Can We Save The Media? Evan Shapiro and a New Fairness Doctrine
In this episode of the Media Roundtable, we’re blowing things up and getting back to our roots–talking with a giant making a ruckus on topics we care about deeply–the fragmentation and polarization of media and impacts on democracy.
Back on the host microphone is Oxford Road Founder & CEO Dan Granger, along with fellow Oxford Road luminary Neal Lucey. And joining us for the first time ever is special guest Evan Shapiro.
Evan is a Media Cartographer and CEO of ESHAP, with a most fascinating background. He’s an adjunct professor, Former EVP of NBCUniversal Media, the Former President of IFC (thanks for Portlandia, Evan!). His substack, Media War & Peace, is a must-read for Neal and more than 9,000 other subscribers. Together we’re talking about the decades-long decay of trust in news media post-Watergate, our social media echo chambers, and of course, we “follow the money”. Let’s dig in.
“I trusted what [the press] were telling me for the most part… and then social media comes along and says; ‘Not so fast democracy!’ and it really just pulls everybody into their corners to never emerge.”
Evan Shapiro, Media Cartographer, CEO of ESHAP
A New Fairness Doctrine ⚖️- While many of us look at the state of the media and shake our heads (70% of Americans distrusted the media in 2023, flipped from 70% trusting it in the 1970s). Evan looks to Reagan axing the Fairness Doctrine in 1987 and how that opened the door to the vitriol and polarization of our current mindscape.
What would a new Fairness Doctrine look like? What can brands do now to encourage good actors in the space? (A good step forward is our partner Seekr’s civility score.)
26 Words that Control Everything 🧑⚖️- Even if you’ve never heard of Section 230, it shapes everything you see on the internet. Basically, companies are not liable for anything ‘other’ people post on their sites. But since companies are still able to profit from misinformation (selling ads next to wildly engaging, manipulative content), the incentive structure is set against being great at moderating content.
Imagine how the social media landscape might change if Meta, Google, and others had their own version of a Dominion lawsuit?
“Community is Better than Audience” 🤝- How does podcast fit into the media landscape? Podcast is still so intimate and niche, there can be enormous trust with hosts, even though trust in media has declined overall.
If there’s an upside to the fragmentation of media, it’s that emerging voices and niches can reach an underserved audience, and build a community that wasn’t previously possible.
Dive in with us for a fiery, wide-reaching, deeply important discussion. No matter what, you won’t be able to look at media consumption the same, ever again.
Tune into the full episode by clicking the link below.