Pivot
Google Antitrust Redux, Debate Predictions, and Guests Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- The ongoing legal battles involving Rupert Murdoch highlight the complexities of succession and control within powerful media empires.
- Google's antitrust trial underscores the growing scrutiny of tech companies and could result in significant consequences for their business practices.
- Kamala Harris must focus on her policies and vision during the presidential debate to effectively counter Trump, rather than solely criticizing him.
- Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird's insights into women's sports reveal a sector experiencing growth and the challenges that come with it, emphasizing the importance of advocacy and visibility.
Summary
Rupert Murdoch's Media Empire and Legal Challenges
Kara and Scott discuss the ongoing court battles surrounding Rupert Murdoch’s media empire, particularly the attempts to alter the terms of his succession in favor of his son Lachlan. The discussion touches on the secrecy of the proceedings and the push from media organizations to make them transparent. Scott examines the dynamics of the Murdoch family's control over their media assets and the implications of these legal maneuvers.
Google's Antitrust Trial with the DOJ
The podcast shifts focus to the upcoming antitrust trial against Google by the Department of Justice, which claims that Google has leveraged monopolistic practices in its ad business to harm competition. Kara and Scott analyze the potential implications for Google if found guilty, discussing possible remedies that could include behavioral changes or structural remedies such as breaking up the company.
Predictions for the Presidential Debate
With the presidential debate imminent, Kara and Scott share their predictions. Scott expresses concerns about Kamala Harris’s ability to effectively counter Donald Trump, as he feels that the expectations set for her are dangerously high. They discuss the importance of not just focusing on attacking Trump but rather on outlining her own policies and vision.
Women's Sports and Current Events
The final segment features guests Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird, who discuss their new podcast, "A Touch More." They address the rise of women's sports as a viable market and the importance of sharing their voices on social issues through media platforms. They reflect on the pressures and expectations female athletes face regarding social media and political engagement.
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Show notes
Kara and Scott discuss the court battle over Rupert Murdoch's empire set to get underway this week. Then, Google and the DOJ are facing off for another major trial, this time Google is facing antitrust claims about its ad business. Plus, predictions on the presidential debate. Finally, our Friends of Pivot are sports icons, Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, who are now offering expert analysis every week on their podcast, "A Touch More." Sue and Megan talk about how women's sports has become a booming business, the pros and cons of athletes using social media, and the importance of being politically engaged.
Check out Vox Media's "A Touch More: The Podcast" weekly on Wednesdays on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify.
Follow Megan at @mrapinoe and Sue at @sbird10.
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Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot.
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