FMC Fast Chat

by Jaci Clement

Season 7

Technology, Democracy & Power: Is Innovation Saving the World—or Killing the Planet?

Fair Media Council CEO Jaci Clement talks with Justin Hendrix, CEO and Editor of Tech Policy Press, about how innovation, power, and responsibility collide in the digital age. From AI’s environmental toll to the fight for privacy and democracy, this episode explores whether technology’s future depends on who—and what—it ultimately serves. This episode was recorded during Climate Week NYC 2025. Guest Bio Justin Hendrix is CEO and Editor of Tech Policy Press, a nonprofit media venture concerned with the intersection of technology and democracy. Previously, he was Executive Director of NYC Media Lab. He spent over a decade at The Economist in roles including Vice President of Business Development & Innovation. He is an adjunct professor at NYU Tandon School of Engineering and a lecturer at Cornell Tech. (Source: Techpolicy.press)

S7 · E2

Oct 23, 2025

29:24

Jimmy Kimmel, the FCC & Free Speech: Let's Talk About What’s Really at Stake

Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension and return to late-night raised serious questions: Where’s the line between offensive comedy and unprotected speech? And how far can the FCC go in policing broadcasters? In this episode of FMC Fast Chat, Fair Media Council CEO Jaci Clement joins forces with renowned First Amendment scholar Clay Calvert, Nonresident Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and Professor Emeritus at the University of Florida, to unpack the controversy and its bigger implications. Together they break down the headlines with a clear-eyed look at what’s really happening in America today. 👉 In this episode, we explore: The Jimmy Kimmel–FCC showdown and why it matters Why “hate speech” is generally protected in the U.S.—and where the law actually draws the line The fine distinctions between true threats, fighting words, and incitement How social media is weaponized to silence unpopular speech What lawsuits and government actions mean for the future of free expression 🎙️ A timely, candid conversation that makes sense of today’s free speech battles. Tune in now and stay media-savvy.

S7 · E1

Sep 24, 2025

28:35

Journalism at a Crossroads: Richard Tofel on Funding, Integrity & the Future

How did we get from 30% profit margins to paywalls, nonprofit newsrooms, and creators funding investigative journalism one Substack post at a time? In this episode of FMC Fast Chat, host Jaci Clement sits down with Richard Tofel — founding general manager and former president of ProPublica, now leading Gallatin Advisory and teaching at Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health — for a candid, eye-opening conversation about the fractured economics of journalism, how credibility impacts revenue, and what’s really at stake for democracy. 🔥 Highlights include: Why the news industry never recovered from 2005 The dark side of paywalls — and how they shift newsroom independence How to navigate a media landscape flooded with misinformation The COVID communications collapse: What public health experts must learn Why today’s best journalism may be the best we’ve ever had 📌 Whether in the newsroom, a boardroom, or just trying to be an informed citizen, this episode will change how you think about the news — and what you choose to trust. FMC Fast Chat is the official podcast of the Fair Media Council. Guest inquiries: bookings@fairmediacouncil.org

Apr 22, 2025

33:21

Season 6

Fire on the Air: How Local Radio Covered California's Wildfires

Join Fair Media Council CEO and Executive Director Jaci Clement as she sits down with KNX 97.1 FM Los Angeles News and Programming Director Alex Silverman for an inside look at the power of local radio during emergencies. In this episode of FMC Fast Chat, Alex reveals how the team at the 24/7 all-news radio station covered the California wildfires while drawing striking comparisons with New York’s Hurricane Sandy. In this episode, you'll discover: A Lifeline: How KNX 97.1 FM, a trusted 24/7 all-news radio station, becomes a lifeline for millions without power or cell service during crises, ensuring that essential emergency news reaches those who need it most. Local Media in Action: Real-life stories of frontline journalists dedicated to quality news, correcting misinformation, and ensuring public safety—even under intense pressure. Multimedia Boost: How the station used social media, push alerts, and digital platforms to amplify critical news when every second counts. Navigating Decentralized Communication: Insights into the challenges of California's decentralized government and its impact on emergency response and information dissemination. Whether you're a news enthusiast or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes during a crisis, Fire on the Air offers a compelling look at the indispensable role of radio news in our society. Tune in now to explore how local media keeps our communities safe and informed.

S6 · E12

Feb 5, 2025

30:15

Breaking Down the First Amendment in a Digital World with Clay Calvert

On this episode of FMC Fast Chat, host Jaci Clement welcomes renowned First Amendment scholar Clay Calvert for a timely conversation on the myths, challenges, and realities of free speech in the digital age. From the Supreme Court’s decision on the TikTok ban to the responsibilities that come with free expression, this episode breaks down what the First Amendment protects—and what it doesn’t. What you’ll learn: 🔹 The biggest misconception about the First Amendment — and why it’s important to understand. 🔹 How the TikTok ban reflects growing concerns over national security and data privacy. 🔹 The balance between free speech and responsibility in today’s digital-first world. 🔹 Why social media platforms can moderate content without violating free speech rights. 🔹 How to stay media savvy in a world dominated by misinformation and social media addiction. Whether you’re passionate about free speech, curious about how laws shape our digital lives, or simply looking to become a more informed citizen, this episode delivers the insights you need. ABOUT OUR GUEST Clay Calvert is a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and Professor Emeritus, Brechner Eminent Scholar of Mass Communication Emeritus, and former Director of the Marion B. Brechner First Amendment Project at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, specializing in First Amendment Law. He was previously a professor at the Pennsylvania State University, where he co-directed the Pennsylvania Center for the First Amendment. Calvert has authored or co-authored more than 150 scholarly articles for law journals. He has also written several books dealing with the First Amendment.

S6 · E11

Jan 21, 2025

30:40

Bridging Divides: Amy Mitchell on Shaping Journalism & Media Policy for the Digital Age

In this must-hear episode of FMC Fast Chat, host Jaci Clement interviews Amy Mitchell, founding executive director of the Center for News Technology and Innovation and a leading voice in global media policy. Together, they unpack the complexities of today’s digital news landscape and the urgent need to bring journalists, technologists, policymakers, and the public together to craft meaningful solutions. 🔹 Key Highlights: Why collaboration is essential to creating effective media policy Addressing algorithmic gatekeeping and disinformation in the digital age AI’s potential to support journalism while safeguarding public trust How local news can thrive through innovation and community connections Join the conversation shaping the future of journalism and media accountability. Listen now, share and subscribe to support FMC’s mission to advocate for quality news and build a media-savvy society!

S6 · E10

Jan 15, 2025

32:31

Challenging Assumptions: Michael Powell’s Take on True Journalism

In this episode of FMC Fast Chat, Fair Media Council CEO and Executive Director Jaci Clement sits down with Michael Powell — an acclaimed journalist whose career spans The Washington Post to The New York Times and now The Atlantic. Together, they examine the shifting tides of journalism, the erosion of big newsrooms, and the rise of digital media. Michael offers insights into how reporters find and craft powerful stories, emphasizing the importance of fairness, strong reporting, and genuine character portrayal. They also discuss challenges faced by young journalists today, the role of editors, and how democracy intertwines with the state of the press. Whether you’re an avid media enthusiast or a casual news consumer, this conversation reveals what’s truly at stake when preserving quality journalism. Listen now and learn how to stay informed, navigate disinformation, and understand the evolving media landscape — all courtesy of the Fair Media Council, your resource for news literacy and quality media advocacy.

S6 · E9

Dec 24, 2024

56:49

'Democratic Delusions:' A Conversation with Natalie Fenton on Reclaiming Media for the Public Good

Over the past thirty years, monumental changes have pushed the media further from its core mission of serving the public interest. Political pressures, commercial imperatives, deregulation, and the concentration of immense capital in just a few hands have converged to distort the flow of information and weaken the media’s ability to hold power to account. As a result, trust erodes, civic life suffers, and those without influence are increasingly marginalized. In this episode of FMC Fast Chat, Jaci Clement speaks with Natalie Fenton —professor of media and communications at Goldsmiths, University of London, co-founder of the Media Reform Coalition in the UK, and author of Democratic Delusions: How the Media Hollows Out Democracy and What We Can Do About It — to explore the ways a weakened media system harms our democracy and how reimagining the media landscape can help rebuild trust, transparency, and fairness. This is a conversation about understanding where we went wrong, who truly benefits from our current media system, and how we can chart a path toward a future that finally puts the public interest front and center.

S6 · E8

Dec 10, 2024

34:04

From Promise to Crisis: The Hidden Costs of Social Media

When social media began, it was full of promise — connecting people, amplifying voices, and fighting for liberties. But today, it’s in crisis. In this episode of FMC Fast Chat, renowned digital expert Sree Sreenivasan examines how social media has shifted from a tool for empowerment to a force causing harm in every part of our lives. Sree doesn’t just identify the problems — he offers actionable tips to help us navigate a world where the people who own and run these platforms are shaping our lives in troubling ways. This conversation is a wake-up call for anyone who wants to better understand the hidden costs of social media and reclaim control. What You’ll Learn: The evolution of social media—from a tool for good to a force for harm. How platform owners and decision-makers are manipulating communities. Practical tips for protecting yourself and regaining control of your digital life.

S6 · E7

Nov 26, 2024

27:48

Inside the Golden Era of New York News

In this episode of FMC Fast Chat, author Jerry Barmash introduces us to his new book, "Here Now the News: An Inside Scoop into New York's Best-Loved Anchors." With decades of experience covering New York news, Barmash brings a deeply human look at the anchors who became household names. Beyond the cameras and headlines, he explores their power, egos, and inner demons, revealing them as flawed individuals navigating immense pressures. Tune in to hear the untold stories of these media icons, not as perfect personalities but as people with struggles, triumphs, and vulnerabilities.

S6 · E5

Nov 12, 2024

32:14

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