On The Media NPR/WNYC

Pope-ular Opinion

With Pope Francis in the US this week, we examine ...

With Pope Francis in the US this week, we examine why pundits try so hard to assess the pontiff’s remarks through the lens of 2016 politics. Plus: why the AP is scrapping the term “climate change denier” – and a new collection of fiction gives voices to figures sidelined by history.  Discuss on Twitter: #OTMpope, #OTMclimate, #OTMpolling, #OTMhoax, #OTMnarrative

Facts, Schmacts

This week’s GOP presidential debate was full of barbs, zingers, ...

This week’s GOP presidential debate was full of barbs, zingers, and over talk but was severely lacking in the fact-checking department. We consider the role of journalists when they play debate moderator. Plus, as the European refugee crisis continues, a debunking of the viral images that are channeling hatred and xenophobia. And, exposing Exxon's flip floppery on climate change. Discuss on Twitter: #OTMdebate #OTMexxon #OTMrefugees

Enter and Return

On the language debate surrounding the Mediterranean crisis, debunking migration ...

On the language debate surrounding the Mediterranean crisis, debunking migration myths both foreign and domestic, and a visit to the 9/11 museum. 

Open Closure

The rhetoric of ads on the Iran nuclear agreement, the ...

The rhetoric of ads on the Iran nuclear agreement, the ongoing fall out of the Ashley Madison hack, and the end of an iconic Spanish language variety show.

Broad Questions

The push for a female libido pill reveals misunderstandings about ...

The push for a female libido pill reveals misunderstandings about female sexuality. Plus: Jorge Ramos' confrontation with the GOP front-runner; a guide to parsing stock market coverage; and an Instagram star is revealed as a joke-thief.

Lies and Spies

A decade after Hurricane Katrina, the story of two nursing ...

A decade after Hurricane Katrina, the story of two nursing home owners who became media scapegoats for the tragedy in New Orleans. Plus, a bit of indulgent speculation about a Trump presidency, the NSA's "house philosopher," and activists protesting new surveillance technologies with a tool of the past: faxes. 

A Vulgar Spectacle

After Donald Trump insulted Fox News' Megyn Kelly, the network ...

After Donald Trump insulted Fox News' Megyn Kelly, the network made a strange deal with the GOP front runner. We hear what it says about media relationships with candidates in this election cycle. Plus, an anniversary in Ferguson, and writer David Lipsky on his interviews with the late David Foster Wallace. 

True Crime

A special hour on the enthralling genre of true crime. 

Send In The Clowns

The booms and busts of political reporting, a skeptical look ...

The booms and busts of political reporting, a skeptical look into health and diet news, and an indie throwback film gets the red carpet treatment. 

Havana, Hacks, and Shame Attacks

Revisiting the Elián González story as the US embassy reopens ...

Revisiting the Elián González story as the US embassy reopens in Havana. Plus: Paul Ford examines the various issues raised by the Ashley Madison hack, and Jon Ronson on public shaming.