They Stand Corrected

Every Memorial Day, the media praises the heroism of slain U.S. service members, especially those who served in World War II. But these reports are deeply hypocritical. Today, Josh explains how the media fuels the kinds anti-democratic movements that U.S. troops fought against. In fact, on a daily basis big news agencies legitimize a movement with roots in Nazism.

You’ll hear powerful words from FDR in the lead-up to World War II, arguing that the United States must help fellow democracies under attack. He called out infiltrators at home who support enemies of democracy, an...

As soon as it started, a listener alerted Josh: an avalanche of “hit pieces” about Sen. John Fetterman was on the way. Soon, big news organizations did come forward with a slew of reports about the senator, a Democrat from Pennsylvania. The reporting involved allegations about his mental health from one named former staffer — and a bunch of anonymous people.

This triggered a debate. Did the media learn a lesson from Biden, or is it helping far left activists try to take down Fetterman for stances they don’t like? In addition to being willing to reach across t...

The media isn’t just failing to fight for democracy; it’s punishing a nation for being a democracy. Today, Josh takes you on a trip to a region you virtually never hear about in the news, to show you the “practical, simple, and pathetic reason” this happens. Along the way, you’ll hear a crucial update on horrors facing Christians in Africa, and how a — perhaps surprising — religious leader stepped in where the media has failed. 

Meanwhile, in a follow-up to last week, hear how the most venerated U.S. news program engaged in a public act of grandsta...

Journalists are talking about the importance of truth telling. But what they’re saying conflicts with what their news agencies are doing. Today, Josh digs into this growing problem. When one speaker at a journalism awards dinner said something critical about the media, it ended up exposing the media’s propensity for grandstanding.

Plus, CBS platformed a Russian official in a long interview, and did not mention democracy. Even worse, CBS indicated that it took a piece of guidance from the Russian government. What?!

Meanwhile, a leader of Columbia University’s vicious antisemitic mobs has change...

A man getting a ton of news attention tells a tale of his tragic, inspirational backstory, and the media eats it up. But what if it isn’t true? An independent journalist in the UK began doing some very basic fact checking, and quickly found that basic elements of the alleged story are, as he puts it “impossible.”

On today’s show, journalist David Collier joins Josh to discuss his coverage of a pro-terror radical from Columbia University whom the media have been portraying as a perfect, peace-loving hero. “I did what every single journalist in the United Sta...

An annual spectacle is about to take place in Washington, showing so much of what’s wrong with today’s media: the White House Correspondents Association Dinner. On today’s show, Josh digs into the corrosive obsession with “fame” in the news business, and how it leads journalists to stray far away from their role of providing you the truth.

You’ll hear a network’s flagship political show, just the other day, present sports analyst Stephen A. Smith as a contender for the U.S. presidency — without mentioning that he has no particular set of knowledge or skills for th...

There’s a line you often hear these days: that people don’t “see themselves reflected” in the media. Today, a guest joins Josh to explain how that problem applies to a majority of American voters — and how the media’s failure in this respect leaves people uninformed.

Plus, an anniversary! They Stand Corrected has completed a full year of episodes, with no weeks off. To celebrate, Josh answers listeners’ questions, shares amazing feedback, and offers a prescription for how to face an onslaught of awful news in the world. It’s a life skill that isn’t taught, but shou...

It’s what Josh warned about in November: Exit polls are not trustworthy. Now, new information indicates what really happened in the elections — and proves that popular media narratives were wrong. One theory in particular that got traction in the media was the exact opposite of what happened.

To do its job in protecting democracy, the media must work to understand and accurately portray citizens of democratic nations. So Josh also digs into a misguided, problematic term used to describe one such group on the other side of the globe: “settlers.” It has been in the news in recen...

The term “dehumanization” is all over the news these days, in all kinds of contexts. In some cases, it’s so overused or misused that it’s being stripped of its meaning. But what if the people crying “dehumanization” the most are the ones engaging in it the most? Today on They Stand Corrected, Josh shows how people on the left — and the media itself — regularly engage in a form of dehumanization: infantilization. 

But first, something new on the pro-terror radical from Columbia University. An analysis shows big news agencies are ignoring their own reporting — and misleading you. Josh interview...

Sometimes the media is like the Tower of Babel. People aren’t speaking the same language. But in this case, they don’t realize it. They’re using the same words, but mean different things. Today, Josh explains how this problem has been rampant in the news lately, with three key words: transgenderism, feminism, and Zionism. Hear why an exchange between comedian Bill Burr and public radio host Terry Gross is so significant, a new twist on Lysistrata, and the misguided dictionary entry that rewards hate groups.

Also, listeners are asking about the news coverage of one pro-te...

When the media make excuses for failing to get you the truth, they often blame the “news cycle.” It’s time to break that process. Today, Josh does so by focusing on a major issue filled with lies in the news: illegal immigration. Figures you’ve been hearing, and arguments about fentanyl and sex trafficking, are wrong. By failing to make this clear, the media is causing societal problems.  Immigration-related reporting failures also tie in to a statement from an Oscar-winning propagandist and a so-called “human rights activist” on a public radio show. Josh shows why this made-for-the-media line makes no sense to a...

Since taking office, Trump has been on a blitzkrieg -- a rapid, intense, chaotic effort to dismantle much of the government as we know it. He’s using endless lies to get away with it, and the media’s longtime failures are helping him. After years of letting lies go uncorrected, news agencies have left Americans with no clear sense of where to turn for truth. Today, Josh digs into “DOGE” disasters, Trump’s treatment of Ukraine, and how his team and surrogates lie with impunity during what is supposed to be the ultimate example of political journalism. Also, a message to...

In this brief dispatch from the road, where Josh has done five speaking events in recent days, he addresses a question many of you are asking: Why can’t the media distinguish good from evil? He provides proof that they do -- but not consistently. There's a big exception. This helps explain disastrous reporting in recent days about the horrific slaughter of the Bibas children and their mother -- a slaughter that Gazans cheered for with jubilation. And it explains a big mistake the media is making in appending alleged death tolls to reports about this family. Also, what the ca...

What happens when big news agencies discuss people’s growing distrust of the media? These conversations instantly turn to politics, missing a larger point. Today, Josh explains the paradigm shift of removing the political lens and looking at what everyone needs from the news. Plus, did a healthcare giant use massively faulty AI to make potentially life-or-death decisions about claims? And with a new study indicating plentiful food supplies were generally sent into Gaza, Josh shows the media’s failure to cast a light on who was definitely being starved there: hostages held by Hamas.

Trump said something, and the media spent the next several days proving that they’ve learned nothing. They left out crucial context for how Trump operates. Today, Josh shows how Trump's remarks about Gaza sparked media panic. Also, how journalists misrepresented Sen. John Fetterman.  It gets far worse. By denying reality, the media is setting the stage for more devastating wars in the future. History proves this. Talk of post-war efforts must cover what the media refuses to acknowledge: the desperate need for deradicalization and denazification in Gaza. It’s the educational and ideological part of reconstruction efforts. Josh talks us th...

People who work in hiring and deal with employment issues have reached out to Josh, telling him that the media is blowing it on what Trump has been doing. So today, Josh sets the record straight, explaining what has changed and what crucial rights against discrimination remain untouched. He also shares his own experience with a legal case that put him on the front page of the New York Times. Meanwhile, the media is missing a big related story: Trump's moves on gender put him up against his own Supreme Court pick -- someone he called the very best judge...

Is there anyone you can think of in the media -- any prominent figure in big national media -- who calls out hatred equally, whether it's coming from the right or the left? Josh went looking and did find someone, but not in America. You’ll hear from him.  In this episode, Josh digs into the fury over Elon Musk’s gesture that might have been a Nazi salute. He shows the justifiable anger, but also the hypocrisy of people who assail Musk while ignoring the constant drumbeat of Nazi salutes in “pro-Palestinian” rallies of the far left. And while people di...

Just as Trump returns to the White House, a tactic he has used to try to crack down on the media is facing a historic legal test -- and the media itself seems totally unaware. Today, a top legal expert joins Josh to explain why a lawsuit no one saw coming could affect what the media is allowed to say about anyone, including you.  They also discuss why, contrary to popular belief, truth is not always a defense against defamation. You’ll hear about precedent-setting news coverage of the worst bridge accident in U.S. history and a woman who sho...

To everyone suffering in the L.A. fires, thoughts with you. In this episode, Josh explains what he’s keeping an eye on, and how you can flag news reports -- both good and bad -- for the show to examine. In this final episode before the (some of you will gulp here) presidential inauguration (deep breath), Josh has an optimistic message. While it’s difficult to see liars rewarded -- whether they’re politicians, news organizations, or even terrorist groups -- there's reason for hope. Movements spark countermovements. Together, we can launch a countermovement for truth. As part of this...

Two figures in recent news have a profound effect on the news industry: $15 million and $30 million. Today, Josh explains how these figures represent a central problem that keeps journalists in fear for their jobs -- and too afraid to speak out about fact checking problems. Also, two recent attacks highlighted confusion over what gets the “terrorism” label. And while news agencies were quick to point fingers at the government, they’re refusing to address a mess of their own making. Josh shares facts about global terrorism that you’ve most likely never heard: the massive number of Islamist attacks that have tak...

Millions celebrate Christmas this week amid rising attacks and persecution by Islamist terrorists and repressive governments. Today, Josh shows how the mainstream media has been ignoring this plight -- even as planned attacks against churches spread through Europe and the U.S. He also exposes how news agencies’ obsession with attacking Israel leads them to seek out Christians who support terrorists. And could the media make this the year they finally get something basic about Christmas right? Plus, a crucial message to the media about Hanukkah. And Josh shares one of the most important lessons he learned about journalism when co...

Welcome back to the Media Fail Awards, (dis)honoring news agencies’ biggest blunders, lies and hypocritical disasters of the past year. Vote at mediafailawards.com. On today’s episode, Josh talks you through the nominees in the final two categories. You’ll hear why CNN, the BBC, NPR, and CBS are all up for worst overall fail by a broadcast news agency, while the AP, New York Times and Washington Post are in a three-way race for worst overall fail by a text-based news agency. Vote by December 27!

Welcome to the Media Fail Awards! We’re honoring -- actually, dishonoring -- news agencies’ biggest blunders, lies and hypocritical disasters of the past year. Vote at mediafailawards.com. Nominees include a fact check-free presidential debate; a so-called “fact check” that was actually a bonkers lie; the “newspaper of record” admitting it does not correct some falsehoods; a network condemning its own anchor for attempting to do journalism; another network’s lie-fest for a queen, and much more. Today, Josh starts talking you through the nominees and provides his best argument for why each should win its category.  These ironic “awards” will send...

Getting the media to focus on truth is a long term effort. But it can be done. One of the most important steps is to raise a generation of young people committed to getting the two ingredients: facts plus context. In today’s episode, Josh talks with journalism students about this and fields questions about how to lead the battle for truth when people have such different paradigms for viewing the world. He also discusses his unique career path. Josh has always created his own jobs, turning small opportunities into big ones. People in all professions often like to ask hi...

A group of brave people create a “peace startup” to build connections -- and the mainstream media ignores them. This is the story of Sharaka, a group that should make everyone feel hopeful this holiday season. Today, Josh speaks with the director of this group building friendships between Israelis and people in Arab nations who have only heard lies about Jews and Israel. Also, is there a new “axis of evil?” An Egyptian analyst provides insight that's deeper, more insightful and more morally clear than anything that big news agencies are willing to share. (To hear from Bahraini athlete Fatema Alharbi...

The media has been inundating you with alleged reasons for the election results. A lot of these reports conflict directly with each other, so it’s virtually impossible for news consumers to know which claims have any validity. Today, Josh shows you what’s factual and what’s just conjecture. For example, there's no sign that voters focused on the economy or immigration gave Trump any kind of huge margin. Josh also takes on a ludicrous op-ed in the New York Times that twists facts and figures in a desperate effort to blame Kamala’s loss on support for Israel. Plus, so...

It took major news outlets just minutes to begin pushing claims about how various demographic groups voted in the election. They created a mess of conflicting reports, any of which could easily turn out to be false. Today, Josh digs into this problem. He explores very different claims about how Black Americans voted, and explains how news agencies are even ignoring their own warnings. Also, why a myth about white women in the 2016 presidential election should have been a wakeup call. Plus, Josh discusses the disastrous coverage of a violent antisemitic pogrom in Amsterdam. He explains that one media rule...

Josh has this brief, important message: Beware what you’re hearing about exit polls from the election. As people process the shock and trauma of an election loss, they look for explanations. The media jumps in to offer lots of explanations. That leads to conflicting reports and claims. For example, Josh shares three wildly different figures about how members of one demographic allegedly voted in the presidential race.  He explains what he’s working on about the election coverage, and invites you to send in reports you want him to check.

In this final episode before the election, a warning from Josh: Election Night coverage is largely designed to manipulate you. To take you on an emotional rollercoaster. He explains what you’d be better off doing during the first few hours, and why the early results sometimes suggest the opposite of what’s really happening. But first, a fiasco as the billionaire owners of the L.A. Times and Washington Post block their editorial boards’ endorsements of Kamala Harris. Josh answers listeners’ questions and explains why this “matters big time, including for the fight against the forces of fascism on the right...

We’re in the final weeks of the presidential race, which means millions of Americans are being subjected to a barrage of political messaging. Within all that messaging lies a huge story that the media is missing: In recent years, our politics, media, and culture have been overtaken by false victim narratives.  Today, Josh explains how these come in very different forms on the right and far left, but can be equally dangerous and manipulative. Along the way, we’ll hear from Chris Rock and Dr. Phil. Also, why Kamala Harris and her campaign seem to be sidestepping victim narratives. An ex...

It sounds like a farce. A hate monger writes a book in which he ignores the two central elements of truth: facts plus context. The media rolls out the red carpet for him, worshipping him. Finally one journalist challenges him -- and that journalist gets in trouble with his own “news” network. This is a story of CBS, author Ta-Nehisi Coates’ false anti-Israel screed, pathetic news executives and a corporation that fails to stand up for journalism. It’s also a story of perhaps the biggest gaping hole in the news and information ecosystem: “Nonfiction” books may be filled with fiction, and...

This week, Josh was invited to give a keynote address at a ceremony marking one year since the October 7 massacre by Hamas in Israel, the most evil terrorist attack of modern times. In this episode, we’re bringing you his speech. Josh discusses the desperate need for people to learn the truth, which includes facts of that day and context of thousands of years of history. He explains the importance of people of all faiths and backgrounds taking part in the commemoration, and shares “the most beautiful, ethical, good versus evil thing you can do on this.” You can also watch...

Hurricane Helene brought more of a dangerous tradition: “journalists” standing outside, getting blown and battered around. Are they gathering and providing crucial information? Actually, no. They’re not getting information that they couldn't get safely from inside. You might think, if people are choosing to do this, what’s the harm? There is harm -- not just in the immediate sense, but in a much bigger sense. The same false thinking about news that drives these kinds of stunts also leads to the other kinds of problems this show has explored, like giving open mics to liars and failing to fact che...

While the media fixates on one awful thing Trump and Vance are doing, it ignores lots of others. And that’s exactly how the Trump campaign wants it. Today, Josh explains the history of campaigns purposely fanning flames of controversy in the media so that their preferred issues dominate the news cycle. Meanwhile, will that same gullibility lead the media to fall for anti-Israel protests scheduled on October 7, when they should be reporting on what happened in the most evil terrorist attack of modern times? Josh has a plan to push the media to avoid this, and you can help. Pl...

Donald Trump and J.D. Vance are trying desperately to get the media to declare something -- anything -- involving Kamala Harris and Tim Walz a “scandal.” Today, Josh shows how transparent the effort is, with one of them even trying twice in a single televised interview. Will the media fall for it, as it did in 2016 with Hillary Clinton’s emails? Josh invites listeners to come up with an acronym for Trump's scandals, which may need to be as long as supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Meanwhile, a scandal at the world’s largest broadcaster. A new study shows the extent of the BBC’s in...

Media pundits heaped praise on the moderators of the presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Why? Because amid Trump’s onslaught of lies, they offered a few brief moments of fact checking. Today, Josh explains that this proves the incredibly low bar for “journalism” at these spectacles -- which are, as he has said before, “arson for truth.” Also, he highlights a moment in which a host said something false in the process of asking Kamala Harris a question. Meanwhile, listeners have sent in lots of questions about the media’s failure to accurately describe the...

When Tim Walz’s teenage son Gus teared up in pride over his father, right-wing talking heads bullied him. It brought a major issue into focus: battles over “masculinity.” The head of a top polling agency says it’s the only thing helping Trump keep the race close. Today, Josh shows that the media is caught between two superficial visions of masculinity, while ignoring reality. Through hard data, he shows that Trump is nothing like the overwhelming majority of today’s American men -- and Tim Walz is. Also, Josh shows that the media misuses the term “toxic masculinity,” and that people wh...

The media should choose which stories to tell based on what's most important and relevant. But often inside newsrooms, those decisions are instead based on how it will make the news agencies themselves look. That's why in recent days, a huge story was, relatively speaking, buried. It involves both major parties, the presidential candidates, and a Trump move that should make the “hypocrisy meter” explode. In this episode, Josh explains why. Also, why Julian Assange should never get away with calling himself a “journalist” -- and why it involves the heartbreaking death of a young man. Plus: media misses from the DNC...

So much of the media has lost sight of what its role is in society: to provide truth. News organizations have even built operations around the opposite idea: letting anyone say anything. They've turned what should be journalism into open mic nights.  Recently, Lawrence O’Donnell on MSNBC called out the media, and his message spoke to this problem. Today, Josh shows sneakier ways the media keep this up, and the false dichotomy that they use to try to justify it. (Hear Anderson Cooper spout this nonsense.) And Josh presents a three-word oath that journalists should use as a guide in...

When you look at many of the big problems in the world, you see that there are people working on solutions. That's a major part of the positive side of the story of humanity. But in journalism, you generally wouldn't know that. Most controversies are presented simply as two sides disagreeing. In fact there is now, pathetically, a term for the rare times that news organizations actually consider solutions as part of their coverage. This issue plays out in all sorts of stories, including one in recent days involving gender in boxing and Olympic sports in general. Today, Josh shows...