Power Lines with Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino

The numbers are in for the “60 Minutes” premiere under Bari Weiss and Nick Bilton and… they’re not pretty. Oliver and Jon break down the shockingly low ratings, the industry’s reaction, and what it says about the show’s new direction. Next, an explosive, four-hour-long Elon Musk documentary is set for release in early October, and Universal is feeling the heat. Will the Comcast-owned studio release the film internationally? Or is it getting cold feet? Finally, the removal of Macklemore from Ed Sheeran's current tour has caused massive backlash and served as yet another example of free speech under attack in Donald Trump’s America.  0:00 Intro 1:23 ‘60 Minutes’ Season Premiere Flops 23:02 Universal Pulling Plug on Elon Musk Documentary? 35:47 Macklemore-Ed Sheeran Backlash Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New Yorker Editor David Remnick and Associated Press Executive Editor Julie Pace joined Oliver Darcy at the Status Summit to discuss the Trump administration’s assault on the First Amendment. The duo also touched on other topics, with Remnick calling Jeff Bezsos’ stewardship of The Washington Post “unforgivable” and arguing that news leaders without the spine to stand up to intimidation should get out of the business. Pace also detailed the AP's decision to keep calling Lake Ontario by its original name, and delivered an update on the organization's ongoing First Amendment litigation with the White House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MS NOW host Nicolle Wallace appeared for a sit-down interview at the inaugural Status Summit, addressing several topics while speaking to Oliver Darcy. The two discussed conservative media’s radical transformation into MAGA propaganda, what it’s like for Wallace to be attacked by a movement that once called her its own, and what the Dominion case revealed about Fox News. Plus, Wallace spoke about her approach to covering Donald Trump, and why she never takes him live on her show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CNBC host and Dealbook author Andrew Ross Sorkin sat for an interview at the inaugural Status Summit, speaking to Oliver Darcy on a wide array of topics. In the interview, the two discussed news organization’s striking deals with Kalshi, what it is like to critically cover some of the world’s most powerful moguls, why the Ellisons are making a play for media assets, and whether as “Billions” co-creator he would portray the wealthy in the same light today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Williams and veteran television producer Jonathan Wald sat down with us at the Status Summit, discussing a wide array of topics, including: the declining relevance of the evening news broadcast, Bari Weiss’ overhaul of CBS News, the media’s coverage of Donald Trump, David Ellison’s desire to purchase CNN, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former CBS News & Stations Chief Wendy McMahon spoke at the Status Summit about the political pressures that Donald Trump is exerting on broadcast networks through the FCC, urging media companies not to fall in line. McMahon also addressed her resignation from CBS News and the radical overhaul of the network being implemented by her successor, Bari Weiss. She addressed concerns raised publicly by current and former 60 Minutes journalists and said she's concerned the newsmagazine’s "DNA is being rewritten" in real time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don Lemon and Mehdi Hasan joined Oliver Darcy at the Status Summit to discuss building independent media businesses after leaving cable news. Both discussed growing audiences on YouTube and other platforms, the freedom to say "the F word,” and the legal and financial risks independent journalists take on without a corporate safety net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kara Swisher joined us at the Status Summit in New York for a candid conversation on a wide array of topics. Swisher, a veteran journalist and co-host of “Pivot,” told us how CNN executives have responded to her threats to leave the network, should the Ellisons gain control of it. She also said Jeff Bezos has ruined The Washington Post and weighed in with her brutally honest thoughts on various technology executives.   0:00 Intro 2:00 Kara Swisher’s Podcast Empire & Scott Galloway-Free Summer on Pivot 6:25 Maria Bartiromo’s Firing from Fox News 8:30 Should Vox Host a Presidential Debate? 9:18 Did Jeff Bezos Destroy the Washington Post? 13:48 Why Kara Won’t Work for a David Ellison-owned CNN 18:55 The Lawsuit Blocking the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Deal 22:03 Bashing Tech Companies for Giving In to “Lake America” 24:00 “F*** You”: Kara’s Message to Journalists on X 26:28 Why Don’t More Journalists Speak Like Kara? 31:18 Lightning Round: Describing Tech Execs in One Word Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fox News stunned the media and political industry on Thursday by firing Maria Bartiromo. What was behind the abrupt ouster? We break down her history of getting into trouble at Fox.  Plus, we reveal Bari Weiss’ role in CBS News’ controversial story on Abdul El-Sayed’s old tweets, as well as what Norah O’Donnell’s return to the network’s morning show means for the outlet.  And finally, we discuss how far-right troll Milo Yiannopoulos, who was recently deported by ICE, has entirely turned on Donald Trump. 0:00 Intro + Status Summit 3:41 Maria Bartiromo Fired from FOX 15:34 CBS News’ El-Sayed Story Backlash 27:51 Norah O’Donnell Moves to ‘CBS Mornings’ 35:41 Milo Yiannopoulos Reacts to ICE Deportation on Piers Morgan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bari Weiss has been quietly courting NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo. The two have been exchanging texts and recently met for a meal, but is a deal even possible?  Next, The Washington Post suffered an embarrassing legal defeat after an arbiter ruled it wrongfully fired columnist Karen Attiah and ordered the Jeff Bezos-owned newspaper to rehire her and award her back pay.  And finally, The New York Times Co. is considering inking a major deal with the controversial prediction markets platform Klashi. Should the Gray Lady be doing business with such a company? Some staffers inside the newspaper are concerned it could tarnish the outlet’s reputation. 0:00 Intro and Status Summit Plug 2:30 Bari Weiss Courts Chris Cuomo 17:54 WaPo Forced to Re-Hire Karen Attiah 29:08 The Athletic Considers Kalshi Partnership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CNN's MAGA pundit Scott Jennings is vying for the White House press secretary role, presenting a huge conflict of interest problem as he appears on CNN. So why is the network allowing him to continue appearing on its air, lending Jennings a stage to audition for the job? Then, exclusive reporting on “60 Minutes” correspondent Bill Whitaker's candid remarks at a party. We report on what Whitaker privately said, the behind-the-scenes race to get the newsmagazine ready for its fall premiere, and why executives are fixated on the 10.03M number. Plus, Disney strikes back at the Trump administration, suing Brendan Carr’s FCC over what it calls an unconstitutional attack on its First Amendment rights. ANd finally, IMAX ticket sales have spiraled out of control, prompting the AMC Theatres chief to address the issue after the company’s website crashed amid the pre-sale crush for “Dune: Part Three.”  Read these stories and more on Status: https://www.status.news Listen wherever you get podcasts: http://status.news/power-lines 0:00 Intro 1:23 Scott Jennings’ White House Audition and CNN Conflict 12:56 Bill Whitaker Gets Candid About ‘60 Minutes’ 29:54 Disney Takes Brendan Carr’s FCC to Court 40:03 AMC’s Ticket Scalper Problem #PowerLinesPodcast #OliverDarcy #JonPassantino #MediaNews #StatusNewsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode: In an effort to assuage fears around David Ellison's possible stewardship of CNN, Paramount has floated the concept of an independent editorial board to safeguard the network’s editorial independence. Oliver and Jon report on the reaction from CNN staff, talk through what this board would even look like, and discuss whether it would be effective. Also this week, Karoline Leavitt announced she's leaving her post as White House press secretary to spend more time with her family. Oliver and Jon point out that her legacy amounts to villainizing the press and smearing individual journalists, while promoting lies to the American public. Finally, The Wall Street Journal published a piece on the incident between the luxury hotel brand Aman and travel reviewer Ryan Walker, which tells Aman's side of story. Do the updated details change how this story should be viewed? 0:00 Intro 1:46 CNN Staff React to Edison’s Editorial Board Idea 16:53 Ross Douthat Slips Discussing Bari Weiss’ Role at “60 Minutes” 18:10 Are Paramount’s Legal Threats Signaling Desperation? 22:10 Karoline Leavitt is Out. Who Will Replace Her? 36:51 Amanvari vs. Ryan Walker, Part Two Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode:  David Ellison wrote a New York Times op-ed that was full of meaningless platitudes and contradictions as he tries to defend Paramount’s deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. Oliver and Jon dissect the piece and share feedback from CNN staff, who were unimpressed, to say the least. Over at “60 Minutes,” new executive producer Nick Bilton is furiously racing to piece the show together ahead of its fall launch. As more staff decided to leave, including Stephen Colbert’s daughter, Madeleine Carlisle, an associate producer on the show, Bilton took the time to pen a memo warning staffers about leaking—only for it to leak to us. Also, Aman’s new resort, Amanvari, is under fire after abruptly canceling the reservation of respected hotel reviewer Ryan Walker. Oliver and Jon detail the shameful ordeal, the hotel’s poor treatment of what is essentially a travel journalist, and the troubling trend of hospitality brands choosing propaganda-filled influencer content over honest criticism and feedback. Finally, the Status YouTube channel hit 100K subscribers! Thank you for all of your support, and check out our YouTube plaque unboxing video HERE. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STATUS at https://www.oneskin.co/STATUS #oneskinpod 0:00 Intro 2:10 CNN Staffers React to Ellison Op-Ed 29:26 “60 Minutes” EP Nick Bilton’s Leaked Staff Memo 33:40 Stephen Colbert’s Daughter Quits “60 Minutes” 37:51 Hotel Staff Calls Cops on Reviewer with Reservation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Power Lines is the official podcast of Status, where veteran journalists Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino deliver sharp media industry analysis every Friday. On today’s episode:  Bari Weiss and new executive producer Nick Bilton are reshaping “60 Minutes,” announcing a slate of new correspondents and contributors that includes Ross Douthat, Sebastian Junger, Gianna Toboni, and Trevor Phillips. Oliver and Jon break down how staffers reacted and whether the show can produce enough stories in time for the upcoming season. Next, MAGA Media turns its attention back to Dr. Anthony Fauci following a contentious Senate hearing and the release of his private COVID-era diaries. Laura Ingraham, Jesse Watters, and Sean Hannity went all-in, with Fauci branded “a greedy mad scientist on a power trip.” Plus: Hunter Biden’s recent joint interview with white-supremacist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes, the bipartisan effort to punish FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, and Oliver’s futile quest for “The Odyssey” IMAX tickets. Read these stories and more at http://www.status.news 0:00 Intro 1:38 Bari Weiss’ Latest Hires for ‘60 Minutes’ 23:54 MAGA Media Obsesses over Dr. Fauci 38:30 Hunter Biden Meets Nick Fuentes 45:05 The Bipartisan Effort to Punish the FCC 51:20 Oliver’s Odyssey to Get Movie Tickets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode:  California Attorney General Rob Bonta joins the show for an exclusive interview after filing a lawsuit to block David Ellison’s $110 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger. Bonta explains why he believes the deal violates antitrust law, the danger it poses to the media landscape, and addresses the elephant in the room: what happens to CNN and CBS News? After the interview, Jon and Oliver unpack Bonta’s comments, including what he said about a potential CNN spinoff, the structural remedies he could seek, and why CNN has become central to the legal fight. Plus: A special announcement—the first-ever Status Summit is coming to New York City on September 9, featuring candid conversations with Meredith Kopit Levien, Rebecca Kutler, David Remnick, Wendy McMahon, and more. Read these stories and more at https://www.status.news 0:00 Intro 1:55 Interview with California AG Rob Bonta 25:34 Breaking Down AG Bonta’s Answers 41:20 Special Announcement from Status Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode: Jon and Oliver answer your biggest media questions, including whether David Ellison's looming takeover of CNN should worry journalists, who really holds more sway on the American right today, and whether legacy news brands can survive the digital era. Plus, the future of NBC News, Business Insider, the network evening newscast, and much more. 0:00 Intro 2:20 Has “60 Minutes” Stabilized? 7:40 Has Bari Weiss Made “CBS News” More Digital-Friendly? 11:03 Is There A Future for the Evening Newscast? 17:01 Will Things Really Be That Bad if Ellison Owns CNN? 26:01 What’s Next for NBC News? 32:58 Does Business Insider Have A Path to Prosperity? 37:48 Who Has More Influence: Tucker or Hannity? 43:45 Should Big Tech Do More to Help Journalism? 50:12 Which Legacy Media Organizations Would You Work For? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode: Paula Reid, CNN's chief legal affairs correspondent, is leaving the network after growing uncomfortable with David Ellison’s impending takeover. Jon and Oliver break down exclusive reporting on what happened, and who else could follow her out the door. Next, NPR’s embarrassing false report that Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was retiring, what went wrong inside the newsroom, and what it reveals about the outlet’s editorial process. Plus: MAGA media turns on Justice Amy Coney Barrett after the Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship ruling, and another brutal week for Bari Weiss’ CBS News as the network tries to spin a grim ratings picture. Read these stories and more at http://www.status.news 0:00 Intro 1:41 Paula Reid is Leaving CNN. Who’s Next? 18:24 NPR’s Embarrassing False Report 27:04 MAGA Media Attacks Justice Barrett 34:06 Latest Ratings Data from Bari Weiss’ CBS News 44:21 Media Moment of the Week Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Power Lines is the official podcast of Status, where veteran journalists Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino deliver sharp media industry analysis every Friday. On today’s episode: Executives at CBS News are sounding the alarm over historically bad ratings for “CBS Mornings.” Oliver and Jon dive into the numbers and discuss Tony Dokoupil publicly distancing himself from Bari Weiss. Then, Emily Sundberg’s interview with Mark Zuckerberg exposes the Meta billionaire’s preference to talk to dodge tough questions. Also, Tucker Carlson has not only broken from the Republican Party, but he also has some choice words for Donald Trump. Plus, Status makes its debut on the “Joe Rogan Experience,” which we highlight in our Media Moment of the Week. 0:00 Intro 1:11 CBS Mornings Hits Historic Low Ratings 11:02 Tony Dokoupil Distances Himself from Bari Weiss 15:29 Zuckerberg Hand Picks Softball Questions in Recent Interview 26:28 Tucker Carlson Calls Trump a “Bitch” 31:15 Media Moment of the Week Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CNN and CBS executives are beginning to compare notes as David Ellison's deal moves closer to reality, with senior leaders from both organizations holding integration meetings and weighing what a combined future could look like. Then, new reporting reveals what Jeff Bezos told Donald Trump behind closed doors about The Washington Post. Bezos reportedly described the paper as his worst investment and complained that its employees don't listen to him, raising fresh questions about his stewardship. Finally, conservative media figures are turning on Trump's Iran deal. From the Murdoch-owned Fox News and New York Post to Tucker Carlson, Ben Shapiro, and other prominent voices on the right, the backlash is raising questions about whether Trump's grip on conservative media is beginning to loosen. Plus, it's a new edition of Open Lines. Leave a question in the comments for a chance to be featured on next week's show! 0:00 Intro 1:22 CNN Presents to Bari Weiss and CBS News Ahead of Potential Merger 12:10 Kara Swisher Wants Out at CNN Before Ellison Takeover 18:40 Bezos Blasts WaPo Staff in Private Trump Meeting 30:11 MAGA Media Blasts Trump’s Iran Deal 43:47 Open Lines: Oliver and Jon Answer Your Questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode: Exclusive reporting on Bari Weiss, who has isolated herself within CBS News as David Ellison and network executives work to clean up her mess at “60 Minutes.” The crisis raises the question: How could she possibly run CNN after her mismanagement at CBS News? Then, the curious disappearance of CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale, who hasn't been seen on TV in more than three months. Oliver and Jon discuss why CNN may have benched one of its most popular on-air talents. Finally, Media Matters has been forced to cut staff in the face of a costly legal war from Elon Musk, who once called himself a “free speech absolutist.” What’s really behind the litigation? Plus your questions in the latest edition of Open Lines. Read these stories and more at Status: http://www.status.news Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code STATUS at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/status 0:00 Intro 1:29 Bari Weiss is MIA as Ellison Cleans Up Her Mess at 60 Minutes 30:32 Where is CNN’s Daniel Dale? 43:21 Media Matters Downsizes After Elon Musk Lawsuit 55:20 Open Lines: Oliver and Jon Answer Your Questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices