Topic: James Goldston

4 chapters across the catalog

Pulling a Johnson
Episode 1631 36:52 - 41:41

1631: Pulling a Johnson

PBS Frontline, January 6th Committee, ABC News Storytelling

A PBS Frontline documentary reveals that the January 6th Committee hired former ABC News president James Goldston to produce their hearings as a "miniseries" for a mass audience. Goldston describes the effort to make the evidence "pop" for primetime television to ensure viewer engagement. The hosts critique this approach, arguing that overproduction and the use of professional storytellers reduced the legal credibility of the proceedings.

Wig Out
Episode 1459 6:19 - 9:12

1459: Wig Out

January 6th Committee Primetime Hearing Production

The House Select Committee on the January 6th Attack launched its primetime hearings, utilizing former ABC News president James Goldston to produce the broadcast. Critics argue the presentation was a one-sided media production designed for television audiences rather than a traditional congressional hearing. Liz Cheney served as a primary spokesperson during the initial session, which drew approximately 12 to 15 million viewers.

Wig Out
Episode 1459 14:12 - 16:35

1459: Wig Out

MSNBC Coverage of James Goldston's Production Role

MSNBC reported on the transformation of the congressional hearing room into a high-end television set for the January 6th proceedings. The committee hired James Goldston, known for producing documentaries like "My Life with Michael Jackson," to ensure the hearings appealed to viewers of mainstream entertainment. The goal was to present a compelling narrative about threats to democracy starting from the 2020 election.

Prime Time Purge
Episode 1458 13:37 - 15:54

1458: Prime Time Purge

James Goldston, ABC News Producer Directing January 6th Hearings

The House Select Committee hired former ABC News President James Goldston to produce the January 6th hearings for a primetime television audience. This move is criticized as an attempt to use Hollywood-style production techniques and "media trickery" to dramatize a political proceeding. While CNN and MSNBC plan to carry the hearings live, Fox News has opted not to broadcast the event in primetime.