Episode 1 "The State of the Media"

TRUE JOURNALISMEpisode 1: Maiden Voyage  |  February 13, 2026Hosts: Richard Schreiber & Tom Martin  |  Format: Conversational / Investigative Discussion Episode DescriptionTwo seasoned journalists launch True Journalism — a podcast dedicated to fact-based, truth-driven reporting in an era of rampant opinion, propaganda, and media polarization. No spin, no agenda — just honest conversation rooted in decades of real journalism experience. From the erosion of the Fairness Doctrine to the spectacle of congressional hearings, Richard and Tom cover the state of American media with the kind of candor you rarely hear anymore. Two veterans, sitting down, telling the truth, and daring you to think for yourself. About the HostsRichard SchreiberRichard Schreiber is a strategic AI consultant, journalist, autism advocate, and fiction writer based in New York City. With a background spanning investigative reporting, technology consulting, and over 25 years in legal technology and procurement, Richard brings a rare combination of real-world experience and analytical depth to every conversation. He is the founder of a growing autism advocacy foundation and the author of multiple books, including Autism Care Revolution. His journalism is guided by one principle: facts first, always.Tom MartinTom Martin is a veteran television news producer with more than 20 years at some of the most respected names in broadcasting. He got his start at the CBS News Washington Bureau in 1982 — where he witnessed history firsthand, including being in the room when Nixon delivered his infamous "I am not a crook" statement. The son of a legendary newspaper editor who helped launch USA Today, Tom grew up believing journalism is a sacred public trust. He carries that belief into every story he tells. Topics Covered•        The repeal of the Fairness Doctrine under Reagan and its lasting damage to fact-based reporting•        Watergate, Woodward & Bernstein, and how one story permanently changed the media landscape•        Roger Ailes: from executive producer of the Tom Snyder Tomorrow Show to architect of Fox News•        Trump as a media presidency — marketing genius, fear tactics, and unmatched social media mastery•        Jeffrey Epstein's survival across five presidential administrations without prosecution•        Cash Patel pleading the Fifth before Congress; Pam Bondi's contentious congressional testimony•        Epstein file names — Musk, Gates, Chopra — and the critical context of what that does and doesn't mean•        The unredacted release of victims' names and foreign dignitaries while American figures stayed protected•        Larry Ellison's acquisition of CBS News and the FCC's diminished authority over media consolidation•        AI as a potential equalizer for bias in news sourcing — and the real limits of that optimism•        Polarization, social media tribalism, and whether true journalistic neutrality is even possible•        Arnold Schwarzenegger as a model of principled bipartisanship — and America as a nation of immigrants Our MissionTrue Journalism exists because facts still matter. The press is a watchdog — not a lapdog — and the American public deserves reporting that shines a light rather than throws a shadow. This is not a political show. We do not have a party. We have one principle: if it is not a verified fact, we will say so.