Hot Media with Bob Mann

We keep hearing about the so-called "metaverse" but what exactly is it? Hot Media with Bob Mann episode 317 explains it. Frequent guest, Professor Paul Levinson, tells us how the metaverse evolved and the ways we can benefit from the "immersive internet." This episode is audio only. It was recorded in Bob's podcasting class at Caldwell University. 

We know that America is divided and people live in their own news and opinion "echo chambers." A new opinion platform called koyn has been launched as an outlet for expressing opposing points views in a civil environment. Co-creator Pranjit Kalita is my guest on Hot Media episode 316 to discuss how koyn works. 

In Hot Media episode 315, host Bob Mann and guest Len Klatt (TV producer and comedy historian) disagree about the new Aaron Sorkin film "Being the Ricardos." The movie looks behind the scenes at the lives of Lucy and Desi as they create the classic sitcom and make history. Bob loves it. Len loves Lucy but not this film. Bob & Len also talk about the latest episode of digital sitcom "Here to There....

January 6, 2021 was a crucial date in U.S. history. This year's anniversary of the Capitol riot was, in itself, a critical date. On episode 314 of Hot Media, host Bob Mann and guest Rem Rieder discuss the coverage of the anniversary. Bob and Rem also talk about the challenges facing the news media in 2022. 

Hot Media with Bob Mann episode 313 features frequent guest Dan Cassino. A new book, written by Dan and Yasemin Besen-Cassino, is the topic of the show. Gender Threat examines how men, who feel threatened by changes in society, turn to compensatory behaviors such as buying guns and supporting Donald Trump to assert their masculinity. 

The news media is the watchdog for American democracy. Hot Media episode 312 looks at highlights of the work done by journalists this past year. Host Bob Mann and guest Paul Levinson discuss the dangers of disinformation on social media and the contributions made by professional journalists in 2021. 

Bob Mann completes his brief history of television on "Hot Media" episode #311. In this monologue, Bob talks about sitcoms, magazine shows and sports. 

Bob Mann talks about the history of television talk shows on this episode of Hot Media. Episode 310 is the first of a series covering the history of the medium. 

Hot Media with Bob Mann episode 309 is about media and sports. Bob's guest is Malcolm Moran, former sportswriter for the New York Times and currently the Director of the Sports Capital Journalism Program at IUPUI. Malcolm and Bob discuss the influence that athletes have on society. The conversation focuses on Aaron Rodgers' controversial COVID vaccine statements. Moran and Mann also talk about the...

Hot Media with Bob Mann is produced in New Jersey. That state just had a shocking election for Governor. Incumbent Democrat Phil Murphy almost lost to Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Votes are still being counted. Ciattarelli says the media are acting irresponsibly by calling the race for Murphy. He is not yet conceding. Is this a wake up call for Democrats around the nation or just local politics? B...

"Squid Game" is a global TV phenomenon. Hot Media episode 307 features a conversation with host Bob Mann and guest Paul Levinson about this hit Netflix series. Bob and Paul also talk about the Time magazine cover story "Cancel Facebook?" 

Respected author and TV critic Bill Carter is Bob Mann's guest on Hot Media episode 306. Bill and Bob discuss why late night hosts have become more political, the evolution of sitcoms, challenges facing broadcast networks, the Jeopardy host search and more. Bill Carter is a CNN analyst, author of four books and executive producer of two documentary series about the history of television. 

Hot Media episode 305 is a journalism update. Host Bob Mann and guest Rem Rieder discuss the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to courageous journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov. Bob and Rem also talk about the AT&T/OAN controversy, the 25th anniversary of Fox News and the Facebook whistle blower. Video version is on YouTube (Bob Mann channel). 

NBC has no sitcoms in its primetime lineup for the first time since 1948. The genre is slowly disappearing from the airwaves. Meanwhile, smart comedies such as Ted Lasso and Hacks are thriving on streaming services. Bob Mann discusses this situation with writer/producer/executive Len Klatt. 

Rebecca Aguilar is the new President of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). She is the first Latina elected to the position. Bob Mann and the SPJ leader discuss the state of the profession, the need for diversity as well as resources for pros and students in the field. 

Hot Media with Bob Mann episode 302, "Culture Wars Coverage" focuses on the challenges faced by the media in covering scientific debate. How do journalists cover it thoroughly without fueling baseless conspiracy theories? Bob's guest is Government and Politics Prof Dan Cassino. On podcast platforms and with video on Bob Mann YouTube channel. Please subscribe!

Hot Media season 3 is underway! This season, we're adding video. Look for us on You Tube. My guest is Professor Paul Levinson. We discuss both news and entertainment including disinformation on social media and great streaming shows like "The Chair" and "River." 

On "Hot Media" episode 233, Bob Mann welcomes respected historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat to discuss her book Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present. Keeping with the mission of the podcast, the discussion focuses on the propaganda strategies and performance techniques used by authoritarian leaders to manipulate the public. 

Hot Media episode 232 focuses once again on sports media. Host Bob Mann talks with sports journalism professor and long-time sports writer Malcolm Moran about the unique challenges of covering the Tokyo Olympics. Bob and Malcolm also discuss the  importance of the name change for the Cleveland MLB team. 

Hot Media episode #231 is titled "Superhero Emmys." Host Bob Mann and guest Chris Mann-Nelson (host of The Movie Quiz) discuss the multiple Emmy nominations for WandaVision and The Mandalorian. The Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Star Wars franchise are now dominating the medium of television. 

"The Halftime Show" is the title of "Hot Media" episode 230. Host Bob Mann replays and talks about clips from three top episodes from the first half of 2021. Professor Dan Cassino and Bob discuss coverage of the January 6th Capitol attack from the episode "Words Matter." Reporter Cristian Benavides tells Bob about the Biden Administration's handling of the border situation from an episode titled "...

Radio broadcasting is the "theater of the mind." It is the forerunner of podcasting and is still an important medium on its own. Veteran radio Program Director David Bernstein talks with Bob Mann about radio's history and the medium's current economic and ethical challenges.

President Biden recently apologized for his criticism of a CNN reporter's question. He said he was sorry to have been "such a wise guy." While he is nothing like his predecessor, it does raise questions about his relationship with the press. Host Bob Mann and guest Rem Rieder discuss this and other media issues on this episode. 

How should the mainstream news media cover Citizen Donald Trump? We know about his ban from social media platforms, but what are the ethical considerations for the mainstream news outlets? Hot Media episode 227 features a conversation between host Bob Mann and guest Dan Cassino, Professor of Government & Politics at Fairleigh Dickinson University. 

Summer TV was once a wasteland of reruns and bad Summer replacement shows. The abundance of great streaming series and the post-COVID return to movie theaters make Summer '21 look promising. Host Bob Mann discusses Summer media with frequent guest, Professor Paul Levinson of Fordham University on "Hot Media" episode 226.