Ghosts in the Machine: How the Cold War Broke the News | News Over Noise

"In the early years of the Cold War, American journalism helped construct a world defined by enemies, uncertainty, and invisible threats. That framework didn’t disappear; it became embedded in how news is produced, interpreted, and trusted. In this episode of News Over Noise, Matt Jordan and Cory Barker talk with Barbie Zelizer about her book How the Cold War Broke the News and the enduring influence of Cold War logic on contemporary journalism. Drawing on decades of research, Zelizer examines how ideas like objectivity, balance, and access were shaped in a moment of geopolitical tension and how those same assumptions continue to structure coverage today. More episodes: https://newsovernoise.org News Over Noise explores the challenge of separating spin and click-bait from good journalism and why it matters. This podcast empowers our citizenry by giving listeners the tools they need to balance staying informed while protecting their well-being and the public good. News Over Noise is a co-production of WPSU and Penn State’s Bellisario College of Communications. #journalism