Show overview
The Poynter Report Podcast has been publishing since 2024, and across the 2 years since has built a catalogue of 35 episodes. That works out to roughly 20 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence, with the show now in its 5th season.
Episodes typically run twenty to thirty-five minutes — most land between 30 min and 39 min — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language News show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 4 weeks ago, with 6 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2025, with 22 episodes published. Published by University of South Florida and The Poynter Institute.
From the publisher
You have questions about the media. We have answers. The Poynter Institute, the worldwide leader in supporting journalism, truth and democracy, opens the curtain for a deep look inside the media world. Join veteran journalist and media critic Tom Jones and his industry insider guests for 20 minutes every other week to feel informed and invested in the most relevant media news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest Episodes
View all 35 episodesA Poynter Report Exclusive: When AI Crosses the Line in Journalism
S5 Ep 5Reporting from Iran: Risks, Access, and the Realities of War Coverage
The Poynter Report features an interview with Frederik Pleitgen, Senior Correspondent for CNN International, who discusses the challenges of reporting in Iran during an ongoing conflict. He describes the difficulty of gaining access to restricted areas, working under surveillance, and reporting amid constant airstrikes, all while having limited internet access. Pleitgen also reflects on the human impact of war, sharing how civilians cope with fear and uncertainty, and how covering these events leaves a lasting emotional impact on journalists. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 Ep 4The Paramount Warner Bros. Discovery deal. What does it mean?
The Poynter Report welcomes media reporter Sara Fischer to discuss the key ramifications of the mega deal. Drawing on her work at Axios, Fischer explains the corporate drama involving Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix, and Paramount. She also addresses CNN's uncertain future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 Ep 3Reporting through a crisis in Minnesota
The Poynter Report welcomes Steve Grove, CEO and Publisher of the Minnesota Star Tribune, to discuss how his journalists covered the protests in Minneapolis. He reflects on the emotional toll of reporting on deeply personal community stories, the arrests of local journalists, and the growing fight against misinformation. Grove also highlights the dangers reporters faced and the paper’s mission to strengthen trust, accountability, and unity through local journalism during a time of crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 Ep 2More turmoil at the Washington Post
The Poynter Report welcomes back former Washington Post media reporter Paul Farhi as he breaks down the turmoil inside the paper. He discusses recent layoffs, lost trust of Jeff Bezos’ ownership, and political pressure on the paper. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 Ep 1Special Guest: NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas
The Poynter Report welcomes NBC's Tom Llamas to the podcast where he shares details on his rise to fame from a 15-year old intern to the anchor of NBC Nightly News. Also hear what a typical day is for Llamas and finally his views on the role of a network evening newscast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 Ep 7PolitiFact's 2025 Lie of the Year
For the 17th year, the country's most respected fact-checking website names the "Lie of the Year". PolitiFact's Editor-in-Chief, Katie Sanders, unveils the surprising choice in this exclusive episode of The Poynter Report. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 Ep 6Sports, Culture and Controversy with Sally Jenkins
Sally Jenkins, longtime Washington Post sports columnist now writing for The Atlantic, breaks down what’s happening across the sports world today. She talks about gambling controversies, locker room culture, baseball's resurgence and where the WNBA is headed next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 Ep 5The Future of Local News and America’s Growing News Deserts
Poynter journalist Kristen Hare discusses the state of local journalism. She breaks down the rise of news deserts and how shifts in ownership and technology are changing the future of community news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 Ep 4A New Boss at CBS and the Pentagon Press Restrictions
The media reporter at The Guardian, Jeremy Barr, breaks down the latest media topics. He discusses Bari Weiss’ move to CBS, MSNBC's rebrand and separation from NBCUniversal, and the Pentagon press restrictions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 Ep 3Exclusive Interview: Former Washington Post Columnist Karen Attiah
A ground breaking interview with former Washington Post columnist Karen Attiah. She discusses her recent firing following Charlie Kirk’s death. She reflects on the aftermath while raising urgent questions about the future for truth-telling journalists. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 Ep 2Special episode with a special guest: Chuck Todd
The former moderator of NBC's Meet the Press, joins The Poynter Podcast to discuss the future of journalism, the media and the country. He explains why he left NBC after 20 years. It's an interview you won't want to miss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 Ep 1The Poynter 50 Project: Gamergate
A fascinating look at how in 2014 an on-line argument about a video game had severe off-line repercussions and how "Gamergate" parallels what is happening today. Guest Alex Mahadevan also discusses how today's media still struggles to cover social media generated stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 Ep 7A big change for a top media critic
Former CNN media reporter Oliver Darcy recently said goodbye to his high profile job with the network and went out on his own to start a newsletter and podcast. Find out what was behind that bold decision on this edition of The Poynter Report podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 Ep 6The Demise of Late Night TV
CBS cancelling the Stephen Cobert show raises the question of whether it was required part of the Paramount sale to Skydance or is late night TV on the decline and this was a smart move. Poynter Managing Editor Ren LaForme joins the Poynter Report podcast to discuss this hotly debated topic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 Ep 5Christine Brennan on One of the Biggest Names in Sports
One of the top sports journalists in the world is Christine Brennan, the USA Today Sports Columnist. She shares her insights on her latest book on WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark and how she became a singular athlete who transcended their sport. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 Ep 4A Conversation with America's Writing Coach
Roy Peter Clark, through his teaching and books, has helped countless journalists and non-journalists alike become better writers. Known as "America's Writing Coach," Clark joins host Tom Jones to talk about his journey, and offers more lessons on what it takes to be a good writer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 Ep 3Is Your News Diet Healthy or Unhealthy?
Many people are complaining about being overwhelmed by the news. How can they cope while still being informed? Join this fascinating discussion with the Poynter's Ren LaForme and host Tom Jones on The Poynter Report. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 Ep 2AI: The Death of Journalism or Its Savior?
Should journalists be afraid of AI or embrace it? What will the newsroom of the future look like with AI? Will AI cost journalists their jobs or enhance their craft? This is a "must listen" for anyone in the media. The Director of MediaWise, and AI expert, Alex Mahadevan is the guest on the Poynter Report Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 Ep 1Is Press Freedom Dead?
What does the immediate future hold for the press during the Trump Administration? And how has the White House Press Corps changed? Has it gotten better? Poynter Institute Media Reporter Angela Fu provides some important insight on The Poynter Report Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.