About this episode
In reports about pro-Palestinian college encampments, comparisons to the anti-war demonstrations of 1968 abound. On this week’s On the Media, hear how historical analogies distract us from what makes today’s protests unique. Plus, a reporter debunks a theory that Bill Gates is somehow funding campus activism. [01:09] Host Micah Loewinger speaks with Danielle K. Brown , a journalism professor at Michigan State university, about how coverage has detracted focus from students’ demands for universities to cut ties with Israel. Plus, Rick Perlstein , a columnist at The American Prospect, says reporters’ fondness for drawing parallels with 1968 has obscured the singularity of today’s encampments. [16:54] Micah continues the conversation about pro-Palestinian protest coverage with Andrew Perez , senior politics editor at Rolling Stone. They explore the inaccurate reporting on “outside agitators” and funding sources of campus demonstrations. [31:38] Micah speaks with Oren Persico , a staff writer at The Seventh Eye , about how current events like a potential Israeli invasion of Rafah and the ongoing Israel-Hamas ceasefire negotiations are being covered by Israeli media. Further reading / listening: Media coverage of campus protests tends to focus on the spectacle, rather than the substance by Danielle K. Brown The New Anti-Antisemitism by Rick Perlstein ‘Politico’ Misses Mark in Story on Who’s Funding Pro-Palestine Protests Against Biden by Andrew Perez Will Israel shut down Al Jazeera by Oren Persico On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today ( https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm ). Follow our show on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing onthemedia@wnyc.org.