What rich irony that the defense against the latest assault by Trump on press freedom is now in the hands of old crocodile Rupert Murdoch, the very media owner whose Fox News gave us Trump in the first place.
Again, Tina, you write like no one else--giving us the low-down of just how far DOWN we are. I'm scared, concerned, feeling quite helpless being in the grip of the wealthy who really don't care about anyone - or anything else, including democracy and the rule of law.
Thanks, Patricia. It's a deeply worrying time as all the fight-back weapons are being neutralized. Supporting the serious press has never been more important, but seems no where on the agenda T
There is no doubt that journalists are now starting to feel what its like to live under suppression and only the biggest media orgs have the ability to fight, but right now most of them fold.
"What’s the point of having fuck-off money if you’re not going to use it to protect your independence?"
What strikes me is how much Murdoch loves the game. But also, your rundown of the cast of characters in the media world brings a sense of drama that frankly, helps me makes sense of how this is being played out on the world stage...why we will or why we won't, say aloud what needs to be said.
Does the law count any more? It seems money and social media reach rule. Fear prevails and inhibits truth. Fear is the weapon that Trump uses indiscriminately, with family, with his party, with his appointees, with his foes, and with countries who refuse to lick his boots. Will Trump have to pay $10 billion to Murdoch if he loses?
That's a fascinating question, I think he will find a way to back down, but Murdoch may not let him. He's one of the few not afraid of him, even as Fox does his bidding T
Wow, Tina. You said a mouthful here, and I’m so glad you know all the players and their angles. Thank you for keeping us updated as we careen off course. Mayday indeed.
Thanks, it s a topic I feel strongly about. Its so wild to be depending on Murdoch of all people at the moment, to put up a fight, unlike CBS, Columbia and Paul, Weiss and so many more. T
Thanks, yes. Lone writers on Substack cannot do the deep dives a big, well resourced news room can do which is why it's so important to support those still at it and try to create more.
Probably trying to curry favor for his own candidacy , but I suspect Murdoch will find Vance too unreliable and will look for more charismatic candidates. He got behind De Santis last time and that didn't work. T
The state of journalism, both national and local, is so depressing (I say as a consumer and former newspaper journalist). It’s truly heartbreaking, and our communities are suffering because of it. Thanks, Tina, for your continued clear-eyed, no-BS takes.
Brilliant (though I fear I am repeating myself). Tina has given us a vivid, and oh-so-depressing visual: the Titanic lifeboat calling out in the darkness.
Dear Tina, you are amazing, and so it bears the question: what is your big vision? What can you do to pool resources, use your connections and stand up for free press and democracy? How can we rescue facts from a downpour of misinformation? Please give us your vision.
Well, I have started an annual media event in London in May called The Truth Tellers summit to which Invite brilliant investigative journalists in memory of my great editor husband Harry Evans and also ask a hand chosen group of billionaire investors in hopes of getting them inspired. Next one is May 6th and its an amazing occasion. Also have raised a foundation to fund a young investigative journalist every year to spend a month being mentored by Reuters as a Sir Harry Evans Fellow,. Its a start but a drop in the ocean.
Yes, Tina, I know you are doing so much. I applaud you for everything. I feel so many are doing their bit, but how can we connect and collaborate more to create more ripple effect?
Again, Tina, you write like no one else--giving us the low-down of just how far DOWN we are. I'm scared, concerned, feeling quite helpless being in the grip of the wealthy who really don't care about anyone - or anything else, including democracy and the rule of law.
Thanks, Patricia. It's a deeply worrying time as all the fight-back weapons are being neutralized. Supporting the serious press has never been more important, but seems no where on the agenda T
We could all just ask any russian what it it like living there today, you know, to give us insight for us here tomorrow.
There is no doubt that journalists are now starting to feel what its like to live under suppression and only the biggest media orgs have the ability to fight, but right now most of them fold.
"What’s the point of having fuck-off money if you’re not going to use it to protect your independence?"
What strikes me is how much Murdoch loves the game. But also, your rundown of the cast of characters in the media world brings a sense of drama that frankly, helps me makes sense of how this is being played out on the world stage...why we will or why we won't, say aloud what needs to be said.
Yes, Murdoch does love the game, one of his few more appealing qualities. T
Murdoch is a tough old goat! This is a game he adores, and he will not cave in one bit!
How many more chances does Murdoch have to be the master of the game?
I would never bet against him. Trump may have over-reached this time T
Does the law count any more? It seems money and social media reach rule. Fear prevails and inhibits truth. Fear is the weapon that Trump uses indiscriminately, with family, with his party, with his appointees, with his foes, and with countries who refuse to lick his boots. Will Trump have to pay $10 billion to Murdoch if he loses?
That's a fascinating question, I think he will find a way to back down, but Murdoch may not let him. He's one of the few not afraid of him, even as Fox does his bidding T
Free to read: Enshittification and the Bitterness of Billionaire Bros
https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/enshittification-and-the-bitterness
Ooh I will read that . Krugman is superb Thanks T
Wow, Tina. You said a mouthful here, and I’m so glad you know all the players and their angles. Thank you for keeping us updated as we careen off course. Mayday indeed.
Thanks, it s a topic I feel strongly about. Its so wild to be depending on Murdoch of all people at the moment, to put up a fight, unlike CBS, Columbia and Paul, Weiss and so many more. T
Like you, I never thought I’d be rooting for Murdoch. But here we are.
Index of how wild our times are, for sure T
Excellent summary. I subscribe to both the WSJ and the NYT (as well as several substacks).
The WSJ has many MAGA readers but plenty of regular readers too (judging by reader comments). NYT has few.
There were thousands of comments on the Epstein article (MAGA avoided that one!)
It’s an important point that we need these big papers for basic reporting.
So much of Substack feeds off their basic reporting. (But it’s an excellent place for informed commentary.)
Thanks, yes. Lone writers on Substack cannot do the deep dives a big, well resourced news room can do which is why it's so important to support those still at it and try to create more.
Is it possible if one digs deep enough there just might be a DEEP Throat ?
Just in. Top justice official to meet with Ghislaine Maxwell this week. Let’s see what she has (or not ) to say …. More to come
I would kill to be a fly on that prison wall T
Follow the money
Would bribery be involved in this meeting?
always
Probably several. It will take multiple reporters going down different strands of the story.T
Would love to hear your thoughts on the secret visit Vance paid to the crocodile prior to the birthday card story being published.
Probably trying to curry favor for his own candidacy , but I suspect Murdoch will find Vance too unreliable and will look for more charismatic candidates. He got behind De Santis last time and that didn't work. T
Love rakes the darkness with his flashlight.
Thanks, I loved those last scenes in the Titanic
The state of journalism, both national and local, is so depressing (I say as a consumer and former newspaper journalist). It’s truly heartbreaking, and our communities are suffering because of it. Thanks, Tina, for your continued clear-eyed, no-BS takes.
Thank you. We have to keep reminding people how important real journalism is if we want any reliable version of the truth.
Brilliant (though I fear I am repeating myself). Tina has given us a vivid, and oh-so-depressing visual: the Titanic lifeboat calling out in the darkness.
Always felt there is no more lost feeling than that lifeboat and the flashlight. How I love receiving your comments , great scribe!
Dear Tina, you are amazing, and so it bears the question: what is your big vision? What can you do to pool resources, use your connections and stand up for free press and democracy? How can we rescue facts from a downpour of misinformation? Please give us your vision.
Well, I have started an annual media event in London in May called The Truth Tellers summit to which Invite brilliant investigative journalists in memory of my great editor husband Harry Evans and also ask a hand chosen group of billionaire investors in hopes of getting them inspired. Next one is May 6th and its an amazing occasion. Also have raised a foundation to fund a young investigative journalist every year to spend a month being mentored by Reuters as a Sir Harry Evans Fellow,. Its a start but a drop in the ocean.
Yes, Tina, I know you are doing so much. I applaud you for everything. I feel so many are doing their bit, but how can we connect and collaborate more to create more ripple effect?
Yes, Reuters is great. Costs me £4 per month in the UK through Apple. Absolute bargain for really fast reliable news without waffle
They really care about accuracy and can spend months doing deep dives. Problem is getting it seen
Axios is my go-to .. their journalism style is efficient and spot-on.
Yes its a good new - ish platform. Not a lot of deep investigations though
Please support ProPublica, they *are* doing the complex investigative journalism so needed today. Hurrah for ProPublica! https://www.propublica.org/
They are first class I agree T