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George Washington University
Director of the School of Media and Public Affairs at the George Washington University, creator and host of Planet Forward; former Washington, DC Bureau Chief for CNN
PROFILE
Frank Sesno
Guest
FROM Frank Sesno
To the Point
Wonks or shills: Who are we listening to on cable news? Paid political commentators are also partisans and even campaign operatives -- at the same time. Is there a conflict? Photo by Tim Pierce Partisan aides from the political past, failed candidates -- even staffers in current campaigns -- are on the payrolls of cable news networks. CNN recently cut ties with long-time commentator Donna Brazile , who's also the interim chair of the Democratic National Committee. Frank Sesno, Director of the School of Media at George Washington University, is a former White House correspondent and anchor for that same cable news network,CNN.
To the Point
All Trump All the Time Broadcast and cable networks are breaking the rules for news coverage of a presidential campaign. No other candidate could just call on the phone and get on the air to hold forth before details of the terror attacks in Belgium had been reported. Donald Trump has received almost $2 billion worth of free media coverage, building audience share and driving ad revenue through the roof. No presidential candidate has received so much free time as the former reality star – and he is almost never called to account. Broadcast executives are unapologetic about the advantage it gives him over his competition. Is real journalism being sacrificed for the bottom line?
Recommended
To the Point
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.
Left, Right & Center
How was the trip? President Trump's travels got less fun as he went from the Middle East to Europe.
To the Point
Trump's new look at civil rights and global warming President Trump is reportedly ready to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We look at the possible consequences. On the second half of the program, we hear about cuts in Obama-Era civil rights programs called for by the Trump Administration's first budget plan.
To the Point
The longest US war: Will Trump send more troops to Afghanistan? The Trump White House is divided over the Pentagon's request for more troops in Afghanistan—where the US has been fighting for the past 16 years. Is there a formula -- either for "victory" or a political settlement? Is there an end in sight for America's longest war?