Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

---

Journalism is at an inflection point. Under a hail of lawsuits, firings, new hires, and mercenary mergers, the business of media is in shambles even as the need for reliable, truthful information to reach voters is greater than ever. Where does that leave journalists? In this episode, Laura and her guests discuss the money media’s dangerous denials and obfuscations, the problem with bothsidesism in a time of fascism, and the coverage of Renee Good’s killing in Minneapolis. Dean Obeidallah is a lawyer, writer, award-winning comedian and host of SiriusXM radio’s national daily program “The Dean Obeidallah Show”. Joy Reid, formerly host of the award-winning ReidOut on MSNBC, is a best-selling author, and host of the Joy Reid Show on YouTube. The decline of legacy media isn’t all bad news — especially for those, like Palestinians and others, who were always shut out of it — and the rise of independent platforms, savvy media consumers and new mechanisms for collaboration just might usher in a new age of great journalism, just when we need it. Join Dean, Joy and Laura for this rich conversation on resistance, reporting, and survival.

“What I would like corporate media to understand, their job is not to make money for shareholders and executives to get bonuses, but serve the people, make them smarter, even if it means losing access. I know that's a lot to ask, but that's what I would like because an educated, informed electorate is the key to saving this republic.” - Dean Obeidallah

“It is a crime against journalism for the editorial director of a news network to say our job is not to deliver the news, but to go viral. That's crazy.”- Joy Reid

Note: This conversation was recorded on January 14, 2026, prior to the ICE killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, MN.

Guests:
Dean Obeidallah: Host of SiriusXM radio's The Dean Obeidallah Show
Joy Reid: Host of The Joy Reid Show

Stay informed and engaged! Don't miss out on our captivating weekly episodes that dive deep into the heart of our economy, culture, and politics. SUBSCRIBE HERE youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg?sub_confirmation=1

🎧 PODCAST: Listen to this week's episode on major podcast platforms: lauraflanders.simplecast.com/episodes/joy-reid-dean-obeidallah-will-journalists-choose-to-save-or-sink-democracy Podcast subscribers also receive the full, uncut conversation from this week's show: lauraflanders.simplecast.com/episodes/joy-reid-dean-obeidallah-will-journalists-choose-to-save-or-sink-democracy-full-uncut-conversation

✏️SHOW NOTES: Visit our Patreon for Show Notes and learn more about this week's episode: patreon.com/posts/148945987

📚 Check out our Book of the Week on BOOKSHOP*
“Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America” by Joy-Ann Reid: bookshop.org/a/22992/9780063068803
(*Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. LF&F is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)

Laura Flanders & Friends is non-commercial independent media that relies on the contributions of viewers and listeners.

📩Newsletter: For more in-depth analysis, including a weekly newsletter and commentaries by Laura Flanders, subscribe on Substack: lauraflanders.substack.com

Follow the show and Laura Flanders on Bluesky!
https://bsky.app/profile/lauraflanders.org
https://bsky.app/profile/gritlaura.bsky.social

DONATE TODAY at lauraflanders.org/donate or consider becoming a PATREON partner at patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends

🔔Subscribe to get weekly episodes that prompt you to think critically about the world around you. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to hit the 'Like' button and share it with your network.

CREDITS:
Executive Producer: Laura Flanders
Supervising Producer: Sabrina Artel
Senior Producer: Jeremiah Cothren
Senior Consulting Producer: Rory O’Connor
Senior Video Editor: David Neumann
Video Editor: Veronica Delgado
Audio Director: Jeannie Hopper
Development Director: Sarah Miller
Communications Director: Janet Hernandez

0:00 - Journalism at an Inflection Point
3:35 - The Killing of Renee Good and ICE Impunity
7:34 - Failures of Corporate Media
11:42 - The Rise of Independent Platforms
23:22 - Reflections on Democracy and What Happens Next