Conversations Live: Media & Democracy


Aired Thursday, October 16, 2025

In the current media landscape, the role of trustworthy news sources may be more vital than ever. We talk with experts about the current state of public media, the outlook for news outlets and the challenges journalists across the country are facing.

Host

Anne DanahyAnne Danahy
Reporter, WPSU

Guests

Isabel ReinertIsabel Reinart
General Manager, WPSU
Matt JordanMatthew Jordan Ph.D.
Head, Department of Film Production & Media Studies
Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications
Christopher BeemChristopher Beem Ph.D.
Managing Director, McCourtney Institute for Democracy
Research Professor of Political Science

More Episodes

voting booths

2022 Midterm Elections

Season 12 Episode 2 | 57 min

2022 is a midterm election year, and Pennsylvania is a battleground state. Voters will pick a new governor and a new U.S. Senator, in races that have been playing out in national news. We talks with two experts about how elections are shaping up in Pennsylvania.

Aired 10/20/22

 

Close up of pair of hands putting various veggies in a large mason jar.

Gardening and Canning

Season 12 Episode 1 | 57 min

Fall gardening is here. There’s plenty to do to get ready for winter. Everything from canning the vegetables you grew to putting your garden to bed. We talk with Penn State horticulture experts on gardening and preserving.

Aired 09/29/22

 

close up of ball on slots on a roulette wheel.

Gambling in Pennsylvania

Season 11 Episode 4 | 57 min

Gambling is a growing business in Pennsylvania. Along with traditional casinos andĀ online gaming are mini-casinos. Including one proposed for State College. While the industry is generating record-breaking revenues, there are questions about mental health and safety.

Aired 12/16/21

 

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