Lauren Ashburn

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Lauren Ashburn is a weekly television columnist for Barrett Media, and the founder of Ashburn Media Company. She is a television veteran who has anchored and executive produced network and cable news programs, and served as a contributor to Fox News, the Daily Beast and PBS NewsHour. Her written work has been published by The Washington Post and Wall Street Journal, and she appears on television talking about media and politics. Ashburn has interviewed US Presidents, members of Congress, high-profile celebrities, and covered political conventions and debates. She has even reported on the Iraq War from the front lines, covered 9/11 from the Pentagon, and anchored from the US/Mexico border. You can find her on X at @LaurenAshburn.
A graduate of Columbia Journalism School’s master’s program, Ashburn was also Managing Editor of Gannett Broadcasting and USA Today Live and Managing Editor and Anchor of the evening news on EWTN. She is the founder of Ashburn Media Company and has been married to Howard Kurtz since 2020.

The Epstein Files Are Consuming Donald Trump and the Media Is Fueling the Blaze

The media narratives underscore how the Epstein files are being used as a tool in partisan battles.

How TV News Stories About SNAP Won the Ratings War and Ended the Government Shutdown

While the stories understandably focus on hungry families, many of whom live paycheck to paycheck, the president achieved his goal, whether the press likes it or not.

After 60 Minutes Interview with Donald Trump, Let’s Examine Line Between Editing and Manipulation

In all of my years editing pieces for time, it has been the journalists’ prerogative to trim the interview to make for a clearer and more cohesive segment.

Media Hypocrisy and NBA Scandal: Who Really Loses When Gambling Wins?

The larger blame lies squarely at the feet of media company behemoths that play on people’s addictions in order to line their already gold-lined pockets.

The TV Revolt Against Pete Hegseth’s Gag Order Should Be a Wake-Up Call

No matter what your profession, talking to someone in person is always a good idea to build relationships and trust. And in this case, it goes both ways.

Breaking

iHeart Media Reshuffles Hot 99.5 and Z104.3 Lineups After Fred Show Launch

"iHeart is clearly investing in Gomez, moving him into a higher-profile slot — a vote of confidence in his growing company role."

Provident Entertainment Promotes Josie Hardin and Reagan Hughes to Director Roles

"A unique combination of strategic thinking, marketing expertise, and genuine passion for both our artists and industry."

‘Move the Sticks’ Podcast Officially Comes to an End

"It's been a fantastic run for the MTS podcast. Partnering with a respected colleague and friend on 1K+ episodes has been a career milestone."

Five ESPN Studio Programs Earn Best May Viewership Ever

"PTI led all studio shows with 703K viewers, its best May since 2019."