Hot Media with Bob Mann artwork

Hot Media with Bob Mann

138 episodes - English - Latest episode: 29 days ago - ★★★★★ - 11 ratings

Hot Media with Bob Mann examines the hottest media controversies and the hottest new content in mass media. Bob Mann, the creator and host, is Professor of Communication and Media Studies at Caldwell University in New Jersey. He is also a veteran broadcaster. Mann and his guests will not just discuss news and political coverage but movies, TV shows and sports coverage.

TV & Film News Politics comedy movies journalism media news politics
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Episodes

"Bothsidesism" in Satire-HM March 2024 episode

February 29, 2024 01:41 - 22 minutes - 40.6 MB

Brilliant satirist Jon Stewart has been taking a lot of flack for his alleged "bothsidesism" when commenting on the Presidential election. In this episode, Bob discusses satire with Professor Paul Levinson. Later in the episode, Bob talks about the SAG Award winners. 

Hot Media-Feb 2024- ep #504

January 31, 2024 17:03 - 20 minutes - 36.9 MB

The February 2024 episode of Hot Media with Bob Mann features an interview with TV critic David Hinckley about the legacy of The Sopranos. The series started the Platinum Age of TV 25 years ago. Bob also comments on Jon Stewart's return to The Daily Show for the election year, the brilliant satire "American Fiction" and a NY Times piece on the crisis facing the news business.

Hot Media Jan 2024 ep#503

December 29, 2023 18:15 - 29 minutes - 54.8 MB

The January 2024 edition of Hot Media with Bob Mann features two interesting segments. Bob and guest Len Klatt discuss the life and legacy of TV producer Norman Lear. Later in the episode, Bob and journalism expert Rem Rieder talk about the challenges of covering the '24 Presidential election. 

Hot Media with Bob Mann-Dec 2023 episode 502

November 29, 2023 17:08 - 19 minutes - 35.8 MB

The December episode of Hot Media with Bob Mann features two topics. Bob discusses the top holiday movie releases with guests Ryan Rolandelli and Chirs Mann-Nelson. In his monologue, Bob talks about the major strike victory for SAG-AFTRA and the ratification of the contract. 

Hot Media 501-Media Strikes, AI and More

November 01, 2023 18:07 - 21 minutes - 39.9 MB

Hot Media with Bob Mann is back. The podcast series is now monthly. In the Season 5 premiere episode (November 2023), Bob talks about the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, the Committee to Protect Journalists and the Emmy Awards. The interview portion features Professor Paul Levinson. Bob and Paul discuss the pros and cons of AI as well as the role artificial intelligence plays in the media. 

Oscar Nominees-Hot Media 416

February 01, 2023 20:01 - 27 minutes - 51.2 MB

First in a series of Hot Media episodes examining the Oscar contenders. Bob's guests are film editor Ryan Rolandeli and Movie Quiz host Chris Mann-Nelson. This episode features Tar, Everything Everywhere All the Time, The Whale and The Fabelmans.

Alternate History-Hot Media 415

January 25, 2023 19:11 - 29 minutes - 53.1 MB

There are many fascinating movies, books and TV shows about  versions of history which could have been. From the "feel good" lessons of "It's a Wonderful Life" to the terrifying "The Man In The High Castle," this theme makes us ponder both regrets and miracles. On episode 415 of "Hot Media," Host Bob Mann and his guest, Professor Paul Levinson, talk about Paul's upcoming online presentation about this subject. Bob and Paul also discuss the latest news coverage, Twitter and old-time top-40 ra...

Crisis Communication-Hot Media #414

January 17, 2023 21:48 - 21 minutes - 39.1 MB

Self-inflicted damage. That's what happens when leaders make a bad situation worse because of poor communication. Some CEOs don't possess the media skills needed to minimize the damage. On episode 414 of "Hot Media" host Bob Mann and guest Steve Adubato discuss communication strategies which can help leaders to "own" the mistakes made by the organizations they run. Dr. Adubato is a well-know TV anchor for WNET and NJPBS. He is an author, lecturer and motivational speaker. 

Favorite Christmas Movies-Hot Media 413

December 21, 2022 19:01 - 23 minutes - 43 MB

Holiday movies bridge the generation gap. Most classic films are timeless but some age better than others. On Hot Media #413, Chris Mann-Nelson, host of The Movie Quiz and Len Klatt, a media executive and producer, talk with host Bob Mann about both traditional and non-traditional Christmas films. 

Top News Stories of 2022-Hot Media 412

December 16, 2022 16:22 - 30 minutes - 55.2 MB

Hot Media episode 412 focuses on the top news stories of 2022. Bob's guest is veteran journalist and professor Rem Rieder. 

TV's Best Christmas Episodes-HM 411

December 04, 2022 16:59 - 23 minutes - 42.2 MB

Rudolph, Frosty and Charlie Brown may have the best Christmas specials of all time, but regular TV sitcoms and dramas have also produced great holiday memories. On Hot Media #411, host Bob Mann and guest Len Klatt discuss great episodes from Seinfeld's Festivus to Downton Abbey and many more. 

My Last Tweet-Hot Media 410

November 22, 2022 04:12 - 18 minutes - 33.3 MB

Enough is enough! The reinstatement of Trump, mistreatment of employees and potential security issues make my association with Twitter untenable. I deactivated my Twitter account on this episode of Hot Media with Bob Mann. My guest is Professor Virginia Rich, Associate Dean of the School of Business and Computer Science at Caldwell University. Professor Rich, who is also an attorney, explains the parameters of the First Amendment and the tough decision to tweet or not to tweet. 

Election Coverage-A Lot At Stake

November 09, 2022 21:32 - 20 minutes - 37.8 MB

A lot is at stake in this midterm election. How has the news media performed in the run-up and the aftermath of the vote? On Hot Media episode 409, host Bob Mann and guest Rem Rieder discuss the coverage. 

Elon Musk's Hellscape-Hot Media 408

November 01, 2022 13:24 - 24 minutes - 44.8 MB

Elon Musk claims he won't allow Twitter to become a "hellscape." Musk's actions in his first days as owner of the social media giant contradict that statement. What will it mean to democracy now that Twitter is run by a self-described "free speech absolutist?" Host Bob Mann and guest Paul Levinson discuss the Twitter situation.  

TV Coverage Of October Baseball-Hot Media 407

October 21, 2022 18:55 - 27 minutes - 50.9 MB

Major League Baseball's most important games are being played during these weeks. Only four teams are still standing. Episode 407 of Hot Media is about TV's coverage of October baseball. Host Bob Mann and guest Gabe Honig (sports TV producer and show runner) discuss every aspect of the coverage. Why don't fans get to hear their local announcers? Why are so many channels and networks involved? What have been the biggest moments so far? 

A+ For Abbott Elementary-Hot Media 406

October 11, 2022 16:29 - 15 minutes - 28.7 MB

Abbott Elementary is a highly regarded situation comedy. The show also accurately portrays serious issues in public schools. Episode 406 of Hot Media is titled "A+ For Abbott Elementary." Host Bob Mann is joined by his wife Cathy Lundquist to discuss the hit show. Cathy holds a doctorate in language, learning and literacy. She taught kindergarten for over forty years. 

Bob's Top 5 TV Moments of the Week-Hot Media 405

October 03, 2022 01:01 - 18 minutes - 34.7 MB

Hot Media episode 405 features Bob Mann's monologue about the top five TV moments from the week of September 25th through October 1st. His commentary includes the 60 Minutes Antony Blinken interview, Michael Kay's call of Aaron Judge's 61st home run, the SNL premiere and the Simpsons premiere satirizing conspiracy theorists. 

Putin's Propaganda Machine

September 26, 2022 15:11 - 26 minutes - 47.8 MB

Not every nation enjoys the free press rights provided in the U.S. Constitution. Russia is one of many nations dominated by state-run media. Putin's propaganda machine is sending the Russian people and the world a a misleading view of the war in Ukraine. Doctor Paul Levinson, Professor of Communication and Media Studies at Fordham University, is my guest on episode 404. Paul and I discuss state-run media and its portrayal of the war in Ukraine. 

Reporters In Peril-Hot Media 403

September 18, 2022 14:50 - 21 minutes - 38.5 MB

Hot Media episode 403 "Reporters In Peril" features Bob Mann's conversation with veteran journalist Rem Rieder. The episode focuses on the recent murder of investigative reporter Jeff German. The alleged killer is an elected official who was a subject of German's reporting. German's murder is part of the bigger issue of growing threats to journalists in our nation. 

Hot Media 402-What The Emmys Say About The State Of TV

September 12, 2022 15:16 - 25 minutes - 46.5 MB

Award shows may be losing their popularity, but they are not losing their clout. This week's Emmy Award contenders say a lot about the state of television. On this episode of Hot Media, TV writer Len Klatt talks with host Bob Mann about the rise of streaming and the powerful adult themes of today's TV dramas and comedies. 

Derek Jeter & The Media-"The Captain" Pt 2

September 09, 2022 16:38 - 29 minutes - 54.8 MB

Derek Jeter was more than a gifted ballplayer. He was a master of media management. In his second appearance, Gabe Honig, producer of "The Captain" talks with host Bob Mann about Jeter's approach to dealing with the media.

Hot Media-New Fall Season

September 05, 2022 21:31 - 29 minutes - 54.8 MB

Derek Jeter was a gifted baseball player. He was also a master of media management. Jeter's relationship with the media is the topic of the first episode of the new Fall season of Hot Media with Bob Mann. Gabe Honig, producer of  ESPN's documentary series The Captain, returns to the podcast to discuss Jeter's strategies for dealing with constant public scrutiny. 

"The Captain" Sports Media=Hot Media episode 336

July 22, 2022 15:58 - 25 minutes - 47.4 MB

ESPN's new documentary "The Captain" is about more than just baseball. This seven-part series looks at the life of Yankee star and Hall of Fame inductee Derek Jeter. Host Bob Mann, a lifelong Yanks fan, talks about all aspects of the series with its producer Gabe Honig. 

Emmy Nominations-Hot Media 335

July 15, 2022 18:30 - 29 minutes - 53.3 MB

The Emmy Award nominations have been announced. There are some very deserving choices and a few snubs. Hot Media host Bob Mann talks about the nominated shows and the state of the  television industry with producer and media executive Len Klatt. 

A Bad Influence-Hot Media 334

July 08, 2022 16:23 - 21 minutes - 39.6 MB

America has been plagued with mass shootings this year. Is there a link between these killers and their consumption of toxic social media content? Host Bob Mann and guest, Professor Paul Levinson, discuss this aspect of an alarming trend. 

Growing Old Is Hard To Do-Hot Media 333

July 01, 2022 15:40 - 23 minutes - 42.7 MB

Two great TV series recently ended their runs with sobering story lines about aging. On Hot Media episode 333, host Bob Mann and his wife/co-host Cathy Lundquist discuss how Grace and Frankie and This Is Us handled the portrayal of caring for aging parents and partners. Please listen and subscribe. 

Journalist Turned Soldier-Hot Media 332

June 10, 2022 19:03 - 17 minutes - 32.1 MB

Reporting about war is very different from fighting in one. Ukrainian journalist Yuriy Matsarsky has done both. When Russia invaded his country, Matsarsky made a choice to no longer be an observer and to become a soldier. Hot Media host Bob Mann talks with Matsarsky about his experiences in the fight for Ukrainian freedom and independence. 

Media & War: Vietnam to Ukraine

June 02, 2022 16:47 - 17 minutes - 32.6 MB

It's easy to identify the villain in the war against Ukraine. Media coverage of war is not always that clear. Since World War 2, the media has gone through many phases when covering U.S. military engagements. In Vietnam, trusted TV anchor Walter Cronkite changed his stance on the war and turned the tide of American opinion. Some critics have accused the media of not asking the tough questions during the buildup to the Iraq conflict. On this episode of Hot Media, host Bob Mann talks about the...

What My Wife & I Are Watching-Hot Media 330

May 27, 2022 22:40 - 36 minutes - 67.4 MB

Watching television isn't what it used to be. That's a good thing. Instead of staring at the "boob tube" we have a conversation salon based on truly great drama and comedy programs. On Hot Media episode 330, host Bob Mann and his wife Cathy Lundquist talk about what they're watching right now. 

Reliable But Anonymous-Hot Media 329

May 13, 2022 21:18 - 21 minutes - 39.8 MB

There's a big difference between Watergate and Wikileaks. The Supreme Court leak raises questions about journalism shield law protection. Reporters rely on unnamed sources for a variety of reasons. Some states have shield laws to protect journalists but there is no national shield law. Professor and journalism veteran Rem Rieder and I discuss when reliable but anonymous sources should be used and when the practice becomes dangerous. 

Abortion Controversy Coverage

May 07, 2022 12:50 - 9 minutes - 18.2 MB

The abortion controversy unleashed by a leaked Supreme Court draft opinion has many media-related angles. Different news networks provide different spins. The ability of journalists to protect sources may be challenged. Why are Supreme Court activities less transparent than those of Congress? I discuss these and more with Dr. Dan Cassino, Professor of Government and Politics at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.

Vinyl Is Back: A Boomer's Guide To Today's Music Industry

April 29, 2022 16:24 - 23 minutes - 42.4 MB

Vinyl records have made a comeback. Despite that development, the music industry of today is very different from what Baby Boomers knew when we were spinning our albums on turntables in the 70s. Vinnie Peri is Bob Mann's guest. Vinnie and Bob discuss the return of vinyl as well as the impact of YouTube and Tik Tok on the business. Vinnie Peri is creator and adjunct lecturer of Caldwell University's "Intro to Music Industry" course. He held positions in the industry including Manager of Music...

Do I Need to Leave Twitter?-Hot Media 326

April 22, 2022 16:53 - 28 minutes - 51.5 MB

Elon Musk says he is an absolutist when it comes to free speech. Does that include misinformation and incitement to violence? On Hot Media episode 326, Host Bob Mann and Dr. Paul Levinson discuss what Twitter could be like should Musk take control. Bob and Paul also talk about the crisis in streaming. Netflix is making changes and CNN+ has shut down just weeks after it launched. 

Holy Cow! Baseball's Best Broadcasters

April 08, 2022 22:50 - 20 minutes - 37.6 MB

"Hot Media with Bob Mann" celebrates the start of the 2022 baseball season with a special episode. Bob shares his thoughts about the best baseball broadcasters and the best calls in the history of radio and TV. Mann also talks about the biggest characters and the best announcing teams to hit the airwaves. It's a monologue about media that baseball fans should love. Bob invites listeners to share their memories of their favorite sportscasters with him at [email protected]

Is It a Movie or a TV Show?-Hot Media 324

April 01, 2022 19:52 - 22 minutes - 41.8 MB

TV has allegedly been killing theatrical movies since 1946. It has yet to finish the job. This year's Oscars justifiably praised films from TV streaming services such as Apple TV+ and Netflix. Has one medium finally eclipsed the other? On Hot Media episode 324, I discuss this with film editor Ryan Rolandelli and Chris Mann-Nelson, host of The Movie Quiz. 

Courageous War Reporting-Hot Media 323

March 25, 2022 17:09 - 28 minutes - 51.3 MB

Vladimir Putin has managed to mislead Russia's citizens about his murderous war against the people of Ukraine. That's what happens when a dictator threatens and muzzles the news media. Western nations can see and hear the truth thanks to journalists who risk their lives everyday.  Veteran journalist, editor and professor Rem Rieder discusses the importance of courageous reporting with "Hot Media" host Bob Mann. 

Latino TV, A History-Hot Media 322

March 10, 2022 16:44 - 29 minutes - 54.9 MB

Latina/o viewers comprise nearly twenty percent of the US television audience, yet they are rarely represented on screen. More importantly, the medium needs more Latinx producers and show runners to create new programs. Mary Beltran, Associate Professor of Media Studies at the University of Texas at Austin, has written a great new book on the subject. Host Bob Mann and Professor Beltran discuss Latino TV A History on Hot Media episode 322. The conversation also focuses on some quality TV sho...

The First Casualty of War-Hot Media 321

March 04, 2022 17:40 - 29 minutes - 54 MB

Truth is the first casualty of war. That statement has been attributed to a U.S. Senator, a Greek playwright and others. It is certainly true in Vladimir Putin's Russia. He is crushing free press in Russia while actively spreading lies to his people about the unprovoked war in Ukraine. On "Hot Media" episode 321, host Bob Mann talks with Professor Paul Levinson about Putin's propaganda, the efforts of free nations to disseminate the truth and ways to protect ourselves from Russia-based cyber...

Enemies Foreign & Domestic-HM 320

February 25, 2022 16:20 - 26 minutes - 49.1 MB

Putin's war in Ukraine dominates this week's news coverage. It raises moral, political, military and media issues. We are in awe of the courageous reporting and in shock over the comments of hosts who fail to call out Putin for what he is. Host Bob Mann discusses these and other war-related topics with Dr. Dan Cassino, Professor or Government and Politics at Fairleigh Dickinson University. 

Sports Media Watch-Hot Media 319

February 15, 2022 23:00 - 23 minutes - 43.6 MB

NBC charged seven million dollars for 30-second spots on the Super Bowl. That's just one example of the power and reach of sports media. A website called "Sports Media Watch" covers this key aspect of the communication industry. Host Bob Mann talks with the site's founder and editor, Jon Lewis, about the site, its related podcast, Super Bowl ratings and "Manning casts." 

The Financial Fall of Facebook-Hot Media 318

February 04, 2022 21:35 - 22 minutes - 41.3 MB

Facebook and its parent company Meta took a historic beating on Wall Street this week. What does this mean for social media, the Metaverse, privacy and investors? Dr. Anthony Annan, Assistant Professor of Finance at Caldwell University talks with Bob about the causes and the meaning of the multi-billion dollar loss. 

What Is the Metaverse?-Hot Media 317

January 27, 2022 22:28 - 23 minutes - 42.9 MB

We keep hearing about the so-called "metaverse" but what exactly is it? Hot Media with Bob Mann episode 317 explains it. Frequent guest, Professor Paul Levinson, tells us how the metaverse evolved and the ways we can benefit from the "immersive internet." This episode is audio only. It was recorded in Bob's podcasting class at Caldwell University. 

koyn-A New Platform for Dialogue-Hot Media 316

January 21, 2022 19:22 - 24 minutes - 44.8 MB

We know that America is divided and people live in their own news and opinion "echo chambers." A new opinion platform called koyn has been launched as an outlet for expressing opposing points views in a civil environment. Co-creator Pranjit Kalita is my guest on Hot Media episode 316 to discuss how koyn works. 

Len Loves Lucy-Hot Media #315

January 13, 2022 21:54 - 29 minutes - 54.3 MB

In Hot Media episode 315, host Bob Mann and guest Len Klatt (TV producer and comedy historian) disagree about the new Aaron Sorkin film "Being the Ricardos." The movie looks behind the scenes at the lives of Lucy and Desi as they create the classic sitcom and make history. Bob loves it. Len loves Lucy but not this film. Bob & Len also talk about the latest episode of digital sitcom "Here to There." Len is a co-creator. 

Unhappy Anniversary-Hot Media 314

January 07, 2022 18:47 - 27 minutes - 50.7 MB

January 6, 2021 was a crucial date in U.S. history. This year's anniversary of the Capitol riot was, in itself, a critical date. On episode 314 of Hot Media, host Bob Mann and guest Rem Rieder discuss the coverage of the anniversary. Bob and Rem also talk about the challenges facing the news media in 2022. 

Gender Threat-Hot Media #313

December 17, 2021 18:34 - 31 minutes - 57.3 MB

Hot Media with Bob Mann episode 313 features frequent guest Dan Cassino. A new book, written by Dan and Yasemin Besen-Cassino, is the topic of the show. Gender Threat examines how men, who feel threatened by changes in society, turn to compensatory behaviors such as buying guns and supporting Donald Trump to assert their masculinity. 

News Media Year-in-Review Hot Media 312

December 10, 2021 19:22 - 26 minutes - 49.1 MB

The news media is the watchdog for American democracy. Hot Media episode 312 looks at highlights of the work done by journalists this past year. Host Bob Mann and guest Paul Levinson discuss the dangers of disinformation on social media and the contributions made by professional journalists in 2021. 

Hot Media #311-History of TV Pt 2

December 03, 2021 21:20 - 21 minutes - 38.5 MB

Bob Mann completes his brief history of television on "Hot Media" episode #311. In this monologue, Bob talks about sitcoms, magazine shows and sports. 

History of TV Part 1-Talk-HM 310

November 19, 2021 18:43 - 19 minutes - 35.6 MB

Bob Mann talks about the history of television talk shows on this episode of Hot Media. Episode 310 is the first of a series covering the history of the medium. 

Arena of Public Opinion-HM 309 Malcolm Moran

November 12, 2021 16:34 - 20 minutes - 37.6 MB

Hot Media with Bob Mann episode 309 is about media and sports. Bob's guest is Malcolm Moran, former sportswriter for the New York Times and currently the Director of the Sports Capital Journalism Program at IUPUI. Malcolm and Bob discuss the influence that athletes have on society. The conversation focuses on Aaron Rodgers' controversial COVID vaccine statements. Moran and Mann also talk about the potential conflicts faced by NBC in its coverage of the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics.