Joe's Media Corner Joe Strupp

Movie critic and reporter Bruce Fretts of The New York Times and other publications joins me to chat about his best and worst movies list of the past year. Fresh off of the Golden Globes and gearing up for the Oscars, Bruce lays out why his favorites might not be yours, and his duds may surprise you. Check it out below. 

I spoke with TV analyst and ratings expert Marc Berman of The Programming Insider on where things stand with television as the new year opens up. We discussed which shows are up, and down, and where drama, comedy, reality series and sports fit in as the options for TV watching keep growing. But does the quality? Listen here. 

Voice Of America, the U.S. government-funded independent news source for hundreds of millions of overseas listeners seeking accurate information about the United States, is facing a major power change that could severely impact its credibility. New York Times reporter Elizabeth Williamson, who penned a recent front page article on this frightening prospect, offered great insight into the situation during a lengthy interview with me. Check it out.

I spoke with National Public Radio media reporter David Folkenflik about the growing sexual harassment and abuse scandal at CBS News, which has forced out chairman Les Moonves and 60 Minutes executive produce Jeff Fager, as well as blemishing the legacy of the late Don Hewitt. We also discussed comedian Kevin Hart's forced departure from being host of the Oscars, and how raunchy performers face the prospect of headlining more conservative events.

The new movie The Front Runner looks at the rise and fall of Gary Hart, whose affair was uncovered by investigative reporters and sparked his quick exit from a presidential race many thought he had sewn up. But was the press right or wrong? Should Hart have stayed in? And would it matter today? I spoke to author Matt Bai, whose book, All The Truth Is Out, is the basis for the movie that he co-wrote and helped produce.

The great humor newspaper The Onion launched 30 years ago and former editor Scott Dikkers just penned a great book all about it. He spoke with me this week and offered great stories and background on the best humor publication since Mad magazine.