Show Notes
What does the turmoil at CBS News — and Scott Pelley's departure from 60 Minutes — reveal about the state of American journalism? SmartHER News founder Jenna Lee draws on her experience as a former national news anchor to examine the changes at CBS, including the Ellison family's influence, Skydance's acquisition of Paramount and Bari Weiss's appointment as editor-in-chief of CBS News. She also analyzes Scott Pelley's interview with The New York Times, the newsroom clashes behind his firing and what the controversy reveals about editorial power, celebrity culture and declining trust in the press. Jenna argues that journalism should serve the public — not position itself above it — and explains why audiences ultimately hold more power than anchors, executives or media companies. 00:00 CBS News Turmoil Explained 00:51 Why This Story Matters 01:46 Two Problems Facing American Journalism 03:31 Who Owns the News? 04:19 The Ellison Family and Paramount 07:11 Trump Lawsuit and Merger Scrutiny 08:25 Why 60 Minutes Matters 09:22 Bari Weiss Takes Over CBS News 11:53 Inside a Broadcast Newsroom 13:24 Scott Pelley's Firing 21:13 Scott Pelley Speaks Out 25:03 Journalism's Celebrity Culture 28:01 Pelley Clashes With His New Boss 31:26 The 60 Minutes Editorial Dispute 40:36 Does Democracy Depend on Journalism? 44:04 The Power of the Audience 46:15 Final Thoughts SmartHER News delivers clear, concise and nonpartisan reporting so you can stay informed without the overwhelm. Want more clear, nonpartisan reporting? Become a SmartHER Insider for our weekly editorial briefing, exclusive reporting, private conversations and an ad-free podcast feed. Join us at https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/
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What does justice look like—and who decides? Jenna and podcast host Mary Katharine Ham discuss Christa Pike's case in Tennessee and the broader questions it raises about the death penalty, including the time between sentencing and execution. They also reflect on three years since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, the changing Middle East and the words news organizations use to tell these stories. Along the way: the court of public opinion, a brief look at media coverage of the Cornell case, and how the information we receive shapes our understanding. Plus, parenting styles, a favorite hydration drink and making more time to read with our kids. Want to go beyond the headline? Become a SmartHER News Insider and join the conversation — with our private community, exclusive podcast feed and more. In this episode: 00:00 Welcome to SmartHER News 01:03 Real Life, Parenting & Consequences 04:34 What Does Justice Look Like? 07:01 Christa Pike & the Death Penalty 12:21 Fort Hood & the Execution Debate 14:45 The Eighth Amendment: Cruel & Unusual Punishment 16:29 Public Opinion, Cornell & Media Coverage 19:57 Three Years After Oct. 7 23:49 How the Media Describes Hamas 26:51 Israeli Politics & the Language of War 28:52 The Nova Exhibition & Remembering the Victims 32:01 Marco Rubio's Speech in Greece 35:24 Iran & the Ripple Effects Across the Middle East 37:08 Something SmartHER: Hydration 39:49 Less Scrolling, More Reading 43:11 Wrap-Up Show Notes: Jocko Fuel Hydrate (commissionable link)