David Folkenflik
@davidfolkenflik.bsky.social
NPR media guy
Author, Murdoch’s World
Author, Murdoch’s World
Pinned
Hey folks. 👋🏼
I cover media, politics and the news business for NPR News.
Intend to post and explore here, mostly about my work, the occasional personal musing.
Let’s do this!
I cover media, politics and the news business for NPR News.
Intend to post and explore here, mostly about my work, the occasional personal musing.
Let’s do this!
Reposted by David Folkenflik
In this clip from a right wing radio show on Friday, Trump claims that on Christmas Eve the US “knocked out” a facility in Venezuela from which the supposed drug boats launch. Has this been reported anywhere else?
The station’s write up doesn’t mention it: wabcradio.com/2025/12/26/s...
The station’s write up doesn’t mention it: wabcradio.com/2025/12/26/s...
December 28, 2025 at 7:37 PM
In this clip from a right wing radio show on Friday, Trump claims that on Christmas Eve the US “knocked out” a facility in Venezuela from which the supposed drug boats launch. Has this been reported anywhere else?
The station’s write up doesn’t mention it: wabcradio.com/2025/12/26/s...
The station’s write up doesn’t mention it: wabcradio.com/2025/12/26/s...
Reposted by David Folkenflik
The self-proclaimed head of USAGM, Kari Lake, who this year destroyed nearly all of the Voice of America, tells the agency's few remaining journalists the White House National Security Strategy will "guide our interview subjects, story selection, and coverage going forward."
December 23, 2025 at 11:20 PM
The self-proclaimed head of USAGM, Kari Lake, who this year destroyed nearly all of the Voice of America, tells the agency's few remaining journalists the White House National Security Strategy will "guide our interview subjects, story selection, and coverage going forward."
CBS's Weiss, 60M, the Ellisons and the White House
My conversation coming up on NPR's All Things Considered 4.20/6.20p - tune in
My conversation coming up on NPR's All Things Considered 4.20/6.20p - tune in
December 22, 2025 at 9:19 PM
CBS's Weiss, 60M, the Ellisons and the White House
My conversation coming up on NPR's All Things Considered 4.20/6.20p - tune in
My conversation coming up on NPR's All Things Considered 4.20/6.20p - tune in
Reposted by David Folkenflik
In this half hour piece, we hear from KSUT Director Tami Graham and Attorney Steve Zansberg, who represents the co-plaintiffs. They talk about KSUT's decision to join the case and what’s at stake for public radio.
We also hear from NPR’s David Folkenflik on the December 4 court hearing.
We also hear from NPR’s David Folkenflik on the December 4 court hearing.
Where things stand in NPR v. Trump, of which KSUT is a co-plaintiff
We hear from KSUT Executive Director Tami Graham and Attorney Steve Zansberg, who represents the co-plaintiffs. They talk about KSUT's decision to join the case and what’s at stake for public radio st...
www.ksut.org
December 19, 2025 at 10:54 PM
In this half hour piece, we hear from KSUT Director Tami Graham and Attorney Steve Zansberg, who represents the co-plaintiffs. They talk about KSUT's decision to join the case and what’s at stake for public radio.
We also hear from NPR’s David Folkenflik on the December 4 court hearing.
We also hear from NPR’s David Folkenflik on the December 4 court hearing.
My story on the decision of CBS Editor in Chief Bari Weiss to pull a 60 Minutes story on alleged abuses of Venezuelan migrants sent to notorious Salvadoran Center.
Updated with this morning's remarks from Weiss:
www.npr.org/2025/12/22/g...
Updated with this morning's remarks from Weiss:
www.npr.org/2025/12/22/g...
CBS News chief Bari Weiss pulls '60 Minutes' story, sparking outcry
CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss pulled a 60 Minutes segment on allegations of abuses at an El Salvador detention center where the Trump administration sent hundreds of Venezuelan migrants.
www.npr.org
December 22, 2025 at 3:12 PM
My story on the decision of CBS Editor in Chief Bari Weiss to pull a 60 Minutes story on alleged abuses of Venezuelan migrants sent to notorious Salvadoran Center.
Updated with this morning's remarks from Weiss:
www.npr.org/2025/12/22/g...
Updated with this morning's remarks from Weiss:
www.npr.org/2025/12/22/g...
I'm joining Steve Inskeep on NPR's Morning Edition at 9.34am to talk about Weiss and 60M - tune in
CBS News chief Bari Weiss pulls 60 Minutes story
Weiss said investigation had to include comments from Trump administration
60M's Sharyn Alfonsi said multiple US agencies refused to comment - and this lets WH veto coverage
My NPR story
www.npr.org/2025/12/22/g...
Weiss said investigation had to include comments from Trump administration
60M's Sharyn Alfonsi said multiple US agencies refused to comment - and this lets WH veto coverage
My NPR story
www.npr.org/2025/12/22/g...
CBS News chief Bari Weiss pulls '60 Minutes' story, sparking outcry
CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss pulled a 60 Minutes segment on allegations of abuses at an El Salvador detention center where the Trump administration sent hundreds of Venezuelan migrants.
www.npr.org
December 22, 2025 at 2:34 PM
I'm joining Steve Inskeep on NPR's Morning Edition at 9.34am to talk about Weiss and 60M - tune in
CBS News chief Bari Weiss pulls 60 Minutes story
Weiss said investigation had to include comments from Trump administration
60M's Sharyn Alfonsi said multiple US agencies refused to comment - and this lets WH veto coverage
My NPR story
www.npr.org/2025/12/22/g...
Weiss said investigation had to include comments from Trump administration
60M's Sharyn Alfonsi said multiple US agencies refused to comment - and this lets WH veto coverage
My NPR story
www.npr.org/2025/12/22/g...
CBS News chief Bari Weiss pulls '60 Minutes' story, sparking outcry
CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss pulled a 60 Minutes segment on allegations of abuses at an El Salvador detention center where the Trump administration sent hundreds of Venezuelan migrants.
www.npr.org
December 22, 2025 at 12:11 PM
CBS News chief Bari Weiss pulls 60 Minutes story
Weiss said investigation had to include comments from Trump administration
60M's Sharyn Alfonsi said multiple US agencies refused to comment - and this lets WH veto coverage
My NPR story
www.npr.org/2025/12/22/g...
Weiss said investigation had to include comments from Trump administration
60M's Sharyn Alfonsi said multiple US agencies refused to comment - and this lets WH veto coverage
My NPR story
www.npr.org/2025/12/22/g...
Reposted by David Folkenflik
“.. Trump’s $1,776 checks for more than a million troops .. come from Congressionally-allocated reconciliation funds intended to subsidize housing allowances for service members, a senior administration official confirmed.”
@defenseone.bsky.social
www.defenseone.com/policy/2025/...
@defenseone.bsky.social
www.defenseone.com/policy/2025/...
December 18, 2025 at 3:53 PM
“.. Trump’s $1,776 checks for more than a million troops .. come from Congressionally-allocated reconciliation funds intended to subsidize housing allowances for service members, a senior administration official confirmed.”
@defenseone.bsky.social
www.defenseone.com/policy/2025/...
@defenseone.bsky.social
www.defenseone.com/policy/2025/...
Reposted by David Folkenflik
Trump's BBC lawsuit suggests residents of Florida, where suit was filed, are increasingly turning to VPNs to access things like the BBC program in question. The real reason for Florida's VPN spike? Avoiding age verification laws for porn www.npr.org/2025/12/17/n... by @davidfolkenflik.bsky.social
Trump's BBC lawsuit: A botched report, BritBox, and porn
President Trump's lawsuit alleges that the BBC's fall 2024 documentary was "a brazen attempt" to harm his re-election. The BBC has apologized but rejects his claim.
www.npr.org
December 17, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Trump's BBC lawsuit suggests residents of Florida, where suit was filed, are increasingly turning to VPNs to access things like the BBC program in question. The real reason for Florida's VPN spike? Avoiding age verification laws for porn www.npr.org/2025/12/17/n... by @davidfolkenflik.bsky.social
Reposted by David Folkenflik
Exclusive: The Trump administration is moving to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, according to a senior White House official, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
Trump moves to dismantle major US climate research center in Colorado
The Trump administration is breaking up the National Center for Atmospheric Research, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
bit.ly
December 17, 2025 at 1:16 AM
Exclusive: The Trump administration is moving to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, according to a senior White House official, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
Trump’s BBC lawsuit: A botched report, BritBox, and porn
My analysis for NPR:
www.npr.org/2025/12/17/n...
My analysis for NPR:
www.npr.org/2025/12/17/n...
Trump's BBC lawsuit: A botched report, BritBox, and porn
President Trump's lawsuit alleges that the BBC's fall 2024 documentary was "a brazen attempt" to harm his re-election. The BBC has apologized but rejects his claim.
www.npr.org
December 17, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Trump’s BBC lawsuit: A botched report, BritBox, and porn
My analysis for NPR:
www.npr.org/2025/12/17/n...
My analysis for NPR:
www.npr.org/2025/12/17/n...
Reposted by David Folkenflik
"Meta calculated that about 19% of that money – more than $3 billion – was coming from ads for scams, illegal gambling, pornography and other banned content, according to internal Meta documents reviewed by Reuters." www.reuters.com/investigatio...
Meta tolerates rampant ad fraud from China to safeguard billions in revenue
A Reuters investigation reveals the owner of Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp decided to accept high levels of fraudulent advertisements from China. Internal company documents show Meta wanted to mini...
www.reuters.com
December 15, 2025 at 4:54 PM
"Meta calculated that about 19% of that money – more than $3 billion – was coming from ads for scams, illegal gambling, pornography and other banned content, according to internal Meta documents reviewed by Reuters." www.reuters.com/investigatio...
Reposted by David Folkenflik
Ahmed al Ahmed, the man who tackled one of the Bondi killers, became an Australian citizen 3 years ago.
His deed was "his way of conveying his gratitude for staying in Australia, for being granted citizenship."
He took 5 bullets, and fears he'll lose his left arm.
www.smh.com.au/national/nsw...
His deed was "his way of conveying his gratitude for staying in Australia, for being granted citizenship."
He took 5 bullets, and fears he'll lose his left arm.
www.smh.com.au/national/nsw...
December 15, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Ahmed al Ahmed, the man who tackled one of the Bondi killers, became an Australian citizen 3 years ago.
His deed was "his way of conveying his gratitude for staying in Australia, for being granted citizenship."
He took 5 bullets, and fears he'll lose his left arm.
www.smh.com.au/national/nsw...
His deed was "his way of conveying his gratitude for staying in Australia, for being granted citizenship."
He took 5 bullets, and fears he'll lose his left arm.
www.smh.com.au/national/nsw...
News: Boston Globe brings back Brian McGrory as editor. He replaces Nancy Barnes who served in top newsroom role for past three years.
McGrory - much admired during Globe tenure - is now head of Boston University's journalism program and helped lead board of Baltimore Banner.
McGrory - much admired during Globe tenure - is now head of Boston University's journalism program and helped lead board of Baltimore Banner.
December 15, 2025 at 3:53 PM
News: Boston Globe brings back Brian McGrory as editor. He replaces Nancy Barnes who served in top newsroom role for past three years.
McGrory - much admired during Globe tenure - is now head of Boston University's journalism program and helped lead board of Baltimore Banner.
McGrory - much admired during Globe tenure - is now head of Boston University's journalism program and helped lead board of Baltimore Banner.
Hanukkah is a modest holiday.
But I value it
I tell my kids light offers hope amid discouragement
and illuminates possible paths when the way seems obscured
All the more important after a heartbreaking weekend
the lights offer the possibility of light in days ahead
But I value it
I tell my kids light offers hope amid discouragement
and illuminates possible paths when the way seems obscured
All the more important after a heartbreaking weekend
the lights offer the possibility of light in days ahead
December 15, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Hanukkah is a modest holiday.
But I value it
I tell my kids light offers hope amid discouragement
and illuminates possible paths when the way seems obscured
All the more important after a heartbreaking weekend
the lights offer the possibility of light in days ahead
But I value it
I tell my kids light offers hope amid discouragement
and illuminates possible paths when the way seems obscured
All the more important after a heartbreaking weekend
the lights offer the possibility of light in days ahead
Reposted by David Folkenflik
Kudos to the Brown University students who are posting continuous live updates, spaced just minutes apart, on the campus shooting. A lot of grace and professionalism under immense pressure.
www.browndailyherald.com/article/2025...
www.browndailyherald.com/article/2025...
Live updates: Two deceased in active shooter incident at Brown University
Serving the Brown University community since 1891
www.browndailyherald.com
December 14, 2025 at 12:22 AM
Kudos to the Brown University students who are posting continuous live updates, spaced just minutes apart, on the campus shooting. A lot of grace and professionalism under immense pressure.
www.browndailyherald.com/article/2025...
www.browndailyherald.com/article/2025...
CNN has endured turmoil for years.
Now Trump wants role in its fate as Netflix, Paramount fight over Warner Bros.
My analysis for NPR
www.npr.org/2025/12/12/n...
Now Trump wants role in its fate as Netflix, Paramount fight over Warner Bros.
My analysis for NPR
www.npr.org/2025/12/12/n...
CNN has endured turmoil for years. Now Trump wants role in its fate
In the corporate battle over parent company Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN's fate remains up for grabs. President Trump wants a say in what happens next.
www.npr.org
December 12, 2025 at 4:01 PM
CNN has endured turmoil for years.
Now Trump wants role in its fate as Netflix, Paramount fight over Warner Bros.
My analysis for NPR
www.npr.org/2025/12/12/n...
Now Trump wants role in its fate as Netflix, Paramount fight over Warner Bros.
My analysis for NPR
www.npr.org/2025/12/12/n...
Reposted by David Folkenflik
When the AI child safety story is also a China influence story, lol
‘Asked whether Taiwan is a country, it would repeatedly lower its voice and insist that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. That is an established fact” or a variation of that sentiment.‘ www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-ne...
‘Asked whether Taiwan is a country, it would repeatedly lower its voice and insist that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. That is an established fact” or a variation of that sentiment.‘ www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-ne...
December 12, 2025 at 3:34 AM
When the AI child safety story is also a China influence story, lol
‘Asked whether Taiwan is a country, it would repeatedly lower its voice and insist that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. That is an established fact” or a variation of that sentiment.‘ www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-ne...
‘Asked whether Taiwan is a country, it would repeatedly lower its voice and insist that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. That is an established fact” or a variation of that sentiment.‘ www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-ne...
Reposted by David Folkenflik
NEW: President Donald Trump says he is granting a pardon to Tina Peters, who was convicted on state charges related to tampering with Colorado's election systems. Legal experts say presidential pardons do not apply to state charges.
December 12, 2025 at 12:08 AM
NEW: President Donald Trump says he is granting a pardon to Tina Peters, who was convicted on state charges related to tampering with Colorado's election systems. Legal experts say presidential pardons do not apply to state charges.
Hey friends!
About to join Mr. @AriMelber a bit past the half-hour on the new MSNOW to talk about Pete Hegseth, new press rules at the Pentagon, and White House relations with the news media.
Tune in!
About to join Mr. @AriMelber a bit past the half-hour on the new MSNOW to talk about Pete Hegseth, new press rules at the Pentagon, and White House relations with the news media.
Tune in!
December 9, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Hey friends!
About to join Mr. @AriMelber a bit past the half-hour on the new MSNOW to talk about Pete Hegseth, new press rules at the Pentagon, and White House relations with the news media.
Tune in!
About to join Mr. @AriMelber a bit past the half-hour on the new MSNOW to talk about Pete Hegseth, new press rules at the Pentagon, and White House relations with the news media.
Tune in!
Not so fast, Netflix.
Paramount is launching a hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery.
My story and Morning Edition chat for NPR:
www.npr.org/2025/12/08/n...
Paramount is launching a hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery.
My story and Morning Edition chat for NPR:
www.npr.org/2025/12/08/n...
Not so fast, Netflix. Paramount launches hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery
Paramount has launched a hostile bid for the company that's home to Casablanca, Batman and CNN. Just Friday, Netflix and Warner Brothers executives were celebrating a deal they had struck.
www.npr.org
December 8, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Not so fast, Netflix.
Paramount is launching a hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery.
My story and Morning Edition chat for NPR:
www.npr.org/2025/12/08/n...
Paramount is launching a hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery.
My story and Morning Edition chat for NPR:
www.npr.org/2025/12/08/n...
NPR fights Trump's executive order against public media
The case isn't getting much attention.
But it pits the press's right not to face government retaliation over coverage against the president's assertion of vast executive powers
My story:
www.npr.org/2025/12/05/g...
The case isn't getting much attention.
But it pits the press's right not to face government retaliation over coverage against the president's assertion of vast executive powers
My story:
www.npr.org/2025/12/05/g...
NPR battles Trump executive order in court
NPR was in court for a pivotal hearing arguing that the Trump administration had broken the law with its treatment of public media.
www.npr.org
December 5, 2025 at 4:36 PM
NPR fights Trump's executive order against public media
The case isn't getting much attention.
But it pits the press's right not to face government retaliation over coverage against the president's assertion of vast executive powers
My story:
www.npr.org/2025/12/05/g...
The case isn't getting much attention.
But it pits the press's right not to face government retaliation over coverage against the president's assertion of vast executive powers
My story:
www.npr.org/2025/12/05/g...
Reposted by David Folkenflik
Reminder about Jan 6:
it really happened
It was a horror
140+ police were injured
A range of violent weapons were used by attackers
Chants to hang Mike Pence were heard
There was a gallows and guns
Pipe bombs diverted police as mob approached
it really happened
It was a horror
140+ police were injured
A range of violent weapons were used by attackers
Chants to hang Mike Pence were heard
There was a gallows and guns
Pipe bombs diverted police as mob approached
December 4, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Reminder about Jan 6:
it really happened
It was a horror
140+ police were injured
A range of violent weapons were used by attackers
Chants to hang Mike Pence were heard
There was a gallows and guns
Pipe bombs diverted police as mob approached
it really happened
It was a horror
140+ police were injured
A range of violent weapons were used by attackers
Chants to hang Mike Pence were heard
There was a gallows and guns
Pipe bombs diverted police as mob approached
New York Times sues Defense Secretary Hegseth over media restrictions - coming up on NPR's Morning Edition at 6.45/8.45a
My written story for NPR:
www.npr.org/2025/12/04/n...
My written story for NPR:
www.npr.org/2025/12/04/n...
'New York Times' sues Pentagon over media restrictions
The Times accuses Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth of violating its constitutional rights with a press policy that, the paper says, deprives the public of access to critical national security information.
www.npr.org
December 4, 2025 at 11:42 AM
New York Times sues Defense Secretary Hegseth over media restrictions - coming up on NPR's Morning Edition at 6.45/8.45a
My written story for NPR:
www.npr.org/2025/12/04/n...
My written story for NPR:
www.npr.org/2025/12/04/n...
Fox News faces critical test in 2nd big defamation suit over spurious 2020 election fraud claims
My story for NPR
www.npr.org/2025/12/02/n...
My story for NPR
www.npr.org/2025/12/02/n...
Fox News faces critical test in 2nd case over false 2020 election claims
The allegations in the multibillion-dollar case sound familiar: A voting-tech company accuses Fox News of defamation for false claims it broadcast about rigged votes in the 2020 presidential election.
www.npr.org
December 2, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Fox News faces critical test in 2nd big defamation suit over spurious 2020 election fraud claims
My story for NPR
www.npr.org/2025/12/02/n...
My story for NPR
www.npr.org/2025/12/02/n...