Topic: Earned Media

Educators warn that the "lost generation" of undereducated and over-socialized children will face significantly lower lifetime earnings. The hosts urge parents to address their own addictions to social media and screens to better support their children. They argue that the current cultural polarization over religion and gender is a distraction from these core issues.

An anonymous former TV news reporter reveals that local stations often discourage original reporting, instead instructing staff to rewrite stories from local newspapers. The source explains how PR organizations now "shoot and write" stories for reporters, which are then aired almost verbatim as news. This practice allows corporations and interest groups to control the narrative through "earned media."

Marco Rubio complains that the national media has given Donald Trump disproportionate coverage, which he calls "earned media." Meanwhile, CBS executive Les Moonves is criticized for stating that while Trump might not be good for America, he is "damn good for CBS" due to high ratings. The hosts suggest these comments reveal a deep-seated bias and a focus on profit over journalism.

Joe Scarborough and Anderson Cooper discuss Donald Trump's ability to command "earned media" without spending money on traditional ad buys. Media executives are reportedly frustrated that Trump generates record ratings for debates while refusing to purchase commercial slots. The hosts argue that the media's hatred of Trump is secondary to their desire for his campaign to start spending its projected billion-dollar budget.