Topic: Les Moonves

22 chapters across the catalog

Commie Comey
Episode 1071 37:07 - 41:28

1071: Commie Comey

Michael Moore Pedophilia Allegations Against Donald Trump

Michael Moore makes controversial statements on Bill Maher's show, suggesting Donald Trump's past comments about his daughter Ivanka would require a school teacher to report him as a pedophile. Moore attempts to link Trump to other figures accused of misconduct, including Les Moonves, Roger Ailes, and Bill O'Reilly. The hosts criticize Moore's rhetoric as extreme and borderline libelous.

Carbon Bomb
Episode 1647 46:33 - 50:36

1647: Carbon Bomb

CBS and Les Moonves on Political Advertising Revenue

A retrospective look at former CBS CEO Les Moonves highlights his 2015 comments regarding the profitability of Donald Trump's candidacy for the network. Moonves stated that the aggressive political spending and "crap throwing" between candidates was "phenomenally good" for business. The segment suggests that media networks continue to prioritize the financial windfall of high-stakes election cycles.

Do It For Ukraine
Episode 1484 2:15:17 - 2:19:54

1484: Do It For Ukraine

Midterm Election Polling, Political Advertising Revenue

New polls suggest Democrats have gained momentum heading into the midterm elections, leading Republicans 48-45 among definite voters. Analysts argue that "neck-and-neck" polling is often used to drive massive advertising spending by both parties. Former CBS CEO Les Moonves is famously quoted regarding the "phenomenal" revenue generated by political candidates "throwing crap at each other."

Gorby Chips
Episode 1482 1:53:47 - 1:57:04

1482: Gorby Chips

Election Polling Scams, Media Advertising Revenue

The cyclical nature of political polling is analyzed as a tool for media companies to generate advertising revenue by framing every election as a "neck and neck" race. A 2016 clip of former CBS CEO Les Moonves is played, in which he admits that the contentious political climate and high spending by candidates are "phenomenal" for the network's bottom line.

Killing Mink
Episode 1292 1:06:54 - 1:10:21

1292: Killing Mink

Campaign Finance Reform and Media Bottom Lines

Former CBS CEO Les Moonves is quoted from 2015 stating that the election was "good for our bottom line" due to record-breaking political advertising revenue. The discussion posits that true campaign finance reform will never happen because the media industry is the primary beneficiary of the billions spent on elections. This financial dependency ensures that the media remains invested in high-conflict, high-spending political cycles.

Rewilding
Episode 1209 1:50:19 - 1:55:28

1209: Rewilding

Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook Political Ads, Les Moonves

Facebook and CEO Mark Zuckerberg are facing criticism from Democratic politicians for refusing to censor or fact-check political advertisements. Unlike Twitter, which banned political ads, Facebook continues to accept them, a move that is financially lucrative during an election season. The segment recalls former CBS CEO Les Moonves' 2016 comments about how profitable political "crap-throwing" is for media networks.

Yeah No
Episode 1095 1:38:12 - 1:42:42

1095: Yeah No

CBS Sexual Harassment Scandal and Viacom Merger

The departure of Les Moonves from CBS following sexual harassment allegations is linked to Shari Redstone's long-standing goal of merging CBS and Viacom. The scandal, which also involved executives like Jeff Fager and Don Hewitt, is viewed by some as a strategic move to clear the path for corporate reunification.

Pros From Dover
Episode 1092 2:37:03 - 2:41:59

1092: Pros From Dover

Les Moonves CBS Misconduct Report and "On-Call" Allegations

An explosive internal report from CBS accused former CEO Les Moonves of destroying evidence and misleading investigators regarding sexual misconduct allegations. The report alleged that Moonves had a CBS employee "on call" for sexual favors and attempted to protect his $120 million severance package by deleting text messages. CBS News provided extensive coverage of the report, suggesting a significant internal turn against the former executive.

Surf n Turf
Episode 1091 44:11 - 50:14

1091: Surf n Turf

Murphy Brown Reboot Cancellation and Political Bias

The reboot of the television series Murphy Brown has reportedly been canceled following poor ratings and heavy political themes. A specific scene depicting a journalist being beaten at a Trump rally is criticized as unrealistic and ideologically driven. The failure of the show is attributed to a lack of business acumen and an over-reliance on anti-Trump narratives that failed to attract a broad audience.

Carbeque
Episode 1068 1:49:22 - 1:54:32

1068: Carbeque

Les Moonves, Me Too Movement, Corporate Power Dynamics

The resignation of CBS CEO Les Moonves highlights the ongoing impact of the Me Too movement on powerful media executives. Allegations against Moonves involve mature women who feared reporting the incidents would ruin their careers. The discussion explores how powerful men in the entertainment and political industries use their positions to intimidate subordinates, characterizing the behavior as a toxic expression of power and control.

Hunger Stones
Episode 1066 1:39:36 - 1:41:55

1066: Hunger Stones

Les Moonves Exit Negotiations and CBS Clawback Provisions

CBS CEO Les Moonves is in settlement talks to exit the company following sexual harassment allegations. While his contract entitles him to $180 million, the board is reportedly offering $100 million in stock with a "clawback" provision. This would allow the company to reclaim the money if further investigations confirm inappropriate acts.

Heckler's Veto
Episode 1057 1:21:57 - 1:28:09

1057: Heckler's Veto

Koch Brothers, Trump Campaign Strategy and Media Revenue

The rift between the Koch brothers and Donald Trump is analyzed, with David Brooks noting that Trump's social media-driven campaign model proved more effective than the Kochs' billion-dollar structural approach. Former CBS CEO Les Moonves is heard in a 2016 clip praising the high advertising revenue generated by Trump's candidacy during the primaries.

Q-Vision
Episode 1056 1:20:39 - 1:23:32

1056: Q-Vision

Les Moonves Sexual Misconduct Allegations, CBS Board Decision

CBS CEO Les Moonves faces multiple allegations of sexual misconduct dating back to the 1980s, as detailed in a report by Ronan Farrow for The New Yorker. While the Los Angeles District Attorney declined to pursue charges due to the statute of limitations, the CBS board is currently investigating the claims. Moonves has admitted to making "advances" in the past but denies misusing his position to hinder any woman's career.

Q-Vision
Episode 1056 1:23:32 - 1:33:06

1056: Q-Vision

Stephen Colbert, Les Moonves and Accountability Monologue

Stephen Colbert delivered a serious monologue on "The Late Show" addressing the allegations against his boss, Les Moonves. While acknowledging that Moonves hired him and supported the show during its early struggles, Colbert argued that accountability must apply to everyone, including those in power at the network. The hosts speculate that Colbert's public condemnation of his benefactor could lead to professional repercussions if Moonves retains his position.

Tongue Jammin
Episode 1055 45:48 - 54:29

1055: Tongue Jammin

Les Moonves, CBS Sexual Misconduct Allegations, Viacom Merger

CBS Chairman Les Moonves faces allegations of sexual misconduct following an expose by Ronan Farrow in The New Yorker. The timing of the allegations is linked to a corporate power struggle between Moonves and Shari Redstone over the potential re-merger of CBS and Viacom. Moonves acknowledges past mistakes but denies allegations of sexual assault, while his wife, Julie Chen, issued a statement of support.

Humalgo
Episode 938 2:39:53 - 2:43:56

938: Humalgo

The View Claims Trump Received Positive Media Coverage

Participants on *The View* claim that Donald Trump received "98% positive" media coverage during the campaign. The hosts debunk this by citing a Harvard study showing 93% negative coverage and referencing the media's tendency to treat Trump as a "clown" or entertainment foil.

Kinetic Kill
Episode 872 15:50 - 18:51

872: Kinetic Kill

Media Advertising Revenue and Strategic Election Polling

The hosts analyze the financial incentives for media companies during election cycles, referencing former CBS CEO Les Moonves' comments on the "political advertising bonanza." They argue that polls are utilized as marketing tools to create a sense of a close race, thereby pressuring candidates like Hillary Clinton to spend their remaining campaign funds on television advertising. This "scam" is presented as a method for broadcasting operations to maximize quarterly earnings.

Non-Disabled
Episode 812 1:40:00 - 1:43:26

812: Non-Disabled

Bernie Sanders Media Blackout and Campaign Finance

Despite sweeping victories in Washington state, Bernie Sanders continues to face what is described as a media blackout. The hosts argue that Sanders' sincere focus on campaign finance reform threatens the bottom line of major media networks like CBS, which profit heavily from political advertising.

Happy Countries
Episode 808 1:31:51 - 1:33:13

808: Happy Countries

Les Moonves, CBS Political Advertising Revenue

CBS CEO Les Moonves stated that the 2016 election cycle is "damn good for CBS," citing record-breaking political advertising revenue and high ratings driven by Donald Trump. Moonves noted that even if candidates are not in sync with the national ticket, local races will drive further spending. The comments highlight the financial incentive for media networks to prolong and intensify political conflict.

Babushkas of Chernobyl
Episode 806 56:09 - 59:25

806: Babushkas of Chernobyl

Marco Rubio, Media Manipulation and CBS Ratings

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.