Author, filmmaker, and podcaster Dinesh D’Souza appeared on Jeff Katz‘s radio program on WRVA to discuss a variety of news issues. The areas explored included the recent resignation of Claudine Gay at Harvard, the RNC’s future, and a few media related issues.
During the discussion, Katz shared how much he enjoys D’Souza’s podcast and the topics he chooses. It led to the Salem Media host offering up a bit of unexpected news.
“I’m very excited about it, and have done three years of it. Just recently I inked a new two-year contract to keep the podcast going with Salem,” said D’Souza. “I modified the format a little bit. I was doing it almost in a little more of a TV type of format. I’m now doing it in more of a podcasting sort of way.”
D’Souza shared details of a few new episodes he’s creating for Salem, mentioning the show’s availability on both audio and video platforms. That was followed by Katz expressing his appreciation for the podcast’s willingness to create content that isn’t available elsewhere. D’Souza then explained why it’s important to shine a light on lesser known stories.
“We’re in a very low grade, intellectual moment in our society right now,” D’Souza added. “Even our political discussions have degraded. When you think back decades ago, even back to the Reagan era, quality of discussion on political topics is just not what it used to be.”
The abruptness of social media, and changes in media, culture and classroom discussions was also examined. Using the old CNN show ‘Crossfire’ as an example, D’Souza believes quality debate shows with differing viewpoints rarely exist on television today.
“You had two quite, engaging, intelligent people. They weren’t exactly philosophers or even intellectuals, but they were well informed public figures,” D’Souza explained. “They would go at it on the issue of the day. You got a chance, whatever your politics, to get a feeling for what these arguments sound like. There’s just nothing like that now. A CNN panel today has eight guys who all echo each other. You start to wonder what exactly am I watching except some type of propaganda channel that will not even bring up certain arguments that run against the preferred narrative.”
