Power Lines with Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino

Status

Power Lines is the official podcast of Status, where veteran journalists Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino break down their exclusive reporting and deliver sharp, uncompromising analysis on how information moves and shapes society. From the Fourth Estate to Silicon Valley to Hollywood, they scrutinize the powerful institutions driving narratives, shaping perception, and steering the culture. New episodes drop every Friday.

  1. JAN 23

    Bari Weiss’ CBS News Backfire, CNN’s Scott Jennings Torched, Biggest Oscars Surprises

    On this week’s Power Lines: Embattled CBS News boss Bari Weiss badmouthed her own staff to reporters after holding up a “60 Minutes” segment on Trump deportees, suggesting the struggling new chief has much to learn. Plus, new “CBS Evening News” anchor Tony Dokoupil’s abysmal ratings continue as the network’s sudden right-turn alienates audiences. Then, CNN’s pro-MAGA contributor Scott Jennings is slammed by network guests over his warped relationship with the truth as he aligns himself with Donald Trump. Speaking of distortion realities, the biggest stars on Fox News and across the MAGAverse are suddenly all-in on the idea of the U.S. taking over Greenland in lockstep with Trump. And finally, Status’ Brian Lowry joins the show to break down the biggest surprises and snubs of the 2026 Oscar nominations. 00:00 Intro 00:55 CBS News Ratings Drop for Weiss & Dokoupil 01:31 Behind the Scenes Drama at 60 Minutes 06:02 Bari Weiss's Management Style 16:48 Scott Jennings Under Fire at CNN 26:48 Fox News Defends Trump's Greenland Gambit 32:27 Unpacking Oscar Nominations 34:53 Sinners: The Movie of the Year? 36:19 Best Picture Nominees 37:13 Surprising Oscar Snubs 41:49 Oscar Predictions and Dark Horses Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    55 min
  2. JAN 9

    Tony Dokoupil’s Disastrous Debut, MAGA Media’s ICE-Cold Spin, and Elon Musk’s Grok Goes Off the Rails

    On this week’s Power Lines: Tony Dokoupil’s debut as anchor of the “CBS Evening News” has been disastrous, full of embarrassing flubs, cringeworthy social media post, and appalling right-wing flattery. Oliver and Jon unpack Dokoupil’s “both sides” approach to January 6, his on-air salute to Marco Rubio, and CBS News broader attempt to court an entirely new audience. Then, MAGA Media trips over itself smearing the victim of an ICE shooting while blindly parroting the government’s talking points. We also discuss how Fox News has been cheering Trump’s threats toward Venezuela—so much so that even Megyn Kelly voiced her disgust. Plus, Elon Musk’s Grok goes fully off the rails, undressing women and children while Apple and Google stay quiet. The bot has also accused Oliver of being the most prevalent purveyor of misinformation on the internet. Finally, Dan Bongino is back in his comfort zone, kicking off his post-FBI life by viciously attacking Matt Gaetz. Thanks to our sponsor, beehiiv, the platform that powers the Status newsletter! If you have a newsletter with over 100k subscribers, schedule your free growth consultation today. Or, use code STATUS30 for 30% off: https://www.beehiiv.com/status 00:00 Intro 01:04 CBS Evening News Chaos 21:12 MAGA Media Smears ICE Shooting Victim 28:15 Fox News Cheers Maduro Seizure 31:01 Megyn Kelly Pushes Back on Venezuela Operation 39:02 Elon Musk's Grok Controversy 46:40 Dan Bongino's Return Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    57 min
4.6
out of 5
64 Ratings

About

Power Lines is the official podcast of Status, where veteran journalists Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino break down their exclusive reporting and deliver sharp, uncompromising analysis on how information moves and shapes society. From the Fourth Estate to Silicon Valley to Hollywood, they scrutinize the powerful institutions driving narratives, shaping perception, and steering the culture. New episodes drop every Friday.

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