Bari Weiss and the Israel narrative in the US | The Listening Post

Summary

The script delves into the intersection of media, politics, and corporate influence, focusing on U.S. media moguls Larry and David Ellison's expanding media empire and their ties to Israel. It highlights Barry Weiss's controversial appointment as editor-in-chief of CBS News, and how media is shaping public opinion on Israel's genocide in Gaza. The narrative also touches on Donald Trump's self-promotion in the Gaza peace deal and the rise of the far-right in Portugal, particularly through the media amplification of Andre Ventura's Chega party. The broader theme is how media manipulation shapes political outcomes and public perception.

Takeaways

• 😀 The U.S. media landscape is shifting, with billionaires like the Ellison family making significant media acquisitions, including CBS News and The Free Press, influencing the coverage of Israel and Gaza.
• 😀 Barry Weiss, a controversial figure known for her pro-Israel stance, was appointed editor-in-chief of CBS News, signaling a shift in editorial direction amidst rising public criticism of Israel in the U.S.
• 😀 The Ellison family's media empire is part of a broader strategy to bolster support for Israel in the U.S. as public opinion shifts, particularly among younger Americans.
• 😀 Israel's influence on U.S. media is not new, with many journalists having ties to pro-Israel lobbying groups or direct connections to the Israeli government, including Barry Weiss herself.
• 😀 TikTok’s growing role in shaping U.S. public opinion, especially among younger audiences, is seen as a key battleground for Israel’s supporters to change the narrative about the Gaza conflict.
• 😀 The media’s role in shaping political narratives is critical, as evidenced by the Ellison family’s push into media and the changing editorial landscape with figures like Weiss taking prominent positions.
• 😀 Despite the media acquisitions and strategic shifts, the public’s support for Israel has significantly dropped, making it harder for its American backers to regain legitimacy.
• 😀 Donald Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire deal in Gaza was seen less as a genuine peace effort and more as a self-promotional move to bolster his image as a peacemaker, seeking the Nobel Peace Prize.
• 😀 Chega, a far-right party in Portugal led by Andre Ventura, has gained significant media attention, turning him into a key political figure and increasing his party's visibility in national elections.
• 😀 Ventura's rise was fueled by his media savvy, initially as a football pundit, and later through viral media appearances, using controversial rhetoric to build his profile and political power.
• 😀 The Portuguese media has amplified Ventura’s message, with the media prioritizing ratings over accountability, contributing to the growing power of far-right politics in the country.
• 😀 The media in Portugal has been instrumental in shaping public opinion about Ventura, effectively making him a key political player through constant media appearances, turning him into a mainstream figure in politics.

Q & A

What role does the Ellison family play in shaping US media coverage of Israel?

The Ellison family, particularly Larry and David Ellison, are making strategic media acquisitions, including Paramount and CBS News, to influence the narrative surrounding Israel. Their growing media empire aims to shift public opinion and combat declining support for Israel in the US, with figures like Barry Weiss at the helm of major media outlets like CBS News.

Why was the timing of Barry Weiss's appointment at CBS News significant?

Barry Weiss's appointment as editor-in-chief at CBS News was strategically timed to coincide with the ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. Her strong pro-Israel stance and history of controversial media coverage, particularly about the Gaza conflict, signal a shift in the editorial direction of mainstream media in the US.

How has the media landscape in the US been linked to the decline in public support for Israel?

The US media landscape has played a key role in the declining public support for Israel, especially regarding its actions in Gaza. The increasing visibility of pro-Palestinian narratives on platforms like TikTok, along with more critical media coverage of Israel's actions, has caused a shift in public opinion, particularly among younger Americans.

What is the significance of the Ellison family's potential acquisition of TikTok's US operations?

The Ellison family's interest in acquiring TikTok's US operations is seen as a move to influence social media narratives, particularly around the pro-Palestinian perspective, which has gained traction on the platform. By controlling TikTok’s algorithm, they could potentially sway public opinion in favor of Israel.

How did Van Jones's comments on CNN contribute to the conversation about media influence?

Van Jones’s insensitive comments about Palestinian deaths, turning them into a punchline, were widely criticized. His later apology revealed deeper concerns about media figures being part of information campaigns aimed at supporting Israel. This incident highlights the growing influence of media personalities in shaping public opinion on sensitive issues like the Gaza conflict.

What role do media personalities like Andre Ventura play in amplifying far-right politics in Portugal?

Andre Ventura, the leader of Portugal's far-right party Chega, has leveraged media attention to build his political profile. His extensive media appearances, especially on TV, have amplified his far-right rhetoric, making him a dominant figure in Portuguese politics. His rise illustrates how media can be used to boost populist and extremist figures.

How did Portuguese media contribute to Ventura's political rise?

Portuguese media outlets, especially those prioritizing sensationalism and ratings, have significantly contributed to Andre Ventura’s rise. His frequent appearances on TV, from football punditry to political commentary, have elevated his profile. Media coverage often amplified his populist messages, giving him political relevance and a platform.

What impact did media coverage have on Andre Ventura's performance in elections?

Studies show that media coverage had a direct impact on Ventura’s popularity, boosting his polling from 19% to 23%. His party, Chega, now leads in local elections, showcasing the power of media in shaping political outcomes and positioning Ventura as a key political figure in Portugal.

What does the potential success of Chega in Portugal’s local elections indicate about the country's political future?

If Chega wins significant local elections, it could signal a reconfiguration of Portugal’s political landscape. Ventura’s ability to govern through local municipalities could mark a shift towards more populist and far-right politics in the country, potentially disrupting the traditional two-party system.

How have far-right media strategies in Portugal impacted the country's political discourse?

Far-right media strategies in Portugal, particularly through the use of shock tactics and spectacle, have reshaped political discourse. Ventura’s aggressive, confrontational style, cultivated through media training in football punditry and sensationalist outlets, has made him a key figure in the political sphere, pushing nationalist and Islamophobic narratives that resonate with certain voter segments.