Topic: Westwood One

Conversations with media industry veterans suggest a widespread belief that life cannot return to normal until a vaccine is available. This "programming" is seen as a way to maintain a state of abnormality through the November election. The industry's focus on monetization, such as through Patreon or traditional advertising, continues despite the shifting social landscape.

Norman Pattis, a prominent radio executive and UC Regent, is under fire for making inappropriate comments to podcaster Heather McDonald during a recording session. Audio from McDonald's "Juicy Scoop" podcast captures Pattis joking about holding her breasts while she recorded an advertisement for a bra. The hosts discuss Pattis's history in the radio industry and the subsequent protests by UC Berkeley students.

Radio legend Norm Pattis and his network, Podcast One, are facing lawsuits from a former employee alleging unethical business practices. The employee claims Pattis brandished a firearm while demanding that download numbers be "doctored" to inflate advertising rates. The incident highlights the ongoing struggle to monetize podcast networks and the prevalence of fraudulent metrics in the industry.

The financial collapse of major radio conglomerates is examined, specifically Cumulus Media. The hosts track the company's stock price from $64.04 in 2014 to just 52 cents, citing it as evidence of the slow demise of traditional mainstream media.

Comedian Adam Carolla announced he will produce "clean" shows twice a week to attract high-end advertisers like Cadillac. The hosts discuss this as a move toward "brand safety," which they argue inevitably leads to self-censorship of controversial topics. They contrast this with the No Agenda "Value-for-Value" model which avoids advertiser influence.

The advertising industry held a "podcast upfront" to present listener data to brands, claiming the median age of listeners is 30. The study suggested that "night" is prime time for podcasts and that most listening happens at home. The hosts dispute these findings, arguing that commuters remain the primary audience for the medium.

Former Congressman Mike Rogers has launched a new organization called Americans for Peace, Prosperity and Security (APPS) to influence the 2016 national security debate. The group aims to move presidential candidates beyond rhetoric regarding threats from ISIS and Iran. Rogers is also reportedly launching a daily talk show on the Cumulus/Westwood One radio network, following a career path similar to other political commentators.

Westwood One founder Norm Pattis is criticized for launching PodcastOne, which the hosts describe as a clone of the failed 2004 PodShow model. They argue that Pattis's attempt to aggregate content for national advertisers is outdated and incompatible with the independent nature of podcasting.

Lee Westwood officially unseated Tiger Woods as the world's number one ranked golfer following a tournament in Shanghai. The hosts discuss Woods' disastrous 12-month period and his failure to secure a single PGA Tour victory during the season. They reflect on how personal scandals and performance declines have shifted the landscape of professional golf.

The hosts discuss the reality of Soviet surveillance, noting that the KGB's technology often appeared clunky and outdated, such as microphones visible under layers of paint in hotel rooms. Adam Curry describes the difficulty of making international calls through "floor ladies" and how he eventually used a Westwood One satellite truck to get a U.S. dial tone.