Legacy Media Viewership Decline & Soros Influence Paper Trail | 8.14.24
In this episode of the Morning Wire podcast, the hosts examine the declining viewership of traditional media outlets like CNN and MSNBC, as audiences shift towards newer platforms and channels like social media. They also delve into Kamala Harris's shift in stance on immigration, contrasting her current tough-on-crime rhetoric with her past lenient views.
Additionally, the episode explores the influence of billionaire George Soros and his organizations in electing "progressive" prosecutors across the United States. The hosts analyze Soros's financial backing of district attorneys who pledge not to prosecute certain crimes, raising questions about their role and impact on the justice system.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Aug 14, 2024 episode of the Morning Wire
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1-Page Summary
The decline of legacy media networks
Recent cable news ratings show significant viewership losses for left-leaning networks like CNN and MSNBC, while Fox News experiences record highs. This decline is attributed to a loss of trust in traditional media, as exemplified by an awkward interaction where a CNN anchor's comments about objectivity were met with audience laughter on a liberal talk show, according to CNBC.
Meanwhile, social media and newer platforms like Elon Musk's interview with Donald Trump are disrupting the cable news landscape. Musk's interview drew over a million live listeners - surpassing typical TV viewership. Additionally, breaking news often surfaces on social media first, causing viewers to bypass cable news for more immediate online sources.
Kamala Harris's immigration rebranding
Kamala Harris is projecting a tough-on-crime, pro-border security image on the campaign trail - a stark contrast to her previous progressive stances on immigration during her 2019 presidential run. Harris now emphasizes her record prosecuting transnational gangs and cartels as California's Attorney General.
However, her past comments opposing non-criminal immigrant deportations and comparing ICE to the KKK suggest Harris previously held lenient immigration views. The White House maintains Harris and President Biden remain "critical partners" on policies like immigration despite her rhetoric shift.
George Soros's influence on prosecutor elections
George Soros and his son have invested over $117 million to elect "progressive" prosecutors across the U.S. since 2016, aiming to reshape the justice system.
These Soros-funded district attorneys, like Manhattan's Alvin Bragg, pledge not to prosecute certain crimes. The nonprofit Fair and Just Prosecution (FJP), closely tied to Soros, guides their actions and strategizes prosecuting police officers instead, according to the report.
Some states like Florida are taking steps to counteract local prosecutors defying law enforcement duties. Soros organizations support challengers against prosecutors who stray from their reformist aims, illustrating tensions over prosecutorial roles.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The decline in ratings for CNN and MSNBC could be due to a variety of factors, including changes in consumer behavior, the rise of alternative media, or cyclical interest in news.
- Fox News' high ratings might not solely be due to a loss of trust in other networks but could also be attributed to its strong brand loyalty and targeted demographic appeal.
- The impact of social media on cable news could be seen as complementary rather than purely disruptive, as many networks use social media to engage viewers and drive traffic to their platforms.
- Elon Musk's interview with Donald Trump drawing a large audience could be a one-off event influenced by the personalities involved rather than a trend indicating a shift away from traditional media.
- Kamala Harris's shift in rhetoric on immigration could be interpreted as a response to changing public concerns or new information, rather than a straightforward contradiction of her previous positions.
- The emphasis on Harris's record as Attorney General could be a strategic political move to appeal to a broader electorate rather than a genuine shift in ideology.
- The investments by George Soros and his son in prosecutor elections could be framed as an exercise of democratic rights to support candidates aligned with their values, similar to other political donations.
- The actions of Soros-funded district attorneys might reflect a broader movement towards criminal justice reform rather than an isolated agenda.
- The involvement of Fair and Just Prosecution (FJP) could be seen as advocacy for reform within the legal system, which is a legitimate part of the democratic process.
- States like Florida taking steps against local prosecutors could be viewed as a defense of traditional law enforcement approaches rather than a direct counteraction to reformist policies.
- Support for challengers against prosecutors who stray from reformist aims could be seen as part of the normal political process where donors support candidates aligned with their views.
Actionables
- You can diversify your news sources by creating a personalized news feed that includes independent journalists and international outlets to get a broader perspective on current events. Start by identifying journalists who cover the topics you're interested in and follow them on platforms like Twitter or Substack. Add reputable international news websites to your bookmarks and check them regularly to see how different regions report on the same issues.
- Engage in community discussions by joining local online forums or social media groups focused on criminal justice and prosecutorial policies. Use these platforms to share information, ask questions, and learn from others about the impact of different prosecutorial approaches. This can help you form a more informed opinion on the justice system and its reforms in your area.
- Research and support local candidates for prosecutorial and judicial positions based on your informed stance on criminal justice reform. Before elections, look into the backgrounds, funding sources, and policy positions of candidates. If you align with a candidate's vision, consider volunteering for their campaign, spreading awareness among your network, or even donating if you're financially able.
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The decline of legacy media networks and the rise of newer media platforms
The media landscape is changing rapidly, with legacy news networks encountering significant viewership declines while newer platforms are gaining momentum.
Cable news ratings show steep viewership losses for left-leaning networks like CNN and MSNBC, while Fox News experiences its highest viewership ever.
Recent cable news ratings indicate that legacy media networks are struggling to maintain their audience. CNN and MSNBC have seen significant losses in viewership, while Fox News has recorded its highest month ever in terms of viewers. CNBC reported the most dramatic decline with primetime viewership dropping by 20%. MSNBC's primetime viewership is down 5% overall, and 6% in the key advertiser demographic of 25 to 54. CNN's viewership has dropped by 2% in comparison to the previous year.
The loss of trust in traditional cable news is contributing to the ratings decline, as illustrated by a CNN anchor's awkward interaction on a liberal late-night talk show.
The loss of trust in traditional media sources has become increasingly apparent. This was highlighted during an awkward interaction on Stephen Colbert's late-night show when CNN anchor Caitlin Collins made comments about CNN's objectivity, which were met with laughter by the audience. This incident suggests skepticism towards CNN's impartiality and underscores broader trust issues with legacy media.
The rise of social media and new media platforms, such as Elon Musk's interview with Donald Trump, are disrupting the traditional cable news landscape and drawing audiences away from legacy networks.
The growth of social media and new media platforms is drawing audiences away from traditional cable news. A prime example is the interview Elon Musk conducted with Donald Trump, which attracted over a million live listeners at its peak—an audience size that exceeds typical T ...
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The decline of legacy media networks and the rise of newer media platforms
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Primetime viewership statistics for cable news networks like CNBC, MSNBC, and CNN indicate the number of viewers these networks attract during their peak evening time slots, typically between 8-11 PM. These statistics are crucial for advertisers as they reflect the networks' audience reach during high-demand hours. Declines in primetime viewership can impact advertising revenue and overall perception of a network's popularity and influence. Viewership trends in primetime can provide insights into audience preferences and the effectiveness of programming strategies.
- Elon Musk's interview with Donald Trump was significant due to Musk's influence and Trump's controversial status. The interview drew a large audience, showcasing the power of new media platforms. It exemplified how non-traditional media events can attract attention away from traditional news outlets. This event highlighted the changing landscape of media consumption and the impact of high-profile figures engaging directly with audiences.
- Social media platforms have become popular sources for breaking news due to their real-time nature and the ability of users to share information inst ...
Counterarguments
- The decline in viewership for some networks may not solely reflect a loss of trust; it could also be due to changes in consumer behavior, with audiences increasingly favoring on-demand and streaming services over traditional cable subscriptions.
- Fox News' increased viewership could be attributed to various factors, including its alignment with the current political climate or the loyalty of its viewer base, rather than a direct commentary on the quality or trustworthiness of legacy networks.
- The awkward interaction on Stephen Colbert's show may not necessarily represent widespread distrust in CNN or other media outlets but could be an isolated incident influenced by the specific audience present at the taping.
- While Elon Musk's interview with Donald Trump may have attracted a significant audience, this does not necessarily indicate a sustainable or broad shift in news consumption habits; traditional media still plays a crucial role in investigative journalism and in-depth reporting.
- The rise of social media as a source for breaking news can also lead to the spread of misinformation, and some audiences may still prefer the vetting and verification proc ...
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Kamala Harris's attempts to rebrand herself as tough on immigration
Kamala Harris attempts to redefine her image on immigration from her progressive stances during her 2019 presidential campaign to adopting a tough-on-crime approach on the campaign trail.
Harris is now projecting an image of being tough on crime and strong on border security, a stark contrast to her more progressive immigration stances from her 2019 presidential campaign.
Kamala Harris is emphasizing her record as California's Attorney General, focusing on how she took a hard-line approach against transnational gangs, drug cartels, and human traffickers. This portrayal is in sharp contrast with her previous comments suggesting that ICE may need to be abolished and her discussions around starting from scratch concerning its role.
Harris is now highlighting her law enforcement background on the campaign trail.
As California's Attorney General, Harris took a hardline approach against transnational gangs, drug cartels, and human traffickers, which she is now highlighting on the campaign trail.
Harris touts her accomplishments in prosecuting serious crimes as California's Attorney General, an evident strategy to illustrate a strong stand on law order and border control.
However, Harris's past comments and actions, such as opposing the deportation of non-criminal illegal immigrants and comparing ICE to the KKK, suggest she previously held more lenient views on immigration.
Despite her tough-on-crime campaign image, Harris previously expressed more lenient views on immigration. Her opposition to the deportation of non-criminal illegal immigrants, support for expanding DACA, calls to abolish immigration detention centers, and criticism of immigrant handling - as showcased during the second Democratic presidential prima ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Kamala Harris's attempts to rebrand herself as tough on immigration
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Kamala Harris's progressive stances on immigration during her 2019 presidential campaign included opposition to the deportation of non-criminal illegal immigrants, support for expanding DACA, calls to abolish immigration detention centers, and criticism of immigrant handling. These positions reflected a more lenient approach to immigration policy compared to her current emphasis on law enforcement and border security. Her past comments, such as likening ICE to the KKK, also highlighted her previous stance on immigration issues.
- Kamala Harris has expressed more lenient views on immigration in the past, opposing the deportation of non-criminal illegal immigrants and supporting the expansion of DACA. She has also called for the abolition of immigration detention centers and criticized the handling of immigrants. Additionally, Harris has compared ICE to the KKK, indicating a critical view of the agency.
- Kamala Harris previously likened ICE to the KKK, drawing a comparison between the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the historical violence and intimidation tactics associated with the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). This comparison was made in the context of criticizing ICE's methods and treatment of immigrants, highlighting concerns about human rights violations and systemic issues within the immigration enforcement agency. The analogy aimed to underscore the severity of the situation and provoke discussion on the impact of immigration policies on marginalized communities.
- Kamala Harris, who p ...
Counterarguments
- Harris's shift in rhetoric may not necessarily reflect a change in her core beliefs but rather a strategic political move to address a wider range of voter concerns.
- Emphasizing a tough-on-crime stance might overlook the complexities of immigration issues, which include humanitarian, economic, and legal aspects that require nuanced approaches beyond law enforcement.
- Highlighting a law enforcement background could alienate voters who are concerned about criminal justice reform and the rights of immigrants.
- Touting accomplishments in prosecuting serious crimes does not directly address the systemic issues related to immigration policy and reform.
- Previous lenient views on immigration could be seen as compassionate and in line with international human rights standards, which some voters might still value.
- Questioning the public's perception of ICE ...
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The influence of George Soros on local prosecutor elections and policies
George Soros and his son Alex have poured over $117 million into local district attorney elections since 2016, aiming to reshape the U.S. justice system by supporting "progressive" prosecutors. This investment in local elections has sparked debate over its impact on the enforcement of laws and the traditional function of the prosecutorial role.
Soros's Expansive Funding in Prosecutor Elections
George Soros, through substantial financial contributions, has played an influential role in electing district attorneys who adhere to a progressive agenda, resulting in policies that some argue undermine the rule of law and separation of powers.
Electing Progressive Prosecutors and Policy Changes
In a bid to change the law enforcement landscape, George Soros's funding has steered numerous district attorney races, electing officials such as Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg and former San Francisco DA Chesa Boudin. These Soros-funded prosecutors have made pledges not to prosecute certain laws. They are provided with continuous guidance from the nonprofit Fair and Just Prosecution (FJP), which shapes the actions of these prosecutors, going to lengths such as drafting op-eds and supplying political consulting to support their non-prosecutorial stances on lower-level offenses. The report suggests that the election of such "soft on crime" district attorneys, financed by Soros, may lead them to refuse to enforce certain crimes, which elevates concerns about the undermining of rule of law.
Active Involvement of FJP in Prosecutorial Conduct
Fair and Just Prosecution is closely tied to Soros and has a hands-on role in directing the course of action for Soros-funded prosecutors. The group has facilitated over 50 meetings, some mandatory, with these prosecutors, positioned staff in their offices, and required them to sign pledges governing law enforcement practices. FJP also consulted on public relations, framing decisions not to prosecute minor crimes as a strategy to allocate resources for serious offenses. They have guided these prosecutors to pursue leniency for violent and property crimes, while conversely strategizing to indict police officers and extremists. An instance commemorates FJP, celebrating the indictment of police officers and featuring LA DA George Gascon instructing others on how to target law enforcement for prosecution.
Tensions with State Authoritie ...
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The influence of George Soros on local prosecutor elections and policies
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The influence of any single donor in elections, including George Soros, can be seen as part of the broader issue of campaign finance in the United States, where various individuals and groups use their wealth to support candidates aligned with their interests.
- The term "progressive prosecutors" reflects a legitimate political and philosophical stance within the legal community that prioritizes reformative justice and may aim to address systemic issues such as mass incarceration and racial disparities in the criminal justice system.
- The involvement of organizations like Fair and Just Prosecution (FJP) in shaping prosecutorial conduct can be viewed as a form of advocacy work, similar to how other legal and policy organizations influence various aspects of governance according to their mission and values.
- The actions of state authorities to counteract or discipline local prosecutors could be seen as a challenge to local autonomy and the discretion traditionally afforded to prosecutors to determine how best to serve their communities.
- The assertion that Soros-funded prosecutors may not enforce certain crimes could be countered by the argument that prosecutorial discretion is a standard and necessary component of the justice system, allowing for prior ...
Actionables
- You can research the impact of local district attorney policies on your community by tracking crime rates and prosecutorial decisions to understand the real-world effects of different prosecutorial philosophies. Start by accessing public records or local crime statistics databases, then create a simple spreadsheet to monitor trends over time, such as changes in crime rates or the number of cases prosecuted for specific offenses. This will give you a clearer picture of how these policies may be affecting your neighborhood.
- Engage in local political processes by attending town hall meetings or community forums where you can voice your opinions on prosecutorial policies. Prepare questions or statements in advance that reflect your concerns or support for the approaches taken by your local district attorney. This direct involvement gives you a platform to influence local policy and ensures your perspective is heard by those in power.
- Create a voter information group with friends or neighbors to share know ...
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