitimate news organization, emphasizing that despite their self-proclaimed journalistic integrity, they operate more as a propaganda network.

Connection to the Dominion Lawsuit:
Drawing parallels to the Dominion lawsuit, Gavin notes that despite previous legal repercussions for spreading misinformation, Fox News has not fundamentally changed its practices:

[06:01] Gavin Newsom:
"They didn't fundamentally change their practices. And that's the point of this lawsuit. This money doesn't come to me. It's not about any of that. This is charity goes someplace else. But this is about changing these practices, these unethical practices."

He underscores that his motive is not financial gain but seeking accountability and an apology from Fox News.

Impact on Democracy and Media Trust

Erosion of Trust:
Gavin expresses deep concern over how Fox News's actions are eroding public trust and damaging democratic institutions:

[08:02] Gavin Newsom:
"It's really eroding trust and it's hurting our democracy and it's code red."

He asserts that Fox News continues to support the narratives of the Trump administration, further entrenching misinformation and division within the country.

Authoritarian Tendencies:
Terry Moran adds to the conversation by reflecting on his experiences in mainstream media, highlighting how Fox News amplifies authoritarian tendencies by distorting reality:

[07:19] Terry Moran:
"Trump has this power of bending reality for people. And Fox assists his whole ecosphere assists him in doing that."

Gavin agrees, elaborating on the broader societal impacts of such media practices:

[12:53] Gavin Newsom:
"I think it's in that same spirit that we initiated this lawsuit, in same spirit to which we're pushing back against these authoritarian tendencies in Trumpism."

Personal Reflections and Broader Political Context

Personal Commitment:
Gavin shares his personal journey in addressing media misinformation, including previous engagements with Fox News hosts like Sean Hannity and debates with political figures such as Ron DeSantis:

[10:23] Gavin Newsom:
"I thought it was important to meet people where they are. So I say all that in the context of this lawsuit."

He emphasizes the importance of holding media accountable to foster a more truthful and responsible press.

New York Mayoral Primary Discussion:
Later in the conversation, Terry brings up the New York mayoral primary where Mandani defeated Cuomo, and its implications for the Democratic Party:

[24:48] Terry Moran:
"Can I ask you before we move on the New York mayoral primary with Mandani winning and Cuomo going down to defeat, a lot of Democrats are seeing that as a signal of a new direction."

Gavin interprets this as a positive sign of democratic engagement and the potential for revitalizing the Democratic Party:

[25:11] Gavin Newsom:
"I think it's one thing, I think it is, is a giant wake up call that democracy still alive and well, bottom up."

He remains optimistic about the future, highlighting the importance of grassroots movements and young people's engagement.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Urgency for Change:
Gavin stresses that America is at a critical juncture, where neutrality is no longer an option:

[23:07] Gavin Newsom:
"This is not a neutral moment. And I think, look, this lawsuit, I hope, represents just an expression of that."

He urges listeners to take responsibility and actively participate in shaping the nation's future, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and holding institutions accountable.

[27:10] Gavin Newsom:
"Saving the country. Look, one cannot overstate that simple statement that you just made. And the Supreme Court made it more challenging today."

Closing Remarks:
The episode concludes with Gavin affirming his commitment to fighting misinformation and advocating for a more transparent and ethical media landscape.

[28:21] Gavin Newsom:
"This was fun. Terry, thanks for having me on. And congrats on everything. Keep doing what you're doing."

Notable Quotes

• Gavin Newsom on Defamation:
  "You can't maliciously slander someone... without being held to some higher level of ethics and accountability."
  [04:30]

• On the Impact on Democracy:
  "It's really eroding trust and it's hurting our democracy and it's code red."
  [08:02]

• On the Purpose of the Lawsuit:
  "This is about changing these practices, these unethical practices."
  [06:01]

• On Democratic Engagement:
  "Democracy still alive and well, bottom up."
  [25:11]

Conclusion

In this compelling episode, Gavin Newsom provides a critical examination of Fox News's role in shaping public perception and undermining democratic values. Through his lawsuit and personal reflections, he calls for greater accountability in media practices and emphasizes the necessity of active civic participation to preserve and strengthen American democracy. The conversation serves as a timely reminder of the importance of truth, integrity, and responsibility in both media and governance.