This week we’re bringing you the TikTok debate we wish we had from Congress. Featuring perspectives from V Spehar, host of TikTok’s Under the Desk News; Senator Mark Warner, lead sponsor of the RESTRICT Act; and Graham Webster, Chinese technology expert. Over three interviews, Jon and Max offer a smarter debate for and against banning TikTok.
Jan 17
The Enshittification of the Internet (with Cory Doctorow)
Journalist, blogger, and science fiction writer Cory Doctorow stops by the studio to talk to Jon about “enshittification,” his theory that explains how, sometime over the last decade, everything online became substantially worse. The two discuss how tech companies lure in, trap, ... Show More
1h 5m
Mar 2024
Are we really about to ban TikTok?
The Verge 's Nilay Patel, David Pierce, and Alex Cranz discuss the US House of Representatives passing a bill that could ban TikTok, the streaming news of the week, a Dyson robot, and more. Further reading: Lawmakers introduce bill that would punish app stores for hosting TikTok ... Show More
1h 39m
Apr 2024
The Secret Push That Could Ban TikTok
<p>American lawmakers have tried for years to ban TikTok, concerned that the video app’s links to China pose a national security risk.</p><p>Sapna Maheshwari, a technology reporter for The Times, explains the behind-the-scenes push to rein in TikTok and discusses what a ban could ... Show More
25m 35s
Jun 2024
Will the Debate Debacle Revive TV News?
Matt is joined by journalist, podcast host, and cofounder of Semafor, Ben Smith, to discuss how last night's dispiriting debate will affect CNN and the TV news landscape as we move towards the 2024 election. Will the debate revive CNN and give it the story it's been looking for? ... Show More
32m 25s
Mar 2024
Drum Tower: Tick tock for TikTok
On March 13th America’s House of Representatives passed a bill that could ban TikTok nationwide unless its Chinese owner, Bytedance, agrees to sell its stake.
Alice Su, The Economist’s senior China correspondent, and David Rennie, our Beijing bureau chief, look at China’s side o ... Show More
38m 28s
May 2023
A New Chief Twit, CNN Fallout, and Senator Mark Warner
Kara and Scott discuss Taylor Swift's economic impact, and why there are troubles at Disney Plus and Netflix. Meanwhile, over at Twitter: a new CEO, and a censorship controversy. Also, the Trump Town Hall stirs up internal politics at CNN. Our Friend of Pivot, Senator Mark Warner ... Show More
1h 22m
Sep 2023
Writers Strike Deal, Betting Against the FTC, and Guest Mathias Döpfner
Kara and Scott discuss the tentative deal between Hollywood writers and studios, and what it means for the future of the industry. They also talk about GOP attacks on misinformation researchers, as well as the hedge fund making billions betting against FTC Chair Lina Khan. Friend ... Show More
1h 13m