Google’s “Assistance” Is Killing Journalism
California had a shot at making Big Tech pay for its stranglehold on local news — but instead it caved to industry pressure and strengthened tech firms’ grip.
Media
YOU LOVE TO SEE IT: Press Freedom Gets WikiLeaked
Plus, scam victims get their money back, disabled people won’t have to work nonexistent jobs, a Native American reservation breaks new ground, and California gets beaver fever.
The World After Billionaire Media
David Sirota and Semafor’s Ben Smith dig into the journalism crisis and find signs of hope.
Larry Fink’s Big Climate Lie
Coverage of the BlackRock CEO offers an object lesson in how not to report on greenwashing.
LEVER TIME: How Big Oil Buys The News
David Sirota speaks with climate journalist Amy Westervelt about how the fossil fuel industry launders their image through the use of sponsored ‘advertorials.’
Trump Wants The End Of The World As We Know It, And Corporate Media Feels Fine
Trump’s brazen climate denialism is being ignored or downplayed — have news outlets given up on even pretending they care about climate chaos?
YOU LOVE TO SEE IT: A Hollywood Ending
Plus, voters come for the mansions, Uber and Lyft pay up, Portland teachers strike, and New York City drafts a new bill of rights.
The TV War Machine
Cable news networks are relying on defense industry consultants to explain Israel’s war in Gaza.
New At 6:30: Anti-Union Propaganda
NBC Nightly News’ coverage of the potential auto worker strike centers consumerism over human welfare — and fails to disclose its potential conflict of interest.
Senate Bill Would Stop Tax Deduction For Fox’s Defamation Settlement
New legislation from Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse would end a tax writeoff for defamation settlements, following The Lever’s reporting.