Topic: Shane Smith

Vice Media is facing bankruptcy after failing to find a buyer, following years of high-valuation investments from companies like Time Warner and Murdoch. The company, which began as a magazine in Canada founded by Shane Smith and Gavin McInnes, raised over $900 million but struggled to establish a sustainable business model. This collapse mirrors broader trends in digital media, including recent downsizing at BuzzFeed.

Vice co-founder Shane Smith appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience to discuss the 97% scientific consensus on global warming. Smith compared climate change skeptics to the scientists who once claimed smoking was not harmful, alleging that Exxon has spent billions to discredit environmental science. The hosts criticize Smith's arguments as "bogative" and mock the comparison between climate scientists and tobacco industry lobbyists.

Vice Media CEO Shane Smith appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to discuss the brand's growth among millennials and its "non-political" reporting from conflict zones like ISIS-controlled territory. The hosts deconstruct Smith's claim of not being a "sellout," pointing to significant investments from 21st Century Fox, WPP, and Viacom. They suggest Vice's reporting is often staged or influenced by its mainstream corporate board members.

Vice co-founder Shane Smith interviewed Secretary of Defense Ash Carter aboard a military aircraft, discussing alleged Russian cyberattacks on the Pentagon. The interview is dismissed as a "poorly done" propaganda piece facilitated by former MTV CEO Tom Freston's connections. The hosts argue that if the Russian attacks were as severe as claimed, the U.S. would be taking more aggressive military action rather than discussing it in a lifestyle magazine.

Vice Media CEO Shane Smith discussed the company's aggressive acquisition strategy, targeting "distressed media assets" like magazines and television networks. Smith hinted that Vice is interested in acquiring HLN (Headline News), claiming the network is currently performing poorly and could be revitalized under Vice's management.

The credibility and valuation of Vice Media are questioned, with the hosts suggesting that many of their "edgy" documentaries are scripted or rigged. The involvement of former Viacom executive Tom Freston and founder Shane Smith is highlighted as Vice moves toward a multi-billion dollar valuation.

Shane Bauer and Sarah Shourd, two of the hikers previously detained in Iran, are reportedly getting married. The hosts discuss the "spy central" reputation of Berkeley and recount a story from journalist Gina Smith, who claimed the CIA attempted to recruit her as a student to plant specific phrases or stories in major publications like The Washington Post.