Power Lines with Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino

On this week’s Power Lines: Trump's A.G. Pam Bondi is facing a revolt from MAGA Media stars after her disastrous congressional hearing on the Epstein Files, prompting a flurry of voices to slam the spectacle and call on her to resign. At Bari Weiss' revamped "CBS Evening News," a quarter of the staff is taking a buyout, including one producer who said they were pressured to “self-censor.” But Oliver and Jon have learned even bigger cuts are on the horizon amid Weiss’ MAGA-friendly changes to the outlet. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is escalating pressure on Tim Cook, accusing Apple of news bias for ignoring shoddy right-wing media outlets. And TV newsrooms are on edge after the abduction of Savannah Guthrie's mom—how networks are increasing security for top stars. Read the full stories and more at ⁠https://www.status.news/⁠ Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: ⁠https://www.beehiiv.com/status⁠ Get 15% off OneSkin with the code [STATUS] at  https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #ad 00:00 Intro 00:51 Pam Bondi's Epstein Testimony 09:53 Weiss' CBS News Staff Exodus 24:13 Apple News Accused of Bias 31:09 Savannah Guthrie's Mother's Disappearance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Bezos leaves The Washington Post to twist in the wind, slashing a third of the storied newsroom while ignoring pleas from his staffers—all while currying favor with the Trump administration. Bari Weiss moves to keep newly minted wellness contributor Peter Attia on the CBS News payroll, even as DOJ-released documents expose his cozy ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Plus, Ted Sarandos is dragged into the MAGA culture wars on Capitol Hill, and Donald Trump unleashes a blatantly sexist attack on Kaitlan Collins for allegedly “not smiling” enough. Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Go to cozyearth.com and enter code STATUSBOGO for a buy one get one pajama deal. Deal ends February 8th! 00:00 Intro 01:05 Massive Layoffs at the Washington Post 04:56 Bezos's Priorities: Blue Origin Over Journalism 17:20 CBS News Peter Attia and the Epstein Files 31:43 Josh Hawley Grills Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos 35:31 Ted Cruz's Antics at the Hearing 44:14 Trump's Attack on Kaitlan Collins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s Power Lines: Bari Weiss kicked off her first all-hands meeting at CBS News, trying to sell her new vision to skeptical journalists—but instead found herself grilled by staffers as she announced a slate of eyebrow-raising contributors. Next, at The Washington Post, morale is collapsing as deep newsroom cuts loom. But owner Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are jetting off to Haute Couture Week, seemingly unconcerned with employee pleas for help. Then, Rupert Murdoch’s media empire abruptly changed its tune on Trump's ICE operation in Minneapolis following the killing of Alex Pretti, even as MAGA influencers Benny Johnson and Megyn Kelly pushed lies and smears about Pretti. Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that  powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status at CBS Town Hall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s Power Lines: Embattled CBS News boss Bari Weiss badmouthed her own staff to reporters after holding up a “60 Minutes” segment on Trump deportees, suggesting the struggling new chief has much to learn. Plus, new “CBS Evening News” anchor Tony Dokoupil’s abysmal ratings continue as the network’s sudden right-turn alienates audiences. Then, CNN’s pro-MAGA contributor Scott Jennings is slammed by network guests over his warped relationship with the truth as he aligns himself with Donald Trump. Speaking of distortion realities, the biggest stars on Fox News and across the MAGAverse are suddenly all-in on the idea of the U.S. taking over Greenland in lockstep with Trump. And finally, Status’ Brian Lowry joins the show to break down the biggest surprises and snubs of the 2026 Oscar nominations. 00:00 Intro 00:55 CBS News Ratings Drop for Weiss & Dokoupil 01:31 Behind the Scenes Drama at 60 Minutes 06:02 Bari Weiss's Management Style 16:48 Scott Jennings Under Fire at CNN 26:48 Fox News Defends Trump's Greenland Gambit 32:27 Unpacking Oscar Nominations 34:53 Sinners: The Movie of the Year? 36:19 Best Picture Nominees 37:13 Surprising Oscar Snubs 41:49 Oscar Predictions and Dark Horses Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Dokoupil gets steamrolled in an interview with Donald Trump as his “CBS Evening News” grapples with poor ratings, suggesting Bari Weiss’ MAGA-ification of the network might be backfiring. Then, Joe Rogan breaks with Trump over ICE, comparing the agency to “the Gestapo,” while Laura Ingraham goes another route and works to convince Fox News viewers that an “insurgency” is unfolding in Minnesota. Finally, FBI agents carry out an alarming raid on the home of a Washington Post journalist — and Jeff Bezos says absolutely nothing in defense of his newsroom, angering staffers. Thank you to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Get 15% off OneSkin with the code [STATUS] at  https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #ad 00:00 Intro 01:01 Tony Dokoupil's Ratings Struggles 08:42 CBS Evening News' Interview with Trump 18:12 Joe Rogan's Critique of ICE 23:28 Fox News' Support for ICE and Demonization of Protesters 29:28 DOJ's Raid on Washington Post Reporter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s Power Lines: Tony Dokoupil’s debut as anchor of the “CBS Evening News” has been disastrous, full of embarrassing flubs, cringeworthy social media post, and appalling right-wing flattery. Oliver and Jon unpack Dokoupil’s “both sides” approach to January 6, his on-air salute to Marco Rubio, and CBS News broader attempt to court an entirely new audience. Then, MAGA Media trips over itself smearing the victim of an ICE shooting while blindly parroting the government’s talking points. We also discuss how Fox News has been cheering Trump’s threats toward Venezuela—so much so that even Megyn Kelly voiced her disgust. Plus, Elon Musk’s Grok goes fully off the rails, undressing women and children while Apple and Google stay quiet. The bot has also accused Oliver of being the most prevalent purveyor of misinformation on the internet. Finally, Dan Bongino is back in his comfort zone, kicking off his post-FBI life by viciously attacking Matt Gaetz. Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status 00:00 Intro 01:04 CBS Evening News Chaos 21:12 MAGA Media Smears ICE Shooting Victim 28:15 Fox News Cheers Maduro Seizure 31:01 Megyn Kelly Pushes Back on Venezuela Operation 39:02 Elon Musk's Grok Controversy 46:40 Dan Bongino's Return Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy New Year! On the first episode of Power Lines in 2026 Oliver and Jon drop their top five predictions for what will take place this year, across Hollywood, Media, and Big Tech. 0:00 Intro 1:26 Looming Hollywood Shake-Ups 19:02 The Future of News Media 41:23 What's Next for A.I.? Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the clock counts down to the end of a dizzying and tumultuous year, Oliver and Jon take a look at the five biggest and most impactful media stories from the year that was 2025. 00:00 Intro 01:00 Legacy Media Talent Exodus and Layoffs 11:09 MAGA Media Civil War 21:08 The Bidding War for Warner Brothers Discovery 24:28 AI's Growing Influence in Media and Entertainment 32:19 Tech and Media Giants Bow to Trump Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s Power Lines: A Vanity Fair bombshell revealed chief of staff Susie Wiles privately torching Donald Trump and his cabinet alongside unflattering photos of the White House staff. Oliver and Jon unpack why Wiles went on the record and what it actually shows about Trump’s team. Then, Fox News and the MAGA Media ecosystem openly break with Trump after his shocking post blaming the murder of Rob Reiner and his wife on “TDS.” Plus, why Warner Bros. is rejecting Paramount again, Ted Cruz confronts Brendan Carr, and Bari Weiss’ much-hyped town hall with Erika Kirk falls flat. 00:00 Intro 00:51 Vanity Fair's White House Profile 09:32 The Controversial Photo Spread 14:56 Trump Faces Backlash Over Rob Reiner Comments 24:21 Bari Weiss' Erika Kirk Town Hall Ratings Disaster 31:47 Warner Brothers Discovery Takeover Battle 36:15 Ted Cruz's Comments on FCC Head Brendan Carr Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Get 15% off OneSkin with the code [STATUS] at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump brazenly inserts himself into the looming Warner Bros. Discovery sale, demanding that CNN be sold and calling the global news network's coverage "poison" and a "disgrace." Jon and Oliver discuss the inappropriate weaponization of government and the disturbing silence from David Ellison and Paramount, who are now reportedly tapping into Saudi and Qatari funding to bolster their bid. Then, the focus shifts to CBS News: Bari Weiss' controversial primetime interview with Erika Kirk is dissected, highlighting the "Fox News-ification" of CBS. This follows an outrageous attack from Tucker Carlson, who questioned Weiss's appointment as the network's chief, dismissing her as someone who "shouldn't be more than a secretary." Plus: Politico's "Softball" Interview: The controversy around Dasha Burns' interview with Donald Trump, where she failed to challenge his repeated claims that the election was "rigged." Tim Pool's Financial Meltdown: Far-right podcaster Tim Pool suggests his show is on the brink after his alleged Russian funding seems to have dried up. Golden Globe Snubs: Ben Shapiro's massive, expensive campaign for "Best Podcast" ends in total defeat as he is shut out of the nominations. 00:00 Intro 00:58 Trump's Involvement in Warner Bros. Discovery Sale 05:01 Business Leaders Bowing to Trump 11:58 Paramount's Bid and Middle Eastern Funds 13:01 Democrats' Concerns and Potential Investigations 14:30 Bidding War and Regulatory Hurdles 17:44 Bari Weiss Interviews Erica Kirk 26:55 Tucker Carlson Criticizes Bari Weiss 31:45 Politico's Softball Interview with Trump 37:36 Tim Poole's Podcast Struggles 41:24 Golden Globe Nominations and Snubs Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Power Lines, Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino break down Olivia Nuzzi’s first public comments since her scandal—an emotional, but evasive interview with Tim Miller. What’s the real plan for her future at Vanity Fair? Then, a closer look at how MAGA Media is defending Pete Hegseth, whose boat bombings are being widely described as potential war crimes. First came a surreal softball interview with Katie Miller, then a grotesque, unhinged response from whatever remains of Megyn Kelly’s public persona. Plus: Sabrina Carpenter calls out the White House for using her music in a deportation video David Ellison reportedly taps Saudi money to bolster his bid for Warner Bros. Discovery Dan Bongino melts down on X (again) 00:00 Intro 04:03 Olivia Nuzzi's Controversial Memoir 21:35 A Pentagon "Press Briefing" 28:53 Snowflake Pete and War Crimes Allegations 34:19 Megyn Kelly's Disturbing Comments 43:47 Ellison Gets Help from Saudi Arabia for WBD Bid? 47:09 Sabrina Carpenter's ICE Rebuke 49:49 Dan Bonino's Social Media Meltdown 54:31 Outro Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, who powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Power Lines: Both Sides Bari: Bari Weiss outlined her groundbreaking vision to "redraw the lines" of acceptable debate by elevating voices like Alan Dershowitz and Dana Loesch, while sidelining “extremists" like Tucker Carlson and Hasan Piker. Oliver and Jon criticize this "both-sides-ism" approach—and point out that in the Trump-era, iit often requires platforming individuals willing to distort facts. They also address the bizarre reaction piece on the topic, from Mediaite, aimed at Oliver. Fox News Hosts Exposed: New documents from the Smartmatic lawsuit reveal explosive private communications from top Fox News figures, many of whom chose ratings over facts due to fear of losing ground to Newsmax and OAN during the 2020 election. Olivia Nuzzi's Scandal Heats Up Vanity Fair: The fallout continues for Vanity Fair's West Coast Editor, Olivia Nuzzi. The magazine's choice to publish a nude portrait of her was an odd one. Now Global Editorial Director Mark Guiducci is under pressure as Vanity Fair examines its relationship with Nuzzi moving forward. Trump Forces “Rush Hour 4”: Donald Trump personally intervened to push Paramount's David Ellison into producing a new “Rush Hour” film, likely due to ties with disgraced director Brett Ratner. Plus, the strange irony of Trump propping up the career of a star (Jackie Chan) who has publicly pledged allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party. Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving. We’ll see you next week. Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, who powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Get 15% off OneSkin with the code [STATUS] at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former star political reporter Olivia Nuzzi is back in the spotlight after her ex-fiancé, Ryan Lizza, alleged that she had a second romantic relationship with a subject she was reporting on. Oliver and Jon are joined by Status’ own Natalie Korach to break down the ethical fallout and how her new employer Condé Nast is responding. Then: Donald Trump attacks an ABC News reporter while defending his “friend,” Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, during an Oval Office appearance. Saudi money and influence seem to be everywhere right now, evidenced by the long list of attendees at the MBS state dinner. Among them was David Ellison, who has spoken to Middle Eastern funds as he makes a bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. Oliver and Jon dig into the speculation and outline the grim reality facing CNN, no matter who ultimately ends up in charge of WBD. Plus: Ben Shapiro’s Golden Globes hypocrisy, and Fox News’ embarrassing attempt to spin the Epstein files into a non-story—or at least a story that somehow has nothing to do with Donald Trump. We’ll see you next week. Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, who powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Get 15% off OneSkin with the code [STATUS] at  https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Power Lines: Newly uncovered Epstein emails reveal troubling ties between Jeffrey Epstein, Michael Wolff, and Donald Trump. Why was Wolff giving Epstein so much advice? Trump threatens to sue the BBC over an edit in a months-old documentary. Why now? Was it misleading—or just convenient timing? Plus: South Park’s unhinged Trump-Vance sex scene, Sydney Sweeney’s lackluster response to her “Jeans/Genes” ad, and Tucker Carlson goes full-Alex Jones with chemtrail conspiracy theories. We’ll see you next week. 00:00 Intro 01:05 Epstein Emails and Fox News' Reaction 09:55 Michael Wolff's Messages with Epstein 18:17 BBC's Leadership Crisis 31:23 South Park Went There 36:51 Tucker Carlson's Chemtrails Conspiracy 44:16 Sydney Sweeney's Box Office Bomb 46:03 Sweeney's Lackluster Jeans Ad Response Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s Power Lines Podcast: Zohran Mamdani wins New York’s mayoral race: Oliver and Jon break down the reactions, from the predictable outrage on Fox News to the surprising pushback from CNN, and what his rise means for the Democratic establishment as right-wing media gears up to weaponize his every move. The MAGA civil war heats up: Ben Shapiro publicly torches Tucker Carlson for platforming white nationalist Nick Fuentes and Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts got caught in the crossfire, after his awkward defense of Tucker and the claim he “didn’t know” who Fuentes was. Plus: Jon Stewart returns to Comedy Central, Marjorie Taylor Greene might be (sort of) maturing, and Netflix doubles down on podcasting. We’ll see you next week. Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s Power Lines Podcast: Tucker Carlson has suddenly ended his feud and embraced Holocaust-denying white supremacist Nick Fuentes. Why is he leaning further into extremist voices? Oliver and Jon break down the fallout from Comcast helping to fund the White House ballroom — and what that says about media power and influence. Plus: what the Paramount layoffs reveal about Ellison’s plans for news personalities, CNN head Mark Thompson dodging Bari Weiss questions, Zohran winning over Andrew Schulz, and Elon Musk’s “Grokipedia” — a fact-twisting clone of Wikipedia built in bad faith and fueled by an alternate reality. Have a Happy Halloween! We’ll see you next week. 00:00 Intro 03:15 Tucker Carlson Hosts Nick Fuentes 08:38 Mainstream Media's Challenge with Extremism 19:57 Comcast's Controversial Donation to Trump 29:46 Paramount Layoffs and CBS News Cuts 32:54 Oracle's AI Investments and Media Cuts 34:41 CBS News Restructuring and Political Shifts 37:44 CNN's New Streaming Service and Bari Weiss 46:29 New York Mayor's Race Media Strategy 56:10 Elon Musk's Wikipedia Alternative, Grokipedia Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, who powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Get 15% off OneSkin with the code [STATUS] at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s Power Lines Podcast: Oliver and Jon break down why all roads lead to David Ellison's WBD takeover and the serious implications it would have for CNN. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt goes viral with a shocking text message response to a reporter. Oliver and Jon dig into the pay-to-play operation behind the Golden Globes' new podcast award. Fox News is losing it over Zohran Mamdani And finally, Oliver and Jon analyze the concrete numbers behind the massive Disney/Kimmel backlash. Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, who powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Get 15% off OneSkin with the code [STATUS] at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #ad 00:00 Intro 00:37 Warner Brothers Discovery's Struggles 02:34 David Ellison's Takeover Bid 06:38 The Media Landscape Shake-Up 08:25 Potential WBD Buyers and Implications 25:54 Karoline Leavitt's Controversial Texts with Reporter 33:30 Far-Right Influencers Replace Pentagon Correspondents 36:03 Golden Globes' New Podcast Category 44:08 Fox News' Obsession with Zohran Momani 50:27 Disney's Backlash Over Jimmy Kimmel Suspension Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Power Lines podcast: Pentagon reporters walked out after Pete Hegseth’s team demanded they sign a loyalty pledge—effectively banning the press from one of the most powerful buildings in the world. Oliver and Jon take you inside the standoff, breaking down what led to the walkout and what it means for press freedom. Then, NBC lays off 150 staffers, gutting its diversity reporting teams as MSNBC and CNBC spin off into a new company. What do the cuts signal about the future of network news and corporate fear of government retaliation over DEI? Finally, the Manosphere fractures. Joe Rogan, Tim Dillon, Theo Von, Andrew Schulz and more are blasting Trump’s ICE raids as cruel. Are the podcasters who helped Trump win the election turning on the right? Plus, Trump melts down over his new Time cover, Zohran Mamdani speaks directly to Trump during his Fox News appearance ahead of the NYC mayoral debate, and Olivia Nuzzi reemerges at Vanity Fair with a new book and renewed controversy over her relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Power Lines is the official podcast of Status, where veteran journalists Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino break down their exclusive reporting and deliver sharp, uncompromising analysis on how information moves and shapes society. From the Fourth Estate to Silicon Valley to Hollywood, they scrutinize the powerful institutions driving narratives, shaping perception, and steering the culture. __________________________________________________________________________________________ Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, who powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Get 15% off OneSkin with the code [STATUS] at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s Power Lines, Oliver and Jon discuss: Bari Weiss at CBS News: Does her both-sides-ism and "Lets fucking do the news" war cry signal a major shift, or is it just corporate noise? We analyze what her new EIC role signals to the Trump administration and debate how hands-on she'll actually be. Pete Hegseth's New Press Rules: We detail the Pentagon’s new restrictions, question how the former Fox News personality would have reacted if they were imposed by a different administration, and explain why restricting access won't stop great journalism. Riyadh Comedy Festival Blowback: Top comedians, including Dave Chappelle, are facing heavy criticism for performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival. Now some are justifying it by saying they did it for the Saudi people. Does performing at the request of an oppressive government truly help the citizens of Saudi Arabia? That’s all for now, have a great weekend. We’ll see you next week. 0:00 Bari Weiss is officially EIC at CBS News 3:02 Bari's "Both Sides" Claim 6:10 What does this hire signal to the Trump Administration? 9:35 How will the CBS News staff react? 12:06 Running The Free Press vs Running CBS News 16:37 Will Bari Weiss actually be running the show? 21:26 Is Bari Weiss in for a rude awakening? 26:40 Pete Hegseth's "safe space" 30:46 Oliver lays out new Pentagon press rules 32:50 Government approved narratives only 34:54 Journalists don't need to be at the Pentagon to do their work 36:16 Trump not on board with what's happening at Pentagon 40:26 Riyadh Comedy Festival comedians react to backlash 43:05 Chappelle's outrageous free speech claims 44:10 Aziz Ansari's argument for participating 47:48 How long will backlash last? 50:06 Comics linked arms with the government oppressing the Saudi people 51:13 A suggestion for Dave Chappelle Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, who powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Get 15% off OneSkin with the code [STATUS] at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Power Lines. This week, Oliver welcome’s Status’ new media correspondent Natalie Korach!  Oliver and Natalie kick things off covering the relentless attacks on the free press, Oliver’s role in a Senate "spotlight hearing" on threats to journalism, the chilling effect of pressure applied by Brendan Carr and Pete Hegseth, and the alarming, unprovoked assaults on reporters by masked ICE agents. Next, the controversy surrounding the Riyadh Comedy Festival, where A-list comedians like Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, and Bill Burr are taking huge paychecks despite Saudi Arabia's atrocious human rights record and restrictions on free expression. Finally, Oliver and Natalie break down the misleading messaging from MAGA media outlets like Fox News on the government shutdown, and the disturbing celebration of potential mass firings of federal workers. Have a great weekend, we’ll see you next week. 00:00 Welcome Natalie Korach! 01:39 Oliver Goes to Washington 06:17 Pentagon Press Restrictions 12:50 ICE and Press Freedom Concerns 20:55 Riyadh Comedy Festival Controversy 33:21 MAGA Media's Spin on the Government Shutdown Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, who powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Get 15% off OneSkin with the code [STATUS] at  https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices