#2299 - Dave Smith

Smith and Rogan analyze the dynamics between traditional media and emerging independent media, particularly podcasting, and how this shift impacts public discourse and perception.

Traditional Media's Struggle With Independent Media & Podcasting

The conversation between Smith and Rogan reveals a perception that traditional media struggles to maintain credibility and adapt to audience preferences, which increasingly favor authenticity and objectivity.

Media Credibility Suffers From Perceived Biases and Lack of Objective Reporting

Smith highlights Tucker Carlson's success in corporate media as evidence that there is awareness of audience preferences within traditional media circles, but also suggests that these outlets frequently lack objectivity and tend to support certain narratives. This is exemplified by the underreporting of stories such as the Houthies' attacks on US cargo ships, where the mainstream narrative often positions the Houthis as aggressors without providing historical context. He believes this leads to public misunderstanding of the actual aggressors in the conflict.

Dave Smith goes on to criticize networks like MSNBC and CNN for their coverage—or lack thereof—on topics such as undisclosed military operations. He suggests that the perceived bias and absence of objectivity in their reporting have contributed to a deterioration of public trust in these media outlets.

Glenn Greenwald's departure from The Intercept, due to perceived constraints on reporting truthfully, particularly regarding Joe Biden, serves as an example of journalists feeling compelled to leave established publications to maintain their reporting integrity.

Additionally, Joe Rogan points to the Washington Post's shift in editorial focus under Jeff Bezos as an attempt to restore trust by reducing opinion pieces and striving for more objective reporting.

Podcasts Enable Authentic, Unfiltered Discussions of Complex Topics

Joe Rogan is cited as a figurehead of the old guard of corporate media who has successfully carved out a space in independent media. Rogan's transition to providing lo ...

Smith and Rogan engage in a comprehensive discussion regarding the nuanced interplay between powerful entities, finance, and the shaping of political and public narratives.

Efforts by Powerful Entities to Suppress Certain Narratives

Silencing Voices That Challenge Political and Media Narratives

Smith alludes to efforts aimed at suppressing discussions around the COVID-19 pandemic, questioning the honesty and openness of narratives. He mentions that acknowledging the U.S. role in political events, such as the Maidan revolution in Ukraine, is often met with resistance. During their conversation, Smith and Rogan imply that organizations like USAID may be involved in covert international affairs, offering plausible deniability to the U.S. for actions taken abroad. Smith also delves into how "unfalsifiable counterfactuals" used by Warhawks serve to suppress dissenting narratives regarding military interventions by presenting alternate catastrophic outcomes that did not occur, effectively discouraging challenges to foreign policy.

Financial Incentives and Influence on Media Coverage and Public Opinion

Smith and Rogan discuss how the U.S. injected $100 million into the street protests in Ukraine, hinting at financial influence used to shape media coverage and public opinion. They reflect on how protests and political outcomes can be sustained and influenced through financial backing. The conversation also notes that reluctance from the media to cover controversial topics, such as the influence of health and pharmaceutical industries, may be tied to financial incentives from advertising revenues.

Media Ownership Concentration Reduces Viewpoint Diversity

Smith and Rogan ponder the consistent messaging across media platforms by political entities as a form of narrative and public opinion control, suggesting that media concentration may reduce viewpoint diversity. Smith recounts a debate where not commonly reported plans by neo-conservatives to overthrow Middle Eastern governments were discussed, touching on the possibility of narrative suppression by powerful entities. Similarly, Rogan brings up Israeli news reports about a potential strike on Iran, demonstrating narratives possibly being controlled or influenced by political and military interests.

Smith talks about high-profile cases of individuals being removed from public discourse for challenging prevailing narratives an ...

The discussion between Dave Smith, Joe Rogan, and Tim Pool delves into Donald Trump's presidency and the impact it has had on the media landscape, as well as the aftermath of the 2020 US election.

Presidency of Trump Significantly Impacted Media Landscape

According to Dave Smith, Donald Trump was a "once in a century type of figure," whose victories in 2016 and presumptively in 2020 had profound impacts on the political establishment and media narrative. Smith credits Trump with landing a devastating blow on both the Republican and Democratic establishments and asserts that Trump destroyed the corporate media in an unprecedented way.

Trump's Media Approach, Including Podcasts, Challenges Norms

Throughout the discussion, there’s an underlying implication that Trump's media strategy, which included engaging with new platforms like podcasts, challenged traditional media norms. Tim Pool’s short interview with Trump marked one of the first instances of Trump appearing in a podcast format, although it was not a long-form interview. The conversation alludes to Trump's use of media, including endorsements and podcasts, as part of a broader shift that challenged traditional approaches.

Trump's Presidency Controversies and Investigations Highlight Political Interests in Media Narratives

Smith and Rogan discuss the legal actions taken against Trump, with Rogan questioning the escalation of accusations against Trump. They point to the perceived abnormal use of legal procedures, suggesting that the legal system was potentially weaponized against Trump. Smith notes that during Trump's first term, his own intelligence agencies framed him as a Russian spy, indicating the influence of political interests in shaping media coverage.

Dave Smith also brings up Liz Cheney's campaign actions, touching on her political background and how it may signal wider political interests, such as those of military contractors.

2020 Us Election: Politicized and Contentious Aftermath

Voter Fraud Allegations Raise Electoral Integrity Concerns

The conversation with Rogan and Smith touches on the aftermath of the 2020 election, discussing internal polling and election predictions that hint at discrepancies between expected poll results and actual outcomes. This discussion reflects upon the widespread allegations of voter fraud and the concerns that arose regardin ...

Smith, Rogan, and their discussion on various platforms brings to attention how labeling alternative views as "fringe" or silencing criticism can have serious consequences, from amplifying certain voices to fueling distrust in institutions.

Labeling Alternative Views As "Fringe" Silences Legitimate Criticisms

Joe Rogan and Dave Smith suggest that labeling alternative views, such as questioning military interventions or potential sabotage within the government against political figures like Trump, as illegitimate or fringe, is detrimental. Such labeling dismisses these views without proper debate, sidelining critics. Discussing issues related to the creation of the state of Israel, Smith acknowledges that speaking on these topics might be seen as challenging dominant narratives, potentially viewed as controversial or fringe.

Censoring Critics Boosts Attention and Support

Smith discusses the counterproductive power of making a topic taboo, suggesting that it increases the provocative power of individuals on the internet, provoking responses from influential figures. Rogan and Smith argue that attempts to cancel public personalities like themselves, Alex Jones, or Andrew Tate often result in increased popularity instead of suppression.

Silencing Alternatives Fuels Distrust in Traditional Institutions

Rogan and Smith express concern over the mainstream media's failure to adequately explore topics like drone attacks during the Obama administration, leading to misconceptions and a lack of trust in traditional narratives. They touch upon how certain narratives are treated as boundaries that can't be breached without attracting labels such as "anti-Semite." Enforcing these boundaries stifles discussions that could lead to a better understanding of complex issues. By suppressing open debate and labeling speech as hate speech or misinformation without thorough investigation, traditional institutions justify totalitarian measures, consequently fueling distrust.

Rogan criticizes mainstream institutions, like the New York Times, for not performing journalistic duties and propagating misinformation, further increasing the mistrust in traditional media institutions. He highlights the importance of independent journalists, such as Glenn Greenwald and Matt Taibbi, underlining the value placed on unfiltered dialogue.

Taboo Perceptions Fuel Conspiracy and Misinformation Spread

Smith discusses how suppressing certain discussions could lead to increased suspicion, poten ...

The discussion between Joe Rogan and Dave Smith illustrates how independent media and podcasting offer platforms for nuanced, unscripted dialogue on complex topics, and challenges the dominance of traditional media.

Podcasts and Independent Media: Platforms for Diverse Voices and Perspectives

Unscripted Dialogue Enables Nuanced Exploration of Complex Topics

Joe Rogan and Dave Smith take advantage of podcasting's unscripted nature to delve into controversial topics such as George Floyd's death, events that may not be covered the same way by mainstream media. They also explored the sensitive subject of the creation of the state of Israel and the complexity of freedom of speech, offering in-depth discussions on international political events like the U.S. involvement in the Maidan revolution and the financial backing of protests. Conversations like these highlight intricate issues such as military actions, media responsibility, and geopolitical consequences, which might be simplified or overlooked by traditional outlets.

Lack of Corporate or Political Influence Fosters Audience Trust

The unrestricted space of podcasting allows Joe Rogan and Dave Smith to engage in candid dialogues that challenge mainstream narratives, without corporate or political influence, fostering greater audience trust. As they discuss skepticism about vaccines and other political and cultural critiques, the authenticity of their conversation emerges, contrasting with the more controlled narratives in mainstream media.

Independent Media's Rise Challenges Traditional Media Dominance

Media Outlets Struggle to Replicate the Success and Trust of Popular Podcasts

The success of Rogan’s podcast exemplifies the struggle traditional media faces in replicating the authentic engagement of independent platforms. Despite Rogan's humble beginnings with his podcast, the organic growth of his show has challenged the narratives controlled by traditional media gatekeepers. The podcast's platform allows for in-depth analyses of military and political strategies, such as those related to the conflict in Yemen, that lack coverage in traditional outlets. This capacity to delve deep into subjects has garnered a high listenership, evidencing the challenge podcasts pose to mainstream media's dominance.

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