4 chapters across the catalog
Associate Executive Producers, Value for Value Model
The hosts read a long list of donations from associate executive producers, thanking them for keeping the show operational. They reiterate that the "Value for Value" model, as mentioned in the Mueller report, is the foundation of their independent media effort.
Media Whipsaw Technique, Wells Fargo Fraud and Local Charities
A media reporting tactic dubbed the "whipsaw" involves cutting between unrelated negative stories to create a psychological association of fraud. An example is cited where NBC transitioned directly from a critical Red Cross report to a Wells Fargo fraud segment. Concerns are raised that massive donations to Harvey relief will deplete funding for smaller, local non-profits.
Al-Qaeda Expense Reports, Mokhtar Belmokhtar, Terrorist Bureaucracy
The Associated Press discovered a letter in Mali revealing that Al-Qaeda functions as a highly structured bureaucracy that requires commanders to file monthly expense reports. The letter criticizes commander Mokhtar Belmokhtar for failing to submit reports, missing meetings in Timbuktu, and "discounting" ransoms for Canadian diplomats. The hosts mock the "corporate" nature of the terrorist organization and its "Chief Revenue Officer" style of management.
Al-Qaeda Expense Reports, Mokhtar Belmokhtar and AP Letter Discovery
The Associated Press discovered a letter in Mali purportedly from Al-Qaeda leadership criticizing commander Mokhtar Belmokhtar for his poor administrative skills. The letter reveals a highly structured corporate-style organization that requires monthly expense reports and quibbles over ransom amounts. Belmokhtar was reportedly scolded for failing to pull off "spectacular" operations and for being difficult to manage, painting a picture of jihadist groups as bureaucratic entities.
