The Reuters Institute's 2026 Digital News Report found that social media and video channels finally overtook official news sites and channels for how people get their news in the digital space. After many disastrous "pivot-to-video" moments in recent media history, social platforms require a TikTok-esque vertical video for journalists to spread their work. How does this shape news? Is it ethical to remain on platforms that openly push far-right fascist ideas? What role does advertising play? Arts and culture journalist, co-founder of New Feeling and author of A Nation of Tinkerers: A History of Electronic Music in Canada from 1945 to 1985 Michael Rancic joins Scott to discuss these nuances and what needs to be considered in the conversation around use of social media platforms

Check out A Nation of Tinkerers: A History of Electronic Music in Canada from 1945 to 1985

Check out New Feeling

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Sources and further reading:

https://readthecatch.ca/social-media-now-the-tail-that-wags-the-dog-ft-michael-rancic-podcast

Artwork by Zo at Studio Bonjourhi

Intro Music: Vigilante - Cross Dog

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Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has had a rollercoaster ride of a political career. Moving from news media to Wildrose Party leader, to disgraced floor-crosser, back to news media and then to leader of the province, her far-right populism has been key to her political success. But where would smith be without the platform provided by Canada's news corporations? Jeremy Appel, independent journalist behind The Orchard and author of the new book Dark Phoenix: The Rise, Fall, and Re-emergence of Danielle Smith joins Scott to discuss the fundamental role that news outlets played in getting Smith to lead the province of Alberta.

Check out Dark Phoenix: The Rise, Fall, and Re-emergence of Danielle Smith

Check out The Orchard

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Sources and further reading:

https://readthecatch.ca/how-news-media-made-danielle-smith-ft-jeremy-appel

Artwork by Zo at Studio Bonjourhi

Intro Music: Vigilante - Cross Dog

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Tô Lâm, president and general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam visited Canada on September 24. It was Canada's first official state visit of 2026 and the first time Canada welcomed a Vietnamese president to the country. Though the visit largely flew under the radar, the visit signalled a new chapter in Canada-Vietnam relations. Why did arch-capitalist Prime Minister Mark Carney build a bridge with communist Vietnam? Mike Tatarski, Ho Chi Minh-based independent journalist behind the Vietnam Weekly podcast and newsletter, joins Scott to discuss Vietnam's geopolitical approach, their response to Trump tariffs and what this visit means for both countries moving forward.

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Check out Vietnam Weekly

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Sources and further reading:

https://readthecatch.ca/canada-and-vietnam-bffs-ft-mike-tatarski-podcast

Artwork by Zo at Studio Bonjourhi

Intro Music: Vigilante - Cross Dog

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.