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!
Update: In 3 recent editorials, WaPo failed to disclose owner Jeff Bezos's interest in the matter under discussion.
WaPo added one disclosure after @bgrueskin.bsky.social called it out.
Two weeks after my story, the other two editorials still have none. And the paper still won't say why
WaPo added one disclosure after @bgrueskin.bsky.social called it out.
Two weeks after my story, the other two editorials still have none. And the paper still won't say why
'Washington Post' editorials omit a key disclosure: Bezos' financial ties
Three times in the past two weeks, editorials at the 'Washington Post' failed to disclose that they focused on matters in which owner Jeff Bezos had a material interest.
www.npr.org
November 10, 2025 at 10:56 PM
Update: In 3 recent editorials, WaPo failed to disclose owner Jeff Bezos's interest in the matter under discussion.
WaPo added one disclosure after @bgrueskin.bsky.social called it out.
Two weeks after my story, the other two editorials still have none. And the paper still won't say why
WaPo added one disclosure after @bgrueskin.bsky.social called it out.
Two weeks after my story, the other two editorials still have none. And the paper still won't say why
About that BBC crisis - and Trump's threat of a lawsuit
I'll break it all down with NPR's @ailsachang.bsky.social
Tonight at 5.14/7.14p ET on All Things Considered
I'll break it all down with NPR's @ailsachang.bsky.social
Tonight at 5.14/7.14p ET on All Things Considered
November 10, 2025 at 10:10 PM
About that BBC crisis - and Trump's threat of a lawsuit
I'll break it all down with NPR's @ailsachang.bsky.social
Tonight at 5.14/7.14p ET on All Things Considered
I'll break it all down with NPR's @ailsachang.bsky.social
Tonight at 5.14/7.14p ET on All Things Considered
Trial set for Dec 1 over NPR's allegations that CPB unlawfully yielded to White House pressure as new evidence comes to light.
CPB contends it reversed course in 48 hours on a $36M contract with NPR on the merits.
My story:
www.npr.org/2025/10/30/n...
CPB contends it reversed course in 48 hours on a $36M contract with NPR on the merits.
My story:
www.npr.org/2025/10/30/n...
Trial set over NPR allegations that CPB yielded to White House pressure
NPR alleges that CPB unlawfully yanked away a planned three-year contract worth $36 million in the face of intense pressure from the White House to sever ties with the radio network.
www.npr.org
October 30, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Trial set for Dec 1 over NPR's allegations that CPB unlawfully yielded to White House pressure as new evidence comes to light.
CPB contends it reversed course in 48 hours on a $36M contract with NPR on the merits.
My story:
www.npr.org/2025/10/30/n...
CPB contends it reversed course in 48 hours on a $36M contract with NPR on the merits.
My story:
www.npr.org/2025/10/30/n...
Reposted by David Folkenflik
HAPPENING NOW: Portland Police Commander Franz Schoening testifies that federal officers on Oct. 18 barraged protesters with crowd control munitions — not because of any violence but because another federal officer accidentally shot tear gas onto the roof of the ICE facility.
October 29, 2025 at 6:05 PM
HAPPENING NOW: Portland Police Commander Franz Schoening testifies that federal officers on Oct. 18 barraged protesters with crowd control munitions — not because of any violence but because another federal officer accidentally shot tear gas onto the roof of the ICE facility.
Reposted by David Folkenflik
DHS says our new piece is "dishonest, slanted, and fundamentally inaccurate" but won't say why. Here's the story where we show with evidence that DHS spliced together clips spanning years and multiple locations to create its own reality. Gift link wapo.st/4nuDGwf
October 30, 2025 at 3:26 AM
DHS says our new piece is "dishonest, slanted, and fundamentally inaccurate" but won't say why. Here's the story where we show with evidence that DHS spliced together clips spanning years and multiple locations to create its own reality. Gift link wapo.st/4nuDGwf
Reposted by David Folkenflik
ICE and Border Patrol agents, while wearing face masks, randomly stop people on the street and demand they submit to facial-recognition technology for a citizenship check.
Via @josephcox.bsky.social
www.404media.co/ice-and-cbp-...
Via @josephcox.bsky.social
www.404media.co/ice-and-cbp-...
ICE and CBP Agents Are Scanning Peoples’ Faces on the Street To Verify Citizenship
Videos on social media show officers from ICE and CBP using facial recognition technology on people in the field. One expert described the practice as “pure dystopian creep.”
www.404media.co
October 29, 2025 at 3:19 PM
ICE and Border Patrol agents, while wearing face masks, randomly stop people on the street and demand they submit to facial-recognition technology for a citizenship check.
Via @josephcox.bsky.social
www.404media.co/ice-and-cbp-...
Via @josephcox.bsky.social
www.404media.co/ice-and-cbp-...
Reposted by David Folkenflik
The print version of @bostonmagazine.bsky.social, now owned by @bostonglobe.com Media, is expanding into another 350 retail locations. www.bostonglobemedia.com/boston-magaz...
Boston Globe Media Expands Print Availability of Boston Magazine to more than 350 Locations Across Massachusetts
The expansion increases the presence of Boston Magazine to approximately 750 retail locations throughout Massachusetts.
www.bostonglobemedia.com
October 30, 2025 at 11:54 AM
The print version of @bostonmagazine.bsky.social, now owned by @bostonglobe.com Media, is expanding into another 350 retail locations. www.bostonglobemedia.com/boston-magaz...
Reposted by David Folkenflik
“A handshake instead of a hammer.” Toxic Wastewater From Oil Fields Keeps Pouring Out of the Ground. Oklahoma Regulators Failed to Stop It.
@nickbowlin.bsky.social @readfrontier.bsky.social
@nickbowlin.bsky.social @readfrontier.bsky.social
Toxic Wastewater From Oil Fields Keeps Pouring Out of the Ground. Oklahoma Regulators Failed to Stop It.
Salt water laced with cancer-causing chemicals, a byproduct of oil and gas drilling, is spewing from old wells. Experts warn of a pollution crisis spreading underground and threatening Oklahoma’s drin...
www.propublica.org
October 29, 2025 at 1:11 PM
“A handshake instead of a hammer.” Toxic Wastewater From Oil Fields Keeps Pouring Out of the Ground. Oklahoma Regulators Failed to Stop It.
@nickbowlin.bsky.social @readfrontier.bsky.social
@nickbowlin.bsky.social @readfrontier.bsky.social
Reposted by David Folkenflik
3 times in the past 2 weeks, a WashPost editorial "has taken on matters in which Bezos has a financial or corporate interest without noting his stake. In each case, the Post's editorial line landed in sync with its owner's interests"
Via @davidfolkenflik.bsky.social
www.npr.org/2025/10/28/n...
Via @davidfolkenflik.bsky.social
www.npr.org/2025/10/28/n...
'Washington Post' editorials omit a key disclosure: Bezos' financial ties
Three times in the past two weeks, editorials at the 'Washington Post' failed to disclose that they focused on matters in which owner Jeff Bezos had a material interest.
www.npr.org
October 28, 2025 at 11:33 AM
3 times in the past 2 weeks, a WashPost editorial "has taken on matters in which Bezos has a financial or corporate interest without noting his stake. In each case, the Post's editorial line landed in sync with its owner's interests"
Via @davidfolkenflik.bsky.social
www.npr.org/2025/10/28/n...
Via @davidfolkenflik.bsky.social
www.npr.org/2025/10/28/n...
In October, 'Washington Post' editorials fail to disclose Bezos interests
My story for NPR
www.npr.org/2025/10/28/n...
My story for NPR
www.npr.org/2025/10/28/n...
'Washington Post' editorials omit a key disclosure: Bezos' financial ties
Three times in the past two weeks, editorials at the 'Washington Post' failed to disclose that they focused on matters in which owner Jeff Bezos had a material interest.
www.npr.org
October 28, 2025 at 11:51 AM
In October, 'Washington Post' editorials fail to disclose Bezos interests
My story for NPR
www.npr.org/2025/10/28/n...
My story for NPR
www.npr.org/2025/10/28/n...
"It would be a shame to throw the baby out with the bath water," a top WH budget official told CPB in April.
CPB got the message and scrambled to cut ties with NPR, court filings show
My story: Why public media giants NPR and CPB are fighting in court this week
www.npr.org/2025/10/27/n...
CPB got the message and scrambled to cut ties with NPR, court filings show
My story: Why public media giants NPR and CPB are fighting in court this week
www.npr.org/2025/10/27/n...
Why public media giants NPR and CPB are fighting in court this week
NPR is accusing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in federal court of reneging on a contract to appease the White House.
www.npr.org
October 27, 2025 at 11:45 AM
"It would be a shame to throw the baby out with the bath water," a top WH budget official told CPB in April.
CPB got the message and scrambled to cut ties with NPR, court filings show
My story: Why public media giants NPR and CPB are fighting in court this week
www.npr.org/2025/10/27/n...
CPB got the message and scrambled to cut ties with NPR, court filings show
My story: Why public media giants NPR and CPB are fighting in court this week
www.npr.org/2025/10/27/n...
Reposted by David Folkenflik
How Trump silences his critics on.ft.com/4qoZJHn
So critical to remember how much opposition we never see or hear because people fear reprisal
So critical to remember how much opposition we never see or hear because people fear reprisal
October 24, 2025 at 12:22 PM
How Trump silences his critics on.ft.com/4qoZJHn
So critical to remember how much opposition we never see or hear because people fear reprisal
So critical to remember how much opposition we never see or hear because people fear reprisal
Reposted by David Folkenflik
A man was arrested for playing Darth Vader's theme music, "The Imperial March," behind National Guard troops walking through Logan Circle.
Now the ACLU is suing on his behalf. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Now the ACLU is suing on his behalf. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
October 23, 2025 at 4:38 PM
A man was arrested for playing Darth Vader's theme music, "The Imperial March," behind National Guard troops walking through Logan Circle.
Now the ACLU is suing on his behalf. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Now the ACLU is suing on his behalf. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Pentagon press corps gets a right-wing makeover due to Hegseth's demands
Among those accepting those terms: Gateway Pundit and Lindell TV (started by MyPillow guy).
Another is National Pulse's Will Upton, who did PR for US Treasury in first Trump term. one.npr.org/i/nx-s1-5583...
Among those accepting those terms: Gateway Pundit and Lindell TV (started by MyPillow guy).
Another is National Pulse's Will Upton, who did PR for US Treasury in first Trump term. one.npr.org/i/nx-s1-5583...
🔊 Listen Now: Pentagon press corps gets a right-wing makeover
Trump's Terms on NPR One | 4:56
one.npr.org
October 23, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Pentagon press corps gets a right-wing makeover due to Hegseth's demands
Among those accepting those terms: Gateway Pundit and Lindell TV (started by MyPillow guy).
Another is National Pulse's Will Upton, who did PR for US Treasury in first Trump term. one.npr.org/i/nx-s1-5583...
Among those accepting those terms: Gateway Pundit and Lindell TV (started by MyPillow guy).
Another is National Pulse's Will Upton, who did PR for US Treasury in first Trump term. one.npr.org/i/nx-s1-5583...
Reposted by David Folkenflik
NEW for @washingtonpost.com:
Pentagon reporters exited the building in unison Wednesday after turning in their badges, having refused to sign the Defense Department's press policy.
@nancyayoussef.bsky.social called it a “sad day for those who support a free press.”
Pentagon reporters exited the building in unison Wednesday after turning in their badges, having refused to sign the Defense Department's press policy.
@nancyayoussef.bsky.social called it a “sad day for those who support a free press.”
Reporters leave Pentagon en masse after refusing to sign on to new rules
After turning in their press credentials, journalists covering the Defense Department walked out rather than comply with its restrictive new policies.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 15, 2025 at 10:14 PM
NEW for @washingtonpost.com:
Pentagon reporters exited the building in unison Wednesday after turning in their badges, having refused to sign the Defense Department's press policy.
@nancyayoussef.bsky.social called it a “sad day for those who support a free press.”
Pentagon reporters exited the building in unison Wednesday after turning in their badges, having refused to sign the Defense Department's press policy.
@nancyayoussef.bsky.social called it a “sad day for those who support a free press.”
Reposted by David Folkenflik
CJR welcomes Betsy Morais as our new Editor in Chief! journalism.columbia.edu/news/morais-...
October 15, 2025 at 9:59 PM
CJR welcomes Betsy Morais as our new Editor in Chief! journalism.columbia.edu/news/morais-...
Reposted by David Folkenflik
WSJ restructures its health, science, and education teams, with the health group moving back under the business team, after separating during the pandemic (Chris Roush/Talking Biz News)
Main Link | Mediagazer Permalink
Main Link | Mediagazer Permalink
October 15, 2025 at 9:35 PM
WSJ restructures its health, science, and education teams, with the health group moving back under the business team, after separating during the pandemic (Chris Roush/Talking Biz News)
Main Link | Mediagazer Permalink
Main Link | Mediagazer Permalink
Reposted by David Folkenflik
(AP) — Dozens of reporters turned in access badges and exited the Pentagon on Wednesday rather than agree to government-imposed restrictions on their work, pushing journalists who cover the American military further from the seat of its power.
@apnews.com
apnews.com/article/pent...
@apnews.com
apnews.com/article/pent...
October 15, 2025 at 8:44 PM
(AP) — Dozens of reporters turned in access badges and exited the Pentagon on Wednesday rather than agree to government-imposed restrictions on their work, pushing journalists who cover the American military further from the seat of its power.
@apnews.com
apnews.com/article/pent...
@apnews.com
apnews.com/article/pent...
NPR's veteran defense reporter Tom Bowman: Why I'm handing in my Pentagon Pass
www.npr.org/2025/10/14/g...
www.npr.org/2025/10/14/g...
Opinion: Why I'm handing in my Pentagon press pass
Tom Bowman has held his Pentagon press pass for 28 years. He says the Pentagon's new media policy makes it impossible to be a journalist, which means finding out what's really going on behind the scen...
www.npr.org
October 14, 2025 at 11:55 AM
NPR's veteran defense reporter Tom Bowman: Why I'm handing in my Pentagon Pass
www.npr.org/2025/10/14/g...
www.npr.org/2025/10/14/g...
Reposted by David Folkenflik
Bari Weiss' biggest challenge at CBS News is the unprecedented dominance of David Muir at ABC, writes @michaelsocolow.bsky.social. And yes, as I tell my students, everything — everything — goes back to Richard Nixon. linttrapofhistory.substack.com/p/bari-weiss...
Bari Weiss's Greatest Challenge at CBS
It's not the Murrow-Cronkite Legacy. It's not the newsrooms & bureaus filled with journalists more experienced than her. It's not the scale of the operation. It's David Muir's incredible dominance.
linttrapofhistory.substack.com
October 10, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Bari Weiss' biggest challenge at CBS News is the unprecedented dominance of David Muir at ABC, writes @michaelsocolow.bsky.social. And yes, as I tell my students, everything — everything — goes back to Richard Nixon. linttrapofhistory.substack.com/p/bari-weiss...
Reposted by David Folkenflik
I talked to trust and safety professionals and former OpenAI employees about how Sora could change the internet forever
"It's as if deepfakes got a publicist and a distribution deal”
www.npr.org/2025/10/10/n...
"It's as if deepfakes got a publicist and a distribution deal”
www.npr.org/2025/10/10/n...
Sora gives deepfakes 'a publicist and a distribution deal.' It could change the internet
OpenAI's new hit app has unleashed a new wave of AI slop across the internet. But what happens when there are no rules over hyper-realistic synthetic videos?
www.npr.org
October 10, 2025 at 3:20 PM
I talked to trust and safety professionals and former OpenAI employees about how Sora could change the internet forever
"It's as if deepfakes got a publicist and a distribution deal”
www.npr.org/2025/10/10/n...
"It's as if deepfakes got a publicist and a distribution deal”
www.npr.org/2025/10/10/n...
Reposted by David Folkenflik
Paul Ingrassia, Trump’s nominee to lead the office investigating Jack Smith, has recently been investigated for harassing a colleague, Politico reports.
“Eventually the woman discovered that Ingrassia had arranged ahead of time to have her hotel room canceled so she would have to stay with him..”
“Eventually the woman discovered that Ingrassia had arranged ahead of time to have her hotel room canceled so she would have to stay with him..”
October 10, 2025 at 2:02 AM
Paul Ingrassia, Trump’s nominee to lead the office investigating Jack Smith, has recently been investigated for harassing a colleague, Politico reports.
“Eventually the woman discovered that Ingrassia had arranged ahead of time to have her hotel room canceled so she would have to stay with him..”
“Eventually the woman discovered that Ingrassia had arranged ahead of time to have her hotel room canceled so she would have to stay with him..”
Reposted by David Folkenflik
When @JBPritzker.bsky.social joked on Tuesday, "I'm asking any of you to come visit me in the gulag in El Salvador,” I thought back to when that was not yet a meme and more of a pure joke. Specifically back to the 2016 conversation Graydon Carter and I had with NPR about about Trump and Spy.
October 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM
When @JBPritzker.bsky.social joked on Tuesday, "I'm asking any of you to come visit me in the gulag in El Salvador,” I thought back to when that was not yet a meme and more of a pure joke. Specifically back to the 2016 conversation Graydon Carter and I had with NPR about about Trump and Spy.
Reposted by David Folkenflik
JUST IN: Chicago journalistsa re suing DHS and ICE over force used against reporters:
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
October 6, 2025 at 1:16 PM
JUST IN: Chicago journalistsa re suing DHS and ICE over force used against reporters:
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Bari Weiss to be editor in chief of CBS News as Skydance set to annnouccne acquisition of Free Press
What does it mean for CBS? My story and chat with Steve Inskeep on NPR's Morning Edition
www.npr.org/2025/10/06/n...
What does it mean for CBS? My story and chat with Steve Inskeep on NPR's Morning Edition
www.npr.org/2025/10/06/n...
CBS' next top editor to be Bari Weiss of The Free Press
CBS' parent company will buy The Free Press and install Bari Weiss, its contrarian founder, as editor in chief of CBS News.
www.npr.org
October 6, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Bari Weiss to be editor in chief of CBS News as Skydance set to annnouccne acquisition of Free Press
What does it mean for CBS? My story and chat with Steve Inskeep on NPR's Morning Edition
www.npr.org/2025/10/06/n...
What does it mean for CBS? My story and chat with Steve Inskeep on NPR's Morning Edition
www.npr.org/2025/10/06/n...