Produced by the Adubato Center for Media Leadership, in cooperation with a consortium of media organizations and leaders who are committed to promoting independent and impactful journalism in an effort to protect and preserve our representative democracy, the Steve Adubato’s Media Matters podcast will include compelling conversations focused on why having strong and independent media is critical to informing and engaging our citizens, which is essential to a functioning American society.
Sarabeth Berman: The rising demands facing local journalism
Sarabeth Berman, CEO of the American Journalism Project, (https://theajp.org/) joins Steve to discuss why local journalism matters and why it has lost the funding, staff and reach it once had. They examine the challenges facing local media, innovative ways to support community reporting, and why it matters to every citizen.
24 Oct 2026
Adam H. Johnson: The media's coverage of the war in Gaza
Steve Adubato talks with Adam H. Johnson, author of How to Sell a Genocide: The Media’s Complicity in the Destruction of Gaza (https://www.plutobooks.com/product/how-to-sell-a-genocide/), about how U.S. media coverage shapes our understanding of Gaza. His book explores whose stories get told, whose suffering gets overlooked, and how news coverage can shape public opinion.
17 Oct 2026
Dominic Carter: The changing world of talk radio
77 WABC radio host Dominic Carter joins Steve Adubato to share his journey from the Bronx to a career in journalism, and his perspective on the changing world of talk radio. Carter also discusses challenging his audience, staying true to himself, and the need for honest, civil debate.
10 Oct 2026
Tom Rosenstiel: Media economics, distrust, and the battle for clicks
Steve Adubato is joined by Tom Rosenstiel, Author of The Next Journalism: How the Press Must Change to Serve Democracy, to examine how the media must evolve to survive and better serve the public. They also explore the battle for clicks, growing distrust in the media, and why local reporting and independent journalism remain essential to our democracy.
6 Oct 2026
Jonathan Koppell, PHD: Montclair's Role as NJ PBS' New Operator
In the premiere edition of Media Matters, Steve Adubato talks with Montclair State University President Jonathan Koppell, PhD, about the university’s new role operating NJ PBS. They discuss plans to reimagine public media, train the next generation of journalists, protect editorial independence, strengthen local news, and provide trusted information that supports stronger communities and a healthy democracy.
8 Apr 2026
Shannon Daly: Why Young Journalists Still Believe in the Media
Steve Adubato introduces Shannon Daly, a recent Montclair State University graduate, Emmy Award-winning media professional, and Communications and Media Director for the Adubato Center for Media Leadership. Together they discuss why journalism still matters, what draws young people to media today, and why truth, curiosity, and community remain at the heart of the profession.
8 Apr 2026
Usame Tunagur: War, Patriotism, and the Press
Steve Adubato and co-producer Usame Tunagur examine the media’s responsibility in covering war, especially when patriotism and press freedom collide. They discuss Pentagon-provided footage, stenographic reporting, government pressure on journalists, and why asking tough questions during wartime is essential to democracy.
8 Apr 2026
Stephen G. Adubato: Religion, Stereotypes, and the Press: Rethinking Coverage of Islam
Steve Adubato and Stephen G. Adubato, Adubato Center for Media Leadership Contributor, discuss media bias in coverage of Islam, the cultural and political forces shaping those narratives, and why learning about other faiths is both a practical and moral necessity in a diverse society.
This conversation also touches on Ramadan, Lent, Catholic conversion, and the growing influence of TikTok and digital media on faith and identity.
8 Apr 2026
Doug Doyle: Why Independent Journalism Matters More Than Ever
Steve Adubato is joined by Doug Doyle, News Director at Newark's legendary jazz station WBGO, to talk about the importance of independent and impactful journalism and the future of media in the state and region.
1 Apr 2026
Media Matters Podcast Debut: Here's What to Expect
Steve Adubato, together with Adubato Center for Media Leadership Contributor Stephen G. Adubato, and Program Director Usame Tunagur, talk about the launch of the Steve Adubato’s Media Matters podcast.
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