Detroit Newspaper Consolidation
- USA Today company (formerly Gannett) purchased The Detroit News from MediaNews Corporation, consolidating ownership with the Free Press.
- Historically, The Detroit News and Free Press operated under a joint agreement, offering distinct content like comics.
- Concerns about media consolidation persist despite assurances of separate operations, especially given the declining quality and thinness of modern newspapers.
Northern Michigan Media Ownership
- Sinclair, a conservative company, owns NBC affiliate 7&4, and operates ABC affiliate 29&8 through a shell company.
- Locally owned CBS affiliate 9&10 (Iacobelli family) is acquiring Fox 32 from an ally, consolidating ownership in the region.
- FCC documents show the Iacobellis purchasing Fox 32 outright, despite previous claims of only operating it, highlighting media consolidation under relaxed regulations.
Darren Gibson and WPRR Radio Saga
- Darren Gibson, station manager of WPRR 1680 AM, was fired after criticizing the Democratic Party's treatment of Bernie Sanders in 2016.
- Tyrone Bynum, who replaced Gibson, turned the successful progressive talk station into a struggling R&B station, 102.5 The Ride.
- Tyrone Bynum faces FCC fines for emergency alert system failures and operates 102.5 The Ride illegally as 1680 AM is off-air, with the station featuring low-quality advertisers.
Traci Kornak Embezzlement Scandal
- Traci Kornak, former treasurer of the Kent County Democratic Party, is accused of embezzling over $400,000 from a vulnerable adult.
- Kornak, who allegedly bullied progressives like Darren Gibson, faces arraignment on February 17th and potential 20-year jail sentence.
- The scandal highlights corruption within both political parties, with a call for accountability and more progressive representation.
Melania Film Box Office Failure
- The 'Melania' film, for which Amazon paid the Trump family $40 million, is a box office dud, grossing only $2.9 million in its opening.
- The film received overwhelmingly negative reviews, with only two positive reviews from right-wing publications.
- The film's failure is seen as a rejection of Trump and a financial loss for Amazon, which is also laying off thousands of workers.
MGM's Decline and Amazon Ownership
- MGM, once a dominant Hollywood studio, declined due to the breakup of the studio system and subsequent ownership by private equity firms.
- Ted Turner acquired MGM's film library in 1986, selling the studio back to Kirk Kerkorian and investors, leaving MGM without its original film library.
- Amazon's acquisition of MGM is seen as a further perversion of the studio's legacy, particularly with the release of the 'Melania' film.
Critique of Trump and Political Landscape
- Donald Trump is criticized for economic policies, healthcare issues, and tariffs, leading to increased costs.
- Trump is labeled a convicted felon and not a role model, with his actions linked to media consolidation and lack of transparency.
- A call for more true progressives within the Democratic Party is made, advocating for leaders who prioritize healthcare and affordability over corporate interests.
