Algorithms, Headlines, & Control: How the Media Shapes Reality Artwork

You Can Call Me, Karen

90s nostalgia. Early 2000s chaos. One of them is actually named Karen. You Can Call Me Karen is the pop culture podcast for anyone who grew up on reality TV, survived the early internet, and still has opinions about all of it. New episodes every Sunday.

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You Can Call Me, Karen

Algorithms, Headlines, & Control: How the Media Shapes Reality

February 01, 2025 • Karen, Steph, & Manni • Season 2 • Episode 11

0:00 | 1:01:53

Text Us Your Karen Stories

Welcome to Season 2 of the You Can Call Me Karen Podcast! In this episode, we will discuss the question: Is the media the 4th branch of government? In a world where news is often shaped by algorithms and sensational headlines, this episode breaks down the blurred lines between news and entertainment, while questioning the balance between freedom of speech and the need for regulation in the information age. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on the media's power, its responsibility to the public, and how government control might shape what we see and hear.

As always - a big thank you to Steve Olszewski for the art and images, Calid B and SJ Fadeaway for the musical mixings, and huge credit to Malvina Reynolds (writer) and Schroder Music Co. (ASCAP) (publisher) of the song “Little Boxes”.

Links to sources referenced in this episode:

The 4th Estate as the 4th Branch

Mass Exodus from Media Shows (Read the comments)

News can’t be unbiased Tik Tok

Lastly, please follow us on Instagram (@youcancallmekaren), TikTok (@YCCMKPod), and like/subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!