lateralread
@lateralread.bsky.social
Get a lateral read on the news. 🕵️♂️ Spotting patterns and media techniques. 🚫 No lectures, no sides, just observations. Sun-Fri: Videos | Sat: Newsletter ➡️ http://lateralread.com
Pinned
lateralread
@lateralread.bsky.social
· Jan 4
The media has a playbook. I’m here to leak the plays. 🏈✏️
I compare 4 headlines about the same story to track 50 manipulation techniques news outlets use to trigger outrage, fear and spin. That is a lateral read.
Once you see the pattern, you can’t unsee it. Don't let them play you.
I compare 4 headlines about the same story to track 50 manipulation techniques news outlets use to trigger outrage, fear and spin. That is a lateral read.
Once you see the pattern, you can’t unsee it. Don't let them play you.
kristen stewart on directing and hollywood
The Times = people respect my brain now
News18 = actresses treated like puppets
Entertainment Weekly = actresses treated like s---
The Blast = slamming the boy club
same interview. different quotes tell different stories.
selective quoting in action.
The Times = people respect my brain now
News18 = actresses treated like puppets
Entertainment Weekly = actresses treated like s---
The Blast = slamming the boy club
same interview. different quotes tell different stories.
selective quoting in action.
February 13, 2026 at 1:00 AM
kristen stewart on directing and hollywood
The Times = people respect my brain now
News18 = actresses treated like puppets
Entertainment Weekly = actresses treated like s---
The Blast = slamming the boy club
same interview. different quotes tell different stories.
selective quoting in action.
The Times = people respect my brain now
News18 = actresses treated like puppets
Entertainment Weekly = actresses treated like s---
The Blast = slamming the boy club
same interview. different quotes tell different stories.
selective quoting in action.
charli xcx's sundance premiere
AP = movie star moment
NBC = new queen of indie film
Daily Beast = The Moment flopped
World of Reel = vanity project bombed
star → queen → flop → bombed
they're using charli as emotional bait.
loaded language in action.
@lateralread
AP = movie star moment
NBC = new queen of indie film
Daily Beast = The Moment flopped
World of Reel = vanity project bombed
star → queen → flop → bombed
they're using charli as emotional bait.
loaded language in action.
@lateralread
February 11, 2026 at 12:05 AM
charli xcx's sundance premiere
AP = movie star moment
NBC = new queen of indie film
Daily Beast = The Moment flopped
World of Reel = vanity project bombed
star → queen → flop → bombed
they're using charli as emotional bait.
loaded language in action.
@lateralread
AP = movie star moment
NBC = new queen of indie film
Daily Beast = The Moment flopped
World of Reel = vanity project bombed
star → queen → flop → bombed
they're using charli as emotional bait.
loaded language in action.
@lateralread
who saved tiktok? grammar decides.
CNN = deal closed (passive voice - no actor)
CNBC = TikTok forms joint venture (corporate actor)
Politico = US and China sign off (diplomatic actors)
Fox = Trump-backed (political actor)
same deal, but outlets decide the hero through active vs passive voice.
CNN = deal closed (passive voice - no actor)
CNBC = TikTok forms joint venture (corporate actor)
Politico = US and China sign off (diplomatic actors)
Fox = Trump-backed (political actor)
same deal, but outlets decide the hero through active vs passive voice.
February 10, 2026 at 12:05 AM
who saved tiktok? grammar decides.
CNN = deal closed (passive voice - no actor)
CNBC = TikTok forms joint venture (corporate actor)
Politico = US and China sign off (diplomatic actors)
Fox = Trump-backed (political actor)
same deal, but outlets decide the hero through active vs passive voice.
CNN = deal closed (passive voice - no actor)
CNBC = TikTok forms joint venture (corporate actor)
Politico = US and China sign off (diplomatic actors)
Fox = Trump-backed (political actor)
same deal, but outlets decide the hero through active vs passive voice.
brooklyn beckham ig story coverage:
TMZ → goes nuclear
Fox → controlled for years
Entertainment Now → bravely opening up
E! → broke his silence
aggressor, victim, or survivor? same story, different character casting.
headline framing.
daily @lateralread
TMZ → goes nuclear
Fox → controlled for years
Entertainment Now → bravely opening up
E! → broke his silence
aggressor, victim, or survivor? same story, different character casting.
headline framing.
daily @lateralread
January 21, 2026 at 11:10 PM
brooklyn beckham ig story coverage:
TMZ → goes nuclear
Fox → controlled for years
Entertainment Now → bravely opening up
E! → broke his silence
aggressor, victim, or survivor? same story, different character casting.
headline framing.
daily @lateralread
TMZ → goes nuclear
Fox → controlled for years
Entertainment Now → bravely opening up
E! → broke his silence
aggressor, victim, or survivor? same story, different character casting.
headline framing.
daily @lateralread
screen time coverage: expert shopping in action
Tribune → asked teachers
PsyPost → blamed social media over gaming
Asia Business Daily → damages the brain
The Guardian → no evidence linking social media and mental health
different experts. different panics.
that is source selection.
@lateralread
Tribune → asked teachers
PsyPost → blamed social media over gaming
Asia Business Daily → damages the brain
The Guardian → no evidence linking social media and mental health
different experts. different panics.
that is source selection.
@lateralread
January 20, 2026 at 11:00 PM
screen time coverage: expert shopping in action
Tribune → asked teachers
PsyPost → blamed social media over gaming
Asia Business Daily → damages the brain
The Guardian → no evidence linking social media and mental health
different experts. different panics.
that is source selection.
@lateralread
Tribune → asked teachers
PsyPost → blamed social media over gaming
Asia Business Daily → damages the brain
The Guardian → no evidence linking social media and mental health
different experts. different panics.
that is source selection.
@lateralread
amy poehler won the first-ever golden globe for podcasting.
National Enquirer → victory over ex-husband
E! News → how he feels
Vanity Fair → inaugural award
Cracked → meta "even I couldn't stop myself"
they omitted the historic first to sell the divorce drama.
that is omission.
@lateralread
National Enquirer → victory over ex-husband
E! News → how he feels
Vanity Fair → inaugural award
Cracked → meta "even I couldn't stop myself"
they omitted the historic first to sell the divorce drama.
that is omission.
@lateralread
January 16, 2026 at 11:05 PM
amy poehler won the first-ever golden globe for podcasting.
National Enquirer → victory over ex-husband
E! News → how he feels
Vanity Fair → inaugural award
Cracked → meta "even I couldn't stop myself"
they omitted the historic first to sell the divorce drama.
that is omission.
@lateralread
National Enquirer → victory over ex-husband
E! News → how he feels
Vanity Fair → inaugural award
Cracked → meta "even I couldn't stop myself"
they omitted the historic first to sell the divorce drama.
that is omission.
@lateralread
BTS world tour coverage:
BBC → $1 billion payday
Korea Herald → 79 shows, 34 cities
Independent → eye-watering numbers
Financial Express → will it be bigger than Taylor Swift's?
three outlets reported the facts. one manufactured a rivalry.
that is a loaded question.
daily @lateralread
BBC → $1 billion payday
Korea Herald → 79 shows, 34 cities
Independent → eye-watering numbers
Financial Express → will it be bigger than Taylor Swift's?
three outlets reported the facts. one manufactured a rivalry.
that is a loaded question.
daily @lateralread
January 15, 2026 at 11:05 PM
BTS world tour coverage:
BBC → $1 billion payday
Korea Herald → 79 shows, 34 cities
Independent → eye-watering numbers
Financial Express → will it be bigger than Taylor Swift's?
three outlets reported the facts. one manufactured a rivalry.
that is a loaded question.
daily @lateralread
BBC → $1 billion payday
Korea Herald → 79 shows, 34 cities
Independent → eye-watering numbers
Financial Express → will it be bigger than Taylor Swift's?
three outlets reported the facts. one manufactured a rivalry.
that is a loaded question.
daily @lateralread
proteinmaxxing is now federal policy
Business Insider = uses the slang, warns it could backfire
NY Post = $175 a week to eat like this
New Republic = america's too fat for war
CBS = just reading the press release
same pyramid. different angles.
headline framing.
daily @lateralread
Business Insider = uses the slang, warns it could backfire
NY Post = $175 a week to eat like this
New Republic = america's too fat for war
CBS = just reading the press release
same pyramid. different angles.
headline framing.
daily @lateralread
January 14, 2026 at 11:10 PM
proteinmaxxing is now federal policy
Business Insider = uses the slang, warns it could backfire
NY Post = $175 a week to eat like this
New Republic = america's too fat for war
CBS = just reading the press release
same pyramid. different angles.
headline framing.
daily @lateralread
Business Insider = uses the slang, warns it could backfire
NY Post = $175 a week to eat like this
New Republic = america's too fat for war
CBS = just reading the press release
same pyramid. different angles.
headline framing.
daily @lateralread
timothée + kylie class war at the golden globes
Radar → tacky and classless
Daily Mail → unlikely pairing
Hola! → finally found her place
People → his partner
gatekeeping hollywood or welcoming her to the A-list?
that is loaded language.
@lateralread
Radar → tacky and classless
Daily Mail → unlikely pairing
Hola! → finally found her place
People → his partner
gatekeeping hollywood or welcoming her to the A-list?
that is loaded language.
@lateralread
January 13, 2026 at 11:05 PM
timothée + kylie class war at the golden globes
Radar → tacky and classless
Daily Mail → unlikely pairing
Hola! → finally found her place
People → his partner
gatekeeping hollywood or welcoming her to the A-list?
that is loaded language.
@lateralread
Radar → tacky and classless
Daily Mail → unlikely pairing
Hola! → finally found her place
People → his partner
gatekeeping hollywood or welcoming her to the A-list?
that is loaded language.
@lateralread
google's "agentic shopping" announcement
Adweek = shape the future of retail
WSJ = business bet on ai-based shopping
Engadget = pushing the limits of consumerism
Financial Times = personalized shopping ads
three outlets sell innovation. one names it: ads.
appeal to novelty.
daily @lateralread
Adweek = shape the future of retail
WSJ = business bet on ai-based shopping
Engadget = pushing the limits of consumerism
Financial Times = personalized shopping ads
three outlets sell innovation. one names it: ads.
appeal to novelty.
daily @lateralread
January 12, 2026 at 11:05 PM
google's "agentic shopping" announcement
Adweek = shape the future of retail
WSJ = business bet on ai-based shopping
Engadget = pushing the limits of consumerism
Financial Times = personalized shopping ads
three outlets sell innovation. one names it: ads.
appeal to novelty.
daily @lateralread
Adweek = shape the future of retail
WSJ = business bet on ai-based shopping
Engadget = pushing the limits of consumerism
Financial Times = personalized shopping ads
three outlets sell innovation. one names it: ads.
appeal to novelty.
daily @lateralread
ashley tisdale mom group drama = source selection masterclass
THR → husband's attack
People → Meghan Trainor promo
EW → Chelsea Handler vouching blind
ABC → Ashley Tisdale (Disney Channel alum sharing why)
source becomes the story
daily @lateralread
THR → husband's attack
People → Meghan Trainor promo
EW → Chelsea Handler vouching blind
ABC → Ashley Tisdale (Disney Channel alum sharing why)
source becomes the story
daily @lateralread
January 9, 2026 at 11:05 PM
ashley tisdale mom group drama = source selection masterclass
THR → husband's attack
People → Meghan Trainor promo
EW → Chelsea Handler vouching blind
ABC → Ashley Tisdale (Disney Channel alum sharing why)
source becomes the story
daily @lateralread
THR → husband's attack
People → Meghan Trainor promo
EW → Chelsea Handler vouching blind
ABC → Ashley Tisdale (Disney Channel alum sharing why)
source becomes the story
daily @lateralread
stranger things made $25 million in theaters
comicbook.com → Netflix's boss is "totally wrong"
Gizmodo → won't change their minds
Guardian → people like leaving the house
Hypebeast → just the receipts
netflix bet on the bed rot. you showed up anyway.
headline framing.
daily @lateralread
comicbook.com → Netflix's boss is "totally wrong"
Gizmodo → won't change their minds
Guardian → people like leaving the house
Hypebeast → just the receipts
netflix bet on the bed rot. you showed up anyway.
headline framing.
daily @lateralread
January 8, 2026 at 11:06 PM
stranger things made $25 million in theaters
comicbook.com → Netflix's boss is "totally wrong"
Gizmodo → won't change their minds
Guardian → people like leaving the house
Hypebeast → just the receipts
netflix bet on the bed rot. you showed up anyway.
headline framing.
daily @lateralread
comicbook.com → Netflix's boss is "totally wrong"
Gizmodo → won't change their minds
Guardian → people like leaving the house
Hypebeast → just the receipts
netflix bet on the bed rot. you showed up anyway.
headline framing.
daily @lateralread
rent or ideology?
Fox News = sinister undertone to collectivism
Washington Examiner = fresh face of old and discredited ideas
CNN = job to fix New York's affordability crisis
NYT = visits building with collapsing ceilings
same mayor. different realities.
headline framing.
daily @lateralread
Fox News = sinister undertone to collectivism
Washington Examiner = fresh face of old and discredited ideas
CNN = job to fix New York's affordability crisis
NYT = visits building with collapsing ceilings
same mayor. different realities.
headline framing.
daily @lateralread
January 6, 2026 at 11:03 PM
rent or ideology?
Fox News = sinister undertone to collectivism
Washington Examiner = fresh face of old and discredited ideas
CNN = job to fix New York's affordability crisis
NYT = visits building with collapsing ceilings
same mayor. different realities.
headline framing.
daily @lateralread
Fox News = sinister undertone to collectivism
Washington Examiner = fresh face of old and discredited ideas
CNN = job to fix New York's affordability crisis
NYT = visits building with collapsing ceilings
same mayor. different realities.
headline framing.
daily @lateralread
gen z drinking coverage
Business Insider = zebra striping your way out of hangovers
Breitbart = trading beers for barbells
CNN = dry raves and morning dance parties
USA Today = gen z is already stepping away from alcohol
three personalities. one spreadsheet.
anecdote as data. daily @lateralread
Business Insider = zebra striping your way out of hangovers
Breitbart = trading beers for barbells
CNN = dry raves and morning dance parties
USA Today = gen z is already stepping away from alcohol
three personalities. one spreadsheet.
anecdote as data. daily @lateralread
January 5, 2026 at 11:05 PM
gen z drinking coverage
Business Insider = zebra striping your way out of hangovers
Breitbart = trading beers for barbells
CNN = dry raves and morning dance parties
USA Today = gen z is already stepping away from alcohol
three personalities. one spreadsheet.
anecdote as data. daily @lateralread
Business Insider = zebra striping your way out of hangovers
Breitbart = trading beers for barbells
CNN = dry raves and morning dance parties
USA Today = gen z is already stepping away from alcohol
three personalities. one spreadsheet.
anecdote as data. daily @lateralread
The media has a playbook. I’m here to leak the plays. 🏈✏️
I compare 4 headlines about the same story to track 50 manipulation techniques news outlets use to trigger outrage, fear and spin. That is a lateral read.
Once you see the pattern, you can’t unsee it. Don't let them play you.
I compare 4 headlines about the same story to track 50 manipulation techniques news outlets use to trigger outrage, fear and spin. That is a lateral read.
Once you see the pattern, you can’t unsee it. Don't let them play you.
January 4, 2026 at 11:10 PM
The media has a playbook. I’m here to leak the plays. 🏈✏️
I compare 4 headlines about the same story to track 50 manipulation techniques news outlets use to trigger outrage, fear and spin. That is a lateral read.
Once you see the pattern, you can’t unsee it. Don't let them play you.
I compare 4 headlines about the same story to track 50 manipulation techniques news outlets use to trigger outrage, fear and spin. That is a lateral read.
Once you see the pattern, you can’t unsee it. Don't let them play you.
Updating my resume immediately. 🐺💅
#lateralread #mediaanalysis #heatedrivalry #hockeyromance #fandom #cosmo
#lateralread #mediaanalysis #heatedrivalry #hockeyromance #fandom #cosmo
January 2, 2026 at 11:01 PM
Updating my resume immediately. 🐺💅
#lateralread #mediaanalysis #heatedrivalry #hockeyromance #fandom #cosmo
#lateralread #mediaanalysis #heatedrivalry #hockeyromance #fandom #cosmo
Entering 2026 with this exact energy. Be safe out there. 🦝🥂
#lateralread #mediaanalysis #newyearseve #2026 #raccoon #nypost #mood #relatable
#lateralread #mediaanalysis #newyearseve #2026 #raccoon #nypost #mood #relatable
December 31, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Entering 2026 with this exact energy. Be safe out there. 🦝🥂
#lateralread #mediaanalysis #newyearseve #2026 #raccoon #nypost #mood #relatable
#lateralread #mediaanalysis #newyearseve #2026 #raccoon #nypost #mood #relatable
I don't want to be an Avenger, I just want a plot that makes sense. 🎬🤖
#lateralread #mediaanalysis #disney #openai #ai #marvel #sora #aiart #aislop
#lateralread #mediaanalysis #disney #openai #ai #marvel #sora #aiart #aislop
December 29, 2025 at 11:01 PM
I don't want to be an Avenger, I just want a plot that makes sense. 🎬🤖
#lateralread #mediaanalysis #disney #openai #ai #marvel #sora #aiart #aislop
#lateralread #mediaanalysis #disney #openai #ai #marvel #sora #aiart #aislop
In my villain era reading think-pieces about denim. 👖💀
#lateralread #mediaanalysis #sydneysweeney #americaneagle #popculture #thinkpiece
#lateralread #mediaanalysis #sydneysweeney #americaneagle #popculture #thinkpiece
December 26, 2025 at 11:01 PM
In my villain era reading think-pieces about denim. 👖💀
#lateralread #mediaanalysis #sydneysweeney #americaneagle #popculture #thinkpiece
#lateralread #mediaanalysis #sydneysweeney #americaneagle #popculture #thinkpiece
Merry Christmas to everyone except the lawyer who had to type this phrase in a federal document. 🍌🎄
#lateralread #mediaanalysis #lizzo #lawsuit #popculture #banana #simulationglitch
#lateralread #mediaanalysis #lizzo #lawsuit #popculture #banana #simulationglitch
December 24, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Merry Christmas to everyone except the lawyer who had to type this phrase in a federal document. 🍌🎄
#lateralread #mediaanalysis #lizzo #lawsuit #popculture #banana #simulationglitch
#lateralread #mediaanalysis #lizzo #lawsuit #popculture #banana #simulationglitch
Thoughts and prayers for the journalist who had to write "heartache" with a straight face. 💀
#lateralread #mediaanalysis #traviskelce #chiefs #nfl #swifties
#lateralread #mediaanalysis #traviskelce #chiefs #nfl #swifties
December 22, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Thoughts and prayers for the journalist who had to write "heartache" with a straight face. 💀
#lateralread #mediaanalysis #traviskelce #chiefs #nfl #swifties
#lateralread #mediaanalysis #traviskelce #chiefs #nfl #swifties
Heated Rivalry coverage: demographic stereotypes.
CBC → women. Cosmo → feral. ELLE → straight. SELF → middle-aged.
same show. four different diagnoses.
that is hasty generalization.
they're judging the audience, not the art.
@lateralread
#lateralread #news #mediaanalysis #heatedrivalry
CBC → women. Cosmo → feral. ELLE → straight. SELF → middle-aged.
same show. four different diagnoses.
that is hasty generalization.
they're judging the audience, not the art.
@lateralread
#lateralread #news #mediaanalysis #heatedrivalry
December 19, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Heated Rivalry coverage: demographic stereotypes.
CBC → women. Cosmo → feral. ELLE → straight. SELF → middle-aged.
same show. four different diagnoses.
that is hasty generalization.
they're judging the audience, not the art.
@lateralread
#lateralread #news #mediaanalysis #heatedrivalry
CBC → women. Cosmo → feral. ELLE → straight. SELF → middle-aged.
same show. four different diagnoses.
that is hasty generalization.
they're judging the audience, not the art.
@lateralread
#lateralread #news #mediaanalysis #heatedrivalry
travis kelce genre framing
The Sun = chokes back tears
GB News = toughest decision before taylor swift wedding
IB Times = should've retired already
NFL.com = it'll come to you with time
tragedy → romance → villain → reality
they're picking genres.
loaded language.
daily examples @lateralread
The Sun = chokes back tears
GB News = toughest decision before taylor swift wedding
IB Times = should've retired already
NFL.com = it'll come to you with time
tragedy → romance → villain → reality
they're picking genres.
loaded language.
daily examples @lateralread
December 18, 2025 at 11:05 PM
travis kelce genre framing
The Sun = chokes back tears
GB News = toughest decision before taylor swift wedding
IB Times = should've retired already
NFL.com = it'll come to you with time
tragedy → romance → villain → reality
they're picking genres.
loaded language.
daily examples @lateralread
The Sun = chokes back tears
GB News = toughest decision before taylor swift wedding
IB Times = should've retired already
NFL.com = it'll come to you with time
tragedy → romance → villain → reality
they're picking genres.
loaded language.
daily examples @lateralread
lizzo "scores" legal victory vs. dancers "push" for trial
TMZ = drop fat-shaming fight
Complex = victory due to secret recording
IBT = she dodged the blow
Billboard = banana incident was not "creative expression"
technicality vs. toxicity.
omission in action.
daily examples @lateralread
TMZ = drop fat-shaming fight
Complex = victory due to secret recording
IBT = she dodged the blow
Billboard = banana incident was not "creative expression"
technicality vs. toxicity.
omission in action.
daily examples @lateralread
December 17, 2025 at 11:05 PM
lizzo "scores" legal victory vs. dancers "push" for trial
TMZ = drop fat-shaming fight
Complex = victory due to secret recording
IBT = she dodged the blow
Billboard = banana incident was not "creative expression"
technicality vs. toxicity.
omission in action.
daily examples @lateralread
TMZ = drop fat-shaming fight
Complex = victory due to secret recording
IBT = she dodged the blow
Billboard = banana incident was not "creative expression"
technicality vs. toxicity.
omission in action.
daily examples @lateralread
disney invests $1bn in openai for character licensing
Guardian = AI-generate yourself
Futurism = ghoulishly horrifying
Slate = lost in the slop
Kotaku = AI woodchipper
excited → horrified → contemptuous → violent
loaded language in action. daily @lateralread
#lateralread #disney #openai #ai
Guardian = AI-generate yourself
Futurism = ghoulishly horrifying
Slate = lost in the slop
Kotaku = AI woodchipper
excited → horrified → contemptuous → violent
loaded language in action. daily @lateralread
#lateralread #disney #openai #ai
December 16, 2025 at 11:06 PM
disney invests $1bn in openai for character licensing
Guardian = AI-generate yourself
Futurism = ghoulishly horrifying
Slate = lost in the slop
Kotaku = AI woodchipper
excited → horrified → contemptuous → violent
loaded language in action. daily @lateralread
#lateralread #disney #openai #ai
Guardian = AI-generate yourself
Futurism = ghoulishly horrifying
Slate = lost in the slop
Kotaku = AI woodchipper
excited → horrified → contemptuous → violent
loaded language in action. daily @lateralread
#lateralread #disney #openai #ai