On the Media
WNYC Studios
SummaryIn an era where the news cycle moves at breakneck speed, it is easy to lose sight of who is actually pulling the strings behind the headlines. On the Media serves as a vital compass for anyone trying to navigate the complex intersection of journalism, politics, and technology. Instead of merely repeating the latest talking points, hosts Brooke Gladstone and Micah Loewinger peel back the layers of our collective media diet, examining the structures and incentives that shape the stories we tell ourselves. Each episode acts as a deep-dive investigation into why information travels the way it does. You might find yourself exploring the precarious state of local journalism after a small-town police raid, questioning the ethical posturing of AI tech giants, or dissecting how global disinformation networks fuel real-world civil unrest. The show is particularly adept at connecting modern political theatre—like the framing of presidential blame or the weaponization of fringe culture—with its deeper historical roots. Whether they are interviewing historians about the myths surrounding America’s 250th anniversary or analyzing the rise of grassroots nationalist fiction in China, the program consistently prioritizes nuance over noise. By challenging the traditional gatekeepers and questioning the narratives pushed by those in power, On the Media provides the essential critical context needed to make sense of a world where truth often feels like a moving target.
Updated Jul 3, 2026
Episodes
A Tour Through the Epstein Files
A Newspaper Raid and a Small Town Whodunnit
Local police raided a small-town newspaper following a bitter feud over investigations into corruption and secrets.
The Rest Is History
British historians analyze the American Revolution as a British civil war and a far less pivotal event than claimed.
The Fantasy of America at 250
America at 250 faces a reckoning with the persistent racial tensions and historical contradictions haunting its origin.
Far Right Stars Are Bemoaning the Chaos They Created
Conservative influencers are bemoaning the extremist chaos they helped create in the MAGA movement.
J.D. Vance: Iran Deal Fall Guy
As the Trump administration secures a controversial deal with Iran, JD Vance is being cast as the political fall guy.
The Cat Ladies Haven't Forgotten
Tracing the history of the cat lady trope reveals centuries of misogyny used to police female autonomy and power.
The UK’s Violent Riots Were Stoked by Elon Musk and a Global Far-Right Network
Elon Musk is using his massive platform on X to amplify far-right networks that stoked violent anti-immigrant riots.
"Making China Great Again" One Web-Novel At A Time
Chinese internet users are reimagining their nation’s history through nationalist alt-history web novels.
How Anthropic Became Holier Than Thou
Anthropic markets itself as an ethical AI leader while aggressively pursuing massive valuations and military contracts.
I.C.E.'s "Wartime Recruitment" Campaign
ICE is leveraging edgy, meme-heavy social media propaganda and right-wing dog whistles to fuel a massive hiring surge.
Trump Sued Himself … and ‘Settled’ for a $1.8 Billion Fund
Trump created a 1.8 billion dollar slush fund for political allies by settling a lawsuit he filed against himself.
A Russian Phrasebook for Surviving Authoritarianism
Learn to spot authoritarian power grabs using a coded lexicon of Russian political terms adapted for life in America.
Episode 4 of American Emergency: The Movement to Kill FEMA
Internal turmoil, political power plays, and a campaign to dismantle FEMA threaten the agency’s disaster response.
Trump's Refugee Program Is Reserved for Whites Only
Trump’s refugee program targets white South Africans, fueling white nationalist tropes based on a debunked myth.
The Man With a Plan to Reshape Broadcast TV
Orson Welles and the Blind Soldier
The Social Media Addiction Trials Begin
An Internet Blackout Hides A Regime's Excesses
How the Justice Department Failed Epstein’s Victims
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