Podcast

Social Media Now the Tail That Wags the Dog ft. Michael Rancic (Podcast)

News distribution relies on channels controlled by oligarchs

This week on The North State, I spoke to arts and culture journalist, author and co-founder of New Feeling Michael Rancic about the nuances and grim realities of social media becoming the dominant form of news delivery. RSS feed here. Apple Podcasts link here.

Description

The Reuters Institute's 2026 Digital News Report found that social media and video channels finally overtook official news sites and channels for how people get their news in the digital space. After many disastrous "pivot-to-video" moments in recent media history, social platforms require a TikTok-esque vertical video for journalists to spread their work. How does this shape news? Is it ethical to remain on platforms that openly push far-right fascist ideas? What role does advertising play? Arts and culture journalist, co-founder of New Feeling and author of Michael Rancic joins Scott to discuss these nuances and what needs to be considered in the conversation around use of social media platforms.

Check out A Nation of Tinkerers: A History of Electronic Music in Canada from 1945 to 1985

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