Power Lines is the official podcast of Status, where veteran journalists Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino deliver sharp media industry analysis every Friday. On this week’s episode: CBS News not only failed to secure a visa for Tony Dokoupil to broadcast from Beijing during Donald Trump’s China trip, but the network was barred by its hotel from broadcasting from its grounds, Status has learned. The embarrassing fiasco adds to a slew of negative headlines the Bari Weiss-led network has faced this ...
May 15, 2026•54 min
Power Lines is the official podcast of Status, where veteran journalists Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino deliver sharp media industry analysis every Friday. On today’s episode: Christiane Amanpour has become the first CNN star to say the quiet part out loud about David Ellison's upcoming takeover. Bari Weiss is in ratings hell—and under fire from a “60 Minutes” correspondent. Meanwhile, some of Substack’s biggest publishers are eyeing the exits, while James Murdoch moves closer to building a med...
May 08, 2026•56 min
Power Lines is the official podcast of Status, where veteran journalists Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino deliver sharp media industry analysis every Friday. On today’s episode: CBS News is facing mounting turmoil as new ratings data shows “CBS Evening News” and “CBS Mornings” hitting historic lows under Bari Weiss’ leadership, Meanwhile, Weiss has ousted the network’s foreign editor after comparing the network's coverage to a terrorist group. Then, Donald Trump is demanding ABC fire Jimmy Kimmel...
May 01, 2026•52 min
On this week’s Power Lines with Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino: Former CBS News correspondent, and current chief Washington correspondent for MeidasTouch, Scott MacFarlane joined the show! We talked about the tension surrounding this year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Scott’s departure from CBS News, the state of legacy media, and his transition into independent journalism. Also, Oliver and Jon discuss Tucker Carlson saying he is “tormented” over his 2024 support of Donald Trump, and Ka...
Apr 24, 2026•49 min
On this week’s Power Lines with Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino: David Ellison is set to host an "intimate" dinner “honoring the Trump White House,” according to an invite that we got our hands on. The event is ostensibly a “celebration of the First Amendment” and will include CBS White House correspondents. Of course, inviting the very people who assail the First Amendment to an event celebrating it makes little sense. Oliver and Jon break down the details and explain what is really going on. N...
Apr 17, 2026•48 min
With the White House Correspondents’ Dinner approaching, news organizations are confronting an uncomfortable question: Do they welcome members of an administration that demonizes the press at every turn into their weekend events—or do they draw a line? Over at CBS News, Bari Weiss has staffers at “60 Minutes” nervous about how she will overhaul the show. We've learned exclusive new details about what Weiss is privately floating during meetings about the newsmagazine’s future. Plus, MAGA Media ha...
Apr 10, 2026•46 min
On this week’s episode of Power Lines… New reporting from Status reveals the White House quietly pressured AFP to remove an unflattering image of press secretary Karoline Leavitt from its wire and AFP complied. Oliver and Jon break down how it happened, the questionable explanation behind it, and why the attempt to control the image may have backfired. Then, a brewing power struggle inside CBS News. Bari Weiss is eyeing sweeping changes to 60 Minutes. Oliver reports the network’s top editor push...
Apr 03, 2026•43 min
This week, Jim Acosta joins Oliver and Jon for a special bonus edition of Power Lines! Fresh off congressional testimony, Acosta breaks down Trump’s growing influence over the press, media consolidation, CNN and CBS, and the rise of independent media. They also explore how news organizations are responding to political pressure, why audiences are shifting away from traditional outlets, and what this moment means for the future of the media industry. Big thanks to Jim. Follow his work on YouTube,...
Apr 01, 2026•29 min
On this week’s episode of Power Lines: Exclusive ratings data obtained by Status shows the first quarter of the revamped CBS News under Bari Weiss shed viewers at an alarming rate, collapsing to historic lows. Oliver and Jon break down the numbers, explain why audiences are tuning out, and what it means as rivals ABC and NBC notch year-over-year gains. Next, more exclusive reporting: CNN chief Mark Thompson faces tough questions from staff during a visit to the network’s London hub, with concern...
Mar 27, 2026•48 min
On this week’s Power Lines… CBS News is running into headwinds—and the spotlight is squarely on Bari Weiss. The network’s revamped “Evening News,” helmed by Tony Dokoupil under Weiss' editorial direction, is hitting dangerous ratings lows, slipping below four million viewers. Unfortunately for Weiss, the problems aren’t confined to what’s happening on air. Inside the building, tensions are mounting as staffers at CBS News’ streaming division walked off the job amid a contract dispute. Meanwhile,...
Mar 20, 2026•39 min
On this week’s Power Lines… With the war in Iran as the backdrop, the Trump administration is waging another full scale battle against the press. From restricting photographer access at the Pentagon to accusing The New York Times of harassment, the administration is lashing out at journalists as it struggles to explain its actions overseas and losing support in the process. Next, Scott MacFarlane is the latest major talent to depart CBS rather than work under Bari Weiss. While the network manage...
Mar 13, 2026•40 min
On this week’s Power Lines: MAGA Media’s biggest stars are waging war with one another over Trump’s Iran conflict, dividing his most loyal mouthpieces. Oliver and Jon discuss what it means for the fracturing coalition that put Trump into office. And at CNN, Scott Jennings is facing blowback from the network’s own reporters for parroting the administration’s bogus war claim. Plus, Trump’s stunning decision to attend the White House Correspondents’ Dinner is being met with alarm and dread inside t...
Mar 06, 2026•54 min
On this week’s Power Lines: CNN staffers are in full-blown panic after a shocking twist delivered the network to the MAGA-friendly David Ellison. Oliver and Jon discuss how Netflix's deal for CNN's parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, collapsed and what is to come for the network now that Bari Weiss is positioned to take charge. Plus, Tucker Carlson humiliates Mike Huckabee in a wide-ranging three hour conversation, and Ben Shapiro blasts Candace Owens as “evil.” Read the full stories in Stat...
Feb 27, 2026•57 min
On this week’s Power Lines: Stephen Colbert stunned viewers by calling out CBS for blocking the broadcast of his interview with Texas Democrat James Talarico, citing pressure from Donald Trump’s FCC.. Why the move backfired in a big way and what it means for CBS. Next, Oliver and Jon break down Anderson Cooper’s decision to exit “60 Minutes” after nearly two decades—and why his freedom from being managed by Bari Weiss might not last as long as it seems. Finally, a clear-eyed look at Fox News’ co...
Feb 20, 2026•55 min
On this week’s Power Lines: Trump's A.G. Pam Bondi is facing a revolt from MAGA Media stars after her disastrous congressional hearing on the Epstein Files, prompting a flurry of voices to slam the spectacle and call on her to resign. At Bari Weiss' revamped "CBS Evening News," a quarter of the staff is taking a buyout, including one producer who said they were pressured to “self-censor.” But Oliver and Jon have learned even bigger cuts are on the horizon amid Weiss’ MAGA-friendly changes to the...
Feb 13, 2026•40 min
Jeff Bezos leaves The Washington Post to twist in the wind, slashing a third of the storied newsroom while ignoring pleas from his staffers—all while currying favor with the Trump administration. Bari Weiss moves to keep newly minted wellness contributor Peter Attia on the CBS News payroll, even as DOJ-released documents expose his cozy ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Plus, Ted Sarandos is dragged into the MAGA culture wars on Capitol Hill, and Donald Trump unleashes a blatantly sexist attack on Kaitla...
Feb 06, 2026•54 min
On this week’s Power Lines: Bari Weiss kicked off her first all-hands meeting at CBS News, trying to sell her new vision to skeptical journalists—but instead found herself grilled by staffers as she announced a slate of eyebrow-raising contributors. Next, at The Washington Post, morale is collapsing as deep newsroom cuts loom. But owner Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are jetting off to Haute Couture Week, seemingly unconcerned with employee pleas for help. Then, Rupert Murdoch’s media empire abru...
Jan 30, 2026•50 min
On this week’s Power Lines: Embattled CBS News boss Bari Weiss badmouthed her own staff to reporters after holding up a “60 Minutes” segment on Trump deportees, suggesting the struggling new chief has much to learn. Plus, new “CBS Evening News” anchor Tony Dokoupil’s abysmal ratings continue as the network’s sudden right-turn alienates audiences. Then, CNN’s pro-MAGA contributor Scott Jennings is slammed by network guests over his warped relationship with the truth as he aligns himself with Dona...
Jan 23, 2026•55 min
Tony Dokoupil gets steamrolled in an interview with Donald Trump as his “CBS Evening News” grapples with poor ratings, suggesting Bari Weiss’ MAGA-ification of the network might be backfiring. Then, Joe Rogan breaks with Trump over ICE, comparing the agency to “the Gestapo,” while Laura Ingraham goes another route and works to convince Fox News viewers that an “insurgency” is unfolding in Minnesota. Finally, FBI agents carry out an alarming raid on the home of a Washington Post journalist — and ...
Jan 16, 2026•40 min
On this week’s Power Lines: Tony Dokoupil’s debut as anchor of the “CBS Evening News” has been disastrous, full of embarrassing flubs, cringeworthy social media post, and appalling right-wing flattery. Oliver and Jon unpack Dokoupil’s “both sides” approach to January 6, his on-air salute to Marco Rubio, and CBS News broader attempt to court an entirely new audience. Then, MAGA Media trips over itself smearing the victim of an ICE shooting while blindly parroting the government’s talking points. ...
Jan 09, 2026•57 min
Happy New Year! On the first episode of Power Lines in 2026 Oliver and Jon drop their top five predictions for what will take place this year, across Hollywood, Media, and Big Tech. 0:00 Intro 1:26 Looming Hollywood Shake-Ups 19:02 The Future of News Media 41:23 What's Next for A.I.? Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: h...
Jan 01, 2026•53 min
As the clock counts down to the end of a dizzying and tumultuous year, Oliver and Jon take a look at the five biggest and most impactful media stories from the year that was 2025. 00:00 Intro 01:00 Legacy Media Talent Exodus and Layoffs 11:09 MAGA Media Civil War 21:08 The Bidding War for Warner Brothers Discovery 24:28 AI's Growing Influence in Media and Entertainment 32:19 Tech and Media Giants Bow to Trump Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you ...
Dec 26, 2025•49 min
On this week’s Power Lines: A Vanity Fair bombshell revealed chief of staff Susie Wiles privately torching Donald Trump and his cabinet alongside unflattering photos of the White House staff. Oliver and Jon unpack why Wiles went on the record and what it actually shows about Trump’s team. Then, Fox News and the MAGA Media ecosystem openly break with Trump after his shocking post blaming the murder of Rob Reiner and his wife on “TDS.” Plus, why Warner Bros. is rejecting Paramount again, Ted Cruz ...
Dec 19, 2025•43 min
Donald Trump brazenly inserts himself into the looming Warner Bros. Discovery sale, demanding that CNN be sold and calling the global news network's coverage "poison" and a "disgrace." Jon and Oliver discuss the inappropriate weaponization of government and the disturbing silence from David Ellison and Paramount, who are now reportedly tapping into Saudi and Qatari funding to bolster their bid. Then, the focus shifts to CBS News: Bari Weiss' controversial primetime interview with Erika Kirk is d...
Dec 12, 2025•50 min
On today’s Power Lines, Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino break down Olivia Nuzzi’s first public comments since her scandal—an emotional, but evasive interview with Tim Miller. What’s the real plan for her future at Vanity Fair? Then, a closer look at how MAGA Media is defending Pete Hegseth, whose boat bombings are being widely described as potential war crimes. First came a surreal softball interview with Katie Miller, then a grotesque, unhinged response from whatever remains of Megyn Kelly’s pu...
Dec 05, 2025•59 min
This week on Power Lines: Both Sides Bari: Bari Weiss outlined her groundbreaking vision to "redraw the lines" of acceptable debate by elevating voices like Alan Dershowitz and Dana Loesch, while sidelining “extremists" like Tucker Carlson and Hasan Piker. Oliver and Jon criticize this "both-sides-ism" approach—and point out that in the Trump-era, iit often requires platforming individuals willing to distort facts. They also address the bizarre reaction piece on the topic, from Mediaite, aimed a...
Nov 28, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Former star political reporter Olivia Nuzzi is back in the spotlight after her ex-fiancé, Ryan Lizza, alleged that she had a second romantic relationship with a subject she was reporting on. Oliver and Jon are joined by Status’ own Natalie Korach to break down the ethical fallout and how her new employer Condé Nast is responding. Then: Donald Trump attacks an ABC News reporter while defending his “friend,” Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, during an Oval Office appearance. Saudi money and ...
Nov 21, 2025•1 hr 7 min
This week on Power Lines: Newly uncovered Epstein emails reveal troubling ties between Jeffrey Epstein, Michael Wolff, and Donald Trump. Why was Wolff giving Epstein so much advice? Trump threatens to sue the BBC over an edit in a months-old documentary. Why now? Was it misleading—or just convenient timing? Plus: South Park’s unhinged Trump-Vance sex scene, Sydney Sweeney’s lackluster response to her “Jeans/Genes” ad, and Tucker Carlson goes full-Alex Jones with chemtrail conspiracy theories. We...
Nov 14, 2025•57 min
On this week’s Power Lines Podcast: Zohran Mamdani wins New York’s mayoral race : Oliver and Jon break down the reactions, from the predictable outrage on Fox News to the surprising pushback from CNN , and what his rise means for the Democratic establishment as right-wing media gears up to weaponize his every move. The MAGA civil war heats up : Ben Shapiro publicly torches Tucker Carlson for platforming white nationalist Nick Fuentes and Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts got caught in ...
Nov 07, 2025•1 hr
On this week’s Power Lines Podcast: Tucker Carlson has suddenly ended his feud and embraced Holocaust-denying white supremacist Nick Fuentes. Why is he leaning further into extremist voices? Oliver and Jon break down the fallout from Comcast helping to fund the White House ballroom — and what that says about media power and influence. Plus: what the Paramount layoffs reveal about Ellison’s plans for news personalities, CNN head Mark Thompson dodging Bari Weiss questions, Zohran winning over Andr...
Oct 31, 2025•1 hr 5 min
