Views of the News: Recent Episodes
Amy Simons
Each week, KBIA brings you a roundtable discussion about the media. Host Amy Simons and regular panelists Kathy Kiely and Ernest Perry from the Missouri School of Journalism provide analysis, commentary and criticism.
The Pulitzer Prizes have been announced, honoring the best in journalism from the past year. Each of the honorees have one thing in common. What is it? Also, why the U.S. dropped 10 spots on Reporters Without Borders’ Press Freedom Index, Kim Godwin’s retirement from ABC News, and a special announcement you won’t want to miss. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
After nearly 20 years, Dan Rather made a return to CBS News this weekend, sitting down in conversation with reporter Lee Cowan. What did the former anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News have to say about his departure from the network and how he continues his work at the age of 92. Also, President Biden’s interview with Howard Stern and why the Federal Trade Commission bans noncompete clauses from employee contracts. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
Where’d the sun go?! Now that the 2024 eclipse has passed, we’ll talk about what made Monday’s phenomenon magical, and how that was reflected in the coverage. Also, Facebook’s apology to a Kansas publication, why a Colorado reporter was thrown out of a GOP event on public property and the crowning of the 2024 NCAA basketball champs. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
As digital news organizations shutter, many of their archives go dark. Sure, it costs to continue to host websites, but what’s lost when the websites are wiped entirely? Also, why journalists don’t identify juveniles charged with crimes, and two free speech cases go before the Supreme Court. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
The Kansas City Chiefs are once again the Super Bowl champs! We’ll talk about coverage of the big win, what kept the viewers tuned in – on two networks and online – and which commercials scored with audiences. Also, Tucker Carlson’s trip to Moscow and why people say they’re turning down free newspaper subscriptions. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
This week on Views of the News we’ll talk about a Boston Globe columnist who profiled a nurse with terminal cancer who sued to end her life. While reporting on the story, the columnist signed a document attesting to her mental clarity at the time of her request. Did he cross the line? Also, an investigation into prison labor from the Associated Press, how a tweet from the Children’s Television Workshop got America talking and preparing for the Super Bowl. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
The Kansas City Chiefs are returning to the Super Bowl for the fourth time in the last five years, but it seems the big story is whether Taylor Swift will make it to Las Vegas from Tokyo. We’ll talk about the hype for the Big Game. Also, remembering former U.S. Senator and Missouri first lady Jean Carnahan and Jon Stewart’s return to The Daily Show. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Monique Luisi and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
What’s next for Sports Illustrated? That’s the question after layoffs axed nearly the entire staff and management failed to pay a licensing fee to use the publication’s name. Is this the end for the publication? Also, movement in the creation of a federal shield law for journalists, covering the New Hampshire primaries, and why video captions matter. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Monique Luisi: Views of the News.
Peacock and the NFL scored a touchdown, moving the AFC Wild Card game to the subscription-only streaming service Saturday night. Did we just witness a change in the NFL’s strategy going into the future? Also, the propsed changes to the Missouri Sunshine Law, local ownership takes over the Baltimore Sun and Republican voters in Iowa make their choice. From the Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
Six students from the University of Missouri's Honors College participated in a 16-week tutorial under the direction of Missouri School of Journalism professor Amy Simons on media criticism during the Fall 2023 term. For their final project, the students produced and hosted their own special edition of KBIA-FM's program, "Views of the News."
Journalists around the globe remain under threat. This week, a journalist here in the U.S. is facing contempt charges if she doesn’t reveal sources from an investigation she did in 2017 and yet another Russian American journalist has drawn the ire of the Kremlin. We’ll talk about why. Also, Alex Jones’s return to X, formerly known as Twitter, Tucker Carlson’s new streaming network and what’s made Spotify’s Wrapped feature so popular. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
Liz Cheney’s new book, Oath and Honor, has sparked conversation around several doomsday scenarios, should Donald Trump regain the presidency. We’ll break down the coverage and it’s timing ahead primary voting just weeks away. Also, remembering Henry Kissinger and Sandra Day O’Connor, why a Harvard University professor claims she was fired for researching disinformation at Facebook and what’s next for the Marvel Universe. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
As the nation remembers former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, we look at her lasting legacy on journalism, journalists and how we report on mental health. Also, Sports Illustrated’s reaction to claims of AI use, how far is too far when visually reporting on gun violence, and the silencing of police scanners. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Jared Schroeder: Views of the News.
Should ESPN apologize? Sports radio hosts and commentators across the country are calling on ESPN to apologize for doctoring a three-year-old video interview done by another network and publishing it on their X, formerly known as Twitter. They said they didn’t mean to mislead, but did they go far enough in acknowledging their error? Also, President Biden’s executive order regulating artificial intelligence, another U.S. journalist jailed in Russia, and the release of “Killers of the Flower Moon.” From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
History is made – once again – in Washington, D.C. Tune in to hear the latest on the coverage of Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s removal from the House speakership and the election to replace him. Also, the suspension of the Marion, Kan. police chief; Evan Gershkovich’s mom describes her communication with her son, and why training opportunities for journalists are in peril. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
Travis Kelce apparently has a new biggest fan: Taylor Swift. Her appearance in a GEHA Field skybox alongside his mother Sunday afternoon made headlines nationwide. How did that take over the news cycle? Also, Rupert Murdoch steps down from Fox and News Corp; the WGA reaches a tentative deal, and the FCC signals a return to net neutrality. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Jared Schroeder and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
It’s a new era for NBC’s Meet the Press. How did Kristen Welker do in her debut? Was an interview with Donald Trump the right way to set the tone? Also, the founder of Rolling Stone is axed from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame board, and why Nickelback wants to talk about why everyone hates Nickelback. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Luke Capizzo and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
When is it appropriate for a journalist to shift from observer to participant? We’ve seen the likes of Anderson Cooper and Dr. Sanjay Gupta jump in when their special skills could help in life-or-death situations, but it is right? Is it journalistically ethical? Or does it not matter when we’re talking about showing our humanity? Also, why a collegiate paper in Florida turned down an advertisement for mail order abortion pills, the latest chapter in Maria Ressa’s fight for freedom, and how Barstool Sports has been skirting copyright laws on viral videos. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
The Treeline Music Festival won’t be happening later this month because organizers say it was too expensive to put on. What questions should reporters be asking as Columbia sees its first fall without the former Roots N Blues in nearly 20 years? Also, the next chapter in the Marion Record’s fight for press freedom; and when social media managers get too clever. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Nick Mathews: Views of the News.
MSNBC’s strategy seems to be paying off, as ratings show viewers are tuning in for its coverage of Donald Trump’s indictments. What’s working, and what’s leading others to turn off Fox News and CNN? Also, coverage of the Republican debate and why Fox News is apologizing for a story it wrote about a fallen Marine. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
MSNBC’s strategy seems to be paying off, as ratings show viewers are tuning in for its coverage of Donald Trump’s indictments. What’s working, and what’s leading others to turn off Fox News and CNN? Also, coverage of the Republican debate and why Fox News is apologizing for a story it wrote about a fallen Marine. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
A week after the Marion County Record had its equipment returned, the newspaper’s owner and many in its community disagree on what the role of a community newspaper should be. Also, what changes at the Open Society Foundation could mean for journalism in eastern Europe; X - formerly known as Twitter - kills off more tools useful to journalist, and Meta’s making moves toward releasing a Threads interface. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
Journalists in Uvalde, Texas are toiling in their reporting on the police response to the shooting at Robb Elementary School. Now it appears a loophole in the Texas law is making that work even harder. Also, coverage of the January 6 hearings, Rebel Wilson addresses controversy with an Australian newspaper, and the editorial control given to Major League Baseball owners. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Ron Kelley and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
The Columbia Daily Tribune’s parent company says it’s ‘calling an audible’ and holding off on next month’s planned reduction in print production while it analyzes data and subscriber feedback. Also, covering the deaths of two prominent local attorneys, the start of the January 6 hearings, and CNN’s move to break up with breaking news. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Damon Kiesow and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
Is it time for newspapers to stop filling print pages with national and international news and keep it local? Also the death of CNN+. From the Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
A bill before the Missouri House of Representatives stands to limit access to public information under the state’s Sunshine Law. What’s under consideration? Also, Elon Musk’s bid to buy Twitter and a new boss at the New York Times. From the Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
Is it time for journalists to get off Twitter? One of the nation’s leading newspapers has made a presence on the social platform optional. We’ll talk about why, and what effects this could have on the quality of reporting and the safety of reporters. Also, Warner Bros. Discovery’s takeover of CNN and HBO, the collapse of Black News Channel and the USA Today’s innovative use of comic journalism. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
As we move into the fourth week of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the journalism community mourns two of its own, killed while covering the conflict. Also, insiders describe what it was like to work for Russian state media, coverage of Chuck Erickson’s pending parole and reaction to Tom Brady’s return to the NFL. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has cracked down on journalists, threatening up to 15 years imprisonment for the reporting of ‘false information.’ What effect is this having on reporting of that nation’s invasion of Ukraine. Also, The Atlantic’s 12,000-word profile of the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince, and how a journalist’s identity as a storyteller could be eroding our credibility with the public. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
All eyes are on Ukraine nearly a week after Russian forces invaded the country. This week, we look at the work reporters are doing on the ground, the effects of social media and limiting the spread of disinformation from Russian state media. Also, President Biden’s first State of the Union address and the new boss at CNN. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
Former President Trump said it’s time for Joe Rogan to stop apologizing for the Spotify controversies. After nearly two weeks, the streaming service stands by the conservative podcaster and their exclusive distribution agreement. We’ll talk about why. Also, Jeff Zucker’s ouster from CNN, coverage of the Olympics and why we can’t stop playing Wordle. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Ron Kelley and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
Journalists across the country are calling for safer work conditions after a car struck a West Virginia television reporter during a live report. Also, a Columbia radio legend says it’s time to retire and it seems the nation caught Chiefs fever during 13 seconds of football Sunday night. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
Fox News personalities texting Trump’s chief of staff during the Jan. 6 riots. Chris Cuomo interfering in reporting on his brother, the then-governor of New York. Don Lemon texting actor Jussie Smollett about the police investigation into hate crime he’s since been convicted of falsely reporting. How did cable news lose its way? Can new faces and new formats bring it back? Or, is it time to pull the plug? Also, covering deadly tornadoes across the Midwest and Time Magazine names its Person of the Year. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Ron Kelley: Views of the News.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, the celebrity physician and talk show host, launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat in Pennsylvania. Look carefully and his campaign materials might look oddly reminiscent to something you’ve seen before. Also, court documents bring statements from CNN’s Chris Cuomo into question, could the owners of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch find themselves in a hostile takeover and a Missouri man is released from prison after 43 years, thanks in part to the work of some Kansas City journalists. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Ron Kelley: Views of the News
Journalist Danny Fenester is back in the U.S. just days after a judge in Myanmar sentenced him to 11 years in prison. What led to his release, and what’s the situation like for other journalists in that country? Also, why Pope Francis is thanking journalists, localizing a global climate change summit and Taylor Swift’s grab for what is hers. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
Green Bay Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers lied to fans and the public about his COVID-19 immunization status, a fact we know now that he’s contracted the virus. What effect are his actions having on the spread of disinformation? Also, why Kansas legislative staffers altered a recording of a state senate hearing, and how Georgia journalism students helped save a regional newspaper. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
A few days after Gov. Mike Parson accused a St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter of hacking a state website, hundreds of Sinclair Broadcast Group television stations fell victim to a ransomware attack. One of these was a cyberattack, one was reporting. We’ll distinguish between the two. And, is the other shoe about to drop on Facebook? We’ll talk about how the company’s communications team is responding to another set of leaked documents. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
Is it cancel culture or accountability? In the same week Jon Gruder steps down as the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach, Dave Chappelle’s newest Netflix special is called out for transphobic jokes, and Rolling Stone publishes a profile of Eric Clapton detailing racist rants and support of for anti-vaccine, anti-science groups. Also, the Nobel Peace Prize goes to two journalists fighting for free expression and a Reuters investigation shows AT&T is a major funder of far right-wing One America News Network. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Monique Luisi and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
A former Facebook employee leaked documents she says proves the company hid research showing teenagers felt worse after using its products and that it intentionally set algorithms to hook users by prioritizing hateful content. Will her testimony before a Senate committee spark regulation? Also, Ozy Media’s “Lazarus moment” and Pat Robertson’s retirement from ‘The 700 Club’ and Christian Broadcasting Network. From the Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
More than 20 years after the first stories about R. Kelly’s sexual activities with teenage girls, a federal jury in New York convicted him of sex trafficking and racketeering. This week on Views of the News, a look back on two decades of investigative reporting in that case. Also, the harm created by the over-coverage of missing white women, and when live t.v. doesn’t go as planned. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Ron Kelley: Views of the News.
Rep. Chuck Basye has called for the resignation of the Columbia Public Schools Superintendent Brian Yearwood over an assignment given to history students at Hickman High School. Is academic freedom at stake? Should this political power play rise to the level of front page news? Also, why young people are more skeptical of the news media and what producers of the HBO documentary ‘The Jinx’ have to say about the guilty verdict returned against Robert Durst. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
Covering Hurricane Ida: who did it well, who made some missteps, and how reporters – again – became the story. Also, Lester Holt’s exclusive interview with Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd, why the Kansas City Star is suing Overland Park, Kan., and remembering Ed Asner From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
The FDA has approved the Pfizer vaccine use for people over the age of 16, without the emergency use authorization. How will this affect the vaccine rates among the vaccine hesitant, and how might it affect vaccine requirements in the public and private sectors? And, why are some outlets pushing alternative treatments not approved for human use at all? Also, an update on evacuating journalists from Afghanistan, changes to the Sunday editions of the Kansas City Star and journalism’s role in finding the next host of Jeopardy! From the Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
The news coming out of Afghanistan is grimmer by the day. What is the U.S. government doing to bring home journalists safely? What’s ahead for those who can’t leave that country? Also, CNN’s Chris Cuomo breaks his silence on his brother’s resignation as New York’s governor, the co-founder of Snopes is suspended, and reaction to the new hosts of ‘Jeopardy!’ From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
As the COVID-19 delta variant rips through Missouri and Arkansas, the Biden administration and Facebook trade barbs over who is to blame for low vaccination rates. Also, using spyware to hack journalists’ phones, information blackouts in Cuba, and the ethics of using a deep fake to bring Anthony Bourdain’s words to life. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
As the COVID-19 delta variant rips through Missouri and Arkansas, the Biden administration and Facebook trade barbs over who is to blame for low vaccination rates. Also, using spyware to hack journalists’ phones, information blackouts in Cuba, and the ethics of using a deep fake to bring Anthony Bourdain’s words to life.
The Mississippi River Basin Ag and Water Desk promises a fresh approach to covering agriculture, water and climate issues across more than 20 states. We’ll talk about what makes this innovative partnership unique, and how it will serve local communities. Also, the latest chapter in the space race, getting ready for the Olympic games, and consumer choice drives this year’s summer blockbuster hits. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Ron Kelley: Views of the News.
The Mississippi River Basin Ag and Water Desk promises a fresh approach to covering agriculture, water and climate issues across more than 20 states. We’ll talk about what makes this innovative partnership unique, and how it will serve local communities. Also, the latest chapter in the space race, getting ready for the Olympic games, and consumer choice drives this year’s summer blockbuster hits. From the Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Ron Kelley: Views of the News.
Acclaimed #journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones has accepted a faculty position at Howard University as the School’s inaugural Knight Chair in Race and Journalism. Also, mixed reaction to Bill Cosby’s release from prison and prosecuting those who attacked journalists during the January 6 Capitol riot. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
A newspaper trade association has come out against a proposed ban on menthol cigarettes in Washington, D.C. What’s the connection between the National Newspaper Publishers Association, law enforcement and Big Tobacco? Also, UNC-Chapel Hill’s Board of Trustees grants tenure to Nikole Hannah-Jones, covering the building collapse in suburban Miami, and landmark decisions from the U.S. Supreme Court. From the Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News.
What was the real cause of the COVID-19 pandemic? Were journalists too quick to dismiss the ‘lab leak’ theory? We’ll look at why several leading publications are revisiting their reporting from a year ago and giving what some once called a conspiracy theory another look.