The Gedmin Files: MBN's Weekly Newsletter

In this episode, Jeff Gedmin , the president/CEO of the  Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN) , expresses disappointment and concern regarding the  termination of their grant agreement  by Kari Lake, a senior advisor at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). Despite  congressional approval of their funding  and MBN's work in  countering anti-American narratives  in the Middle East, Lake...

This episode discussed how Iran, China, and Russia have commenced joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman, expressing their intent to challenge U.S. influence.  This development is occurring in a region crucial for China's energy security, as a majority of its crude oil imports originate from the Middle East, including significant purchases from Iran despite U.S. sanctions. Meanwhile, the  M...

This episode highlights a n internal communication from MBN leadership and addresses several key areas.  It outlines a senior leadership workshop focused on strategy and editorial direction. The memo details ongoing efforts to secure congressional funding amidst a challenging political climate and potential budget cuts affecting its parent agency, USAGM.  Collaboration with other U.S.-funded media...

The memo discusses MBN's efforts to engage with Washington legislators and think tanks, highlighting briefings, publications, and interviews. It outlines MBN's contributions to discussions on geopolitical issues such as Syria, Iran, Russia, and Lebanon. The memo also touches on current events, including tensions in the West Bank, the war in Ukraine, and North Korea's support for Russia...

This week's episode focuses on MBN's reporting on the Middle East, Russia, and Iran, with an emphasis on countering malign influences.  Recent efforts include interviews with prominent figures and coverage of regional conflicts and economic issues.  The organization aims to provide original reporting and analysis, focusing on the American story while exposing the activities of U.S. adversa...

This message to colleagues discusses recent global events and the work of a media organization (MBN) in covering them. It highlights the organization's reporting on significant issues like the uprising in Iran following Mahsa Amini's death, the Russia-Ukraine war, and regional tensions involving Hezbollah and Iranian-funded groups. The memo also emphasizes MBN's efforts to provide cont...

MBN awaits a congressional budget decision next month.  The organization highlights its impactful journalism, citing interviews with Lebanese and Yemeni leaders that were widely covered in international media. Upcoming events include a discussion with Russian opposition figure Mikhail Khodorkovsky focusing on the Wagner Group and independent media.  MBN plans to include cultural content, specifica...

This memo from Jeff, the head of MBN, details upcoming events and collaborations with various influential figures and organizations, including the International Institute for Strategic Studies and the Munich Security Conference. It highlights MBN's expanding international network and its focus on reporting on critical geopolitical issues such as the Middle East, particularly Iran and Hezbollah...

This episode covers recent geopolitical events—including a prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel, instability in Syria and Iraq, and the integration of Iranian-backed militias into the Iraqi armed forces—while also announcing internal restructuring and upcoming plans for the organization. The memo highlights the importance of MBN's role in providing reliable news in a volatile region and...

This message from MBN's Jeff celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day, highlighting the ongoing fight for human rights globally. It showcases MBN's journalistic commitment to covering stories of oppression, including imprisoned journalists and marginalized groups, while emphasizing their own values of open societies and tolerance. The message also connects King's legacy with music and fai...

The first excerpt  is an email announcing a talk by Elliot Ackerman, co-author of the novel  2034 , a fictional depiction of a future war involving the US, China, and Iran, a book initially dismissed as unrealistic but now seeming more plausible given recent world events.  The second section  details the work of Middle East Broadcasting Network (MBN), highlighting its news coverage, significant in...

MBN's  president/CEO, Jeff Gedmin, reports on the organization's accomplishments, including significant cost savings and new hires bolstering security and expertise in Iran, Russia, and China. The report details ongoing investigations into these countries' actions, including cyber espionage and human rights abuses. MBN's collaborations with other organizations and upcoming events, such as a Nation...

This episode is a year-end message from Jeff Gedmin, president and CEO of MBN, summarizing the year's events.  The message highlights MBN's achievements , including cost savings and impactful journalism, and  features reflections on the tumultuous global political landscape . It also  pays tribute to Daniel Barenboim's West-Eastern Divan Orchestra and his late wife, cellist Jacqueline du Pré , emp...

This holiday episode presents a multifaceted narrative encompassing the scandalous premiere of Handel's Messiah in 1742, driven largely by the leading singer, Susannah Cibber's, dramatic elopement. It further explores the historical context of the oratorio, contrasting its creation with the composer's struggles. The piece also highlights a modern-day media company's successes and personnel changes...

In this episode, Matt Kaminski , a seasoned journalist, advises the Middle East Broadcasting Network (MBN) on its future direction, emphasizing the need for original, in-depth reporting and analysis to distinguish MBN from competitors. He highlights the importance of adapting to digital platforms and leveraging MBN's unique position as a U.S.-funded outlet committed to journalistic integrity. The...

This episode recounts the life and career of Morton Abramowitz, a prominent American diplomat and human rights advocate, highlighting his connections to the composer Philip Glass and his family. It also discusses current events in Syria, including the fall of the Assad regime and the resulting uncertainty, and the broader global struggle between liberal democracy and authoritarianism. The piece fu...