This episode of True Journalist marks a somber turning point in media history. Hosts Richard Schreiber and Tom Martin are joined by Henry Lenz, a legendary CBS engineer and Peabody winner who worked with giants like Walter Cronkite and Edward R. Murrow.

Together, they witness the end of an era as CBS News Radio announces its termination, while simultaneously dissecting the "manufactured optimism" of the current war with Iran. From the "razor blade" days of analog editing to the modern Deepfake X-ray crisis, this conversation explores why the pursuit of truth is becoming a lost art in an age of synthetic reality.

Topics Covered

• The End of CBS Radio: A "civic disaster" reflection on the shutdown of a century-old news institution.
• The Cronkite Standard: Henry Lenz shares a high-stakes story of editing Walter Cronkite’s script with a razor blade just seconds before air.
• Iran War Discrepancies: Contrasting the administration’s "precision strike" narrative with reports of 85,000 civilian sites destroyed.
• Deepfake Crisis: Examining AI-generated "medical x-rays" and synthetic videos of media figures that are undermining public trust.
• The 1989 Earthquake: A first-hand account of reporting live from the ruins of Candlestick Park with only one working phone line.
• DHS Shutdown: The reality of the 40-day government shutdown and its impact on national security and airport stability.
• The "Mind’s Eye": Why audio remains the most intimate and powerful medium for honest storytelling.

About the Hosts

Richard Schreiber

Richard 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 Martin

Tom 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.

Guest: Henry Lenz

Henry Lenz is a veteran broadcast engineer and producer whose career at CBS spanned over four decades. From mixing the World Tonight to producing award-winning documentaries like the Bach 300th Anniversary special, Henry’s work defined the "Gold Standard" of audio journalism. He is a master of the analog craft and a witness to the evolution of the Fourth Estate.

Our Mission

True 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.