Howie Kurtz picks five stories from the most important, to the most entertaining, to the buzziest. And, he will sound off on what they tell us about the media culture: Are they fair, fascinating or a flop?
Listeners of MEDIA BUZZmeter that love the show mention: candidacy, mollie hemingway, kurtz, keep going please, tlaib, lester holt, love howie, buzzer, emily jashinsky, behind the wheel, reliable sources, keep drinking, sometimes i think, wounded, kamala, drive thru, homosexual, arrested, apples, biden.
The MEDIA BUZZmeter podcast, hosted by Howie Kurtz, is a refreshing source of news that offers unbiased reporting in a media landscape filled with bias. Kurtz is able to report the news without adding his own perspective, making this podcast a favorite for those seeking objective information. The critical thinking at the core of this podcast makes it a breath of fresh air and reminds listeners what true journalism sounds like.
One of the best aspects of The MEDIA BUZZmeter podcast is its commitment to balance and fairness. Kurtz provides substantive analysis of current events, offering both sides of an issue and allowing listeners to form their own opinions. This approach is hard to find in today's media environment, where ratings often take precedence over balanced information. The podcast stands out among political podcasts as one of the most balanced, providing fair commentary on politicians from different parties based on their actions rather than personal bias.
However, one downside to the podcast is that some listeners feel that Kurtz focuses too heavily on certain topics or controversies, such as the Walker abortion controversies. While it may be an important story, repeated discussion can become tiresome for some listeners who would prefer more variety in content. Additionally, there are occasional moments where Kurtz's underlying bias peeks through despite his attempts at neutrality. However, he still excels at hiding his bias better than other journalists at Fox News.
In conclusion, The MEDIA BUZZmeter podcast is a valuable resource for those seeking unbiased news and analysis. Howie Kurtz's experience in various forms of media allows him to provide insightful commentary on the state of journalism and media coverage today. While there may be minor flaws in terms of topic repetition and occasional bias, overall this podcast delivers fresh perspectives and balanced reporting that sets it apart from other sources. Whether you lean left or right politically, The MEDIA BUZZmeter will provide you with a fair examination of current events without depressing repetition or overwhelming bias.

Howie Kurtz on Rep. Eric Swalwell resigning his House seat and suspending his California gubernatorial bid following a pattern of sexual misconduct allegations, President Trump's controversial social media post depicting himself as Jesus Christ, and the White House's latest strategy to blockade the Strait of Hormuz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on Rep. Eric Swalwell suspending his campaign for California governor over sexual assault allegations, First Lady Melania Trump blasting smears linking her to Jeffrey Epstein, and President Trump feuding with Pope Leo over multiple international conflicts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on First Lady Melania Trump making surprise remarks denying any relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, President Trump blasting those who don't agree with military action against Iran and the United States and Israel may have different versions of victory against Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Howard Kurtz sits down with Ben Domenech, the new opinion editor at The Daily Wire and Fox News contributor, to dissect a high-stakes week in global and domestic politics. They dive into the "ticking clock" of Trump's explosive Iran threats, the GOP's tactical "hush-hush" midterm strategy, and a hilarious critique of the Washington Post for prioritizing the "science of farts" over a sports section. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump's 11th-hour decision to delay a massive bombing campaign against Iran for two weeks, the internal White House friction revealed in a new book by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, and the UK government barring Kanye West from entering the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the Artemis moon mission's historic achievement of traveling further from Earth than any human in history, President Trump's looming 8 p.m. deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and Chris Christie's recent claims at Harvard that Trump sought "dirt" to break up Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump's relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the rescue of a missing American airman in Iran using a CIA deception campaign, the firing of Pam Bondi and potential appointment of Todd Blanche as her successor, and the Artemis mission's flight to the dark side of the moon featuring new "Earthrise" photography. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the abrupt firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi and the appointment of Todd Blanche as acting AG, the "low energy" delivery of the president's 19-minute prime time speech on Iran, and the latest mechanical hiccup involving a jammed toilet fan aboard NASA's Artemis II moon mission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the 10-day moon mission & the "new Cold War" with China, the Supreme Court's skepticism regarding President Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship, and the potential firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi over her handling of the Epstein files and political prosecutions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump's executive order cracking down on mail-in voting, the Daily Mail's exposé regarding the personal life of former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's husband, and the legal setbacks for the administration involving First Amendment challenges to LGBTQ+ conversion therapy laws and the defunding of NPR and PBS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz is joined by Guy Benson, Fox News Contributor & host of the ‘Guy Benson Show,' to discuss the fallout from Tiger Woods' latest DUI accident, the validity of President Trump's claims regarding "White House" Sharpies, and accusations of media bias in the ongoing conflict with Iran. They also examine the political jab at Governor Gavin Newsom's dyslexia before diving into whether Big Tech is more addicted to profits than protecting the kids scrolling through their apps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the Pentagon's preparations for ground operations in Iran amid escalating drone and missile attacks, Senator Rand Paul's potential 2026 presidential run as a defender of the party's "libertarian wing," and the House Ethics Committee's guilty verdict against Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) for the alleged misappropriation of millions in federal funds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump's Iran talks validated as ten oil tankers sail through the Strait of Hormuz, the ongoing chaos at national airports as a partially shut-down government struggles to fund TSA agents, and the legal backlash against social media giants as new court verdicts hold Meta and YouTube accountable for child safety and addiction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howard Kurtz sits down with OutKick founder Clay Travis to discuss how a listener's idea potentially led to the deployment of ICE agents to airports, alongside the rise of sports betting scandals, the fragmenting world of streaming sports, and the "Maverick" political status of Senator John Fetterman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the DOJ's investigation into the $2.5 billion renovation of the Federal Reserve headquarters as a judge quashes subpoenas, the fallout over John Fetterman's break with the Democratic Party as his poll numbers plunge, and the White House's controversial use of video-game-themed social media memes to promote military airstrikes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the tragic tarmac collision at NYC's LaGuardia airport amid TSA staffing crisis, the Pentagon's retaliatory decision to relocate the press corps to an outdoor annex following a lost court battle, and the escalating debate over whether a certain political movement has permanently dismantled traditional American conservatism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the tragic tarmac collision at NYC's LaGuardia airport amid TSA staffing crisis, the fallout of a federal judge restoring Pentagon credentials to mainstream media outlets previously ousted by the administration, and the visceral national reaction to President Trump's disparaging comments following the death of former FBI Director Robert Mueller. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howard Kurtz is joined by former CNN Pentagon correspondent & USC senior fellow Barbara Starr to discuss the intensifying media friction during the Iran War. They discuss President Trump's "treason" rhetoric, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's accusations of "intentional" negative headlines, and the strategic challenge of defining victory while asymmetric drone warfare cripples the Strait of Hormuz. Barbara also addresses the rising physical dangers journalists face in a highly charged domestic and global climate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's public call for prayer during the Iranian conflict, the fallout of a bombshell investigative report detailing decades of alleged sexual misconduct by labor leader Cesar Chavez, and the political infighting within the GOP over the war's mounting costs and impact on the upcoming midterms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's forceful criticism of the media during the Iranian conflict, the intense personal standoff between Senator Rand Paul and DHS nominee Markwayne Mullin, and the investigative report detailing decades of alleged sexual misconduct by labor leader Cesar Chavez. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on top counterterrorism official Joe Kent resigning over military action against Iran, Israel killing more top Iranian leaders in strikes and President Trump even blasting members of the GOP over how to pass the SAVE Act. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump's detailing the "miracle" surgery performed on Florida Congressman Neal Dunn, his comments regarding the possibility of "taking" or "freeing" Cuba during its total blackout, and White House Chief of Staff Suzy Wiles' sharing she has early-stage breast cancer diagnosis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump slamming reporters over questions about U.S. casualties in the war with Iran, newly unsealed documents revealing lobbyist Juleanna Glover's plan to rehabilitate Jeffrey Epstein's reputation, and the turbulent departure of Ric Grenell from his position as the head of the Kennedy Center. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howard Kurtz is joined by Fox News contributor & OutKick columnist Mary Katharine Ham to discuss the tactical victories and shifting timelines of the military strikes in Iran, the firing of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and the media's focus on Gavin Newsom's telegenic image versus his governing record. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the increasing casualties in the ongoing US–Israel conflict, Jeffrey Epstein's longtime accountant Richard Kahn telling House investigators Epstein's estate settled with a woman who accused President Trump, and a report that DHS pick Markwayne Mullin's former employee, a convicted felon, allegedly stored weapons at his family plumbing business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on Pam Bondi relocating to Washington-area military base amid threats tied to cartel crackdown and Epstein case, CNN's removing a report seen as sympathizing with teens accused of attempted bombing at anti-Muslim protest near Gracie Mansion, and the Trump Administration's requests for Jewish student's names at Penn, for antisemitism probe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the ongoing conflict between the US/Israel and Iran, two men being charged with attempting to support ISIS after an IED attack in NYC, and Anthropic suing the Pentagon over its “supply chain risk” designation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the ongoing conflict between the US/Israel and Iran,the firing of Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary, and a federal judge's ruling against Kari Lake's appointment as head of the US Agency for Global Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the firing of Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary, Republican Congressman Tony Gonzalez dropping his re-election bid after admitting to affair with a young staffer, and President Trump pushing for the Israeli government to grant a pardon to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over corruption charges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on The House Oversight Committee subpoenaing Pam Bondi for a closed-door deposition related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, the Texas primary election results, and an interview with JD Vance discussing the economy, immigration, and his relationship with former NYC Archbishop Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump's decision to attend the White House Correspondents' Dinner, recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, and Hillary Clinton's angry reaction after Lauren Boebert leaked a photo during her deposition related to the Epstein files. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This 'Media Buzz Meter' first aired on February 24th, 2026… Howie Kurtz on the U.S. men's hockey team's Olympic gold win over Canada & FBI Director Kash Patel being invited to celebrate with them, new allegations from a former ICE instructor that the agency cut training standards for new officers, and violence breaking out across Mexico after the killing of a major cartel leader. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This 'Media Buzz Meter' first aired on January 15th, 2026… Howie Kurtz on a federal officer shooting a man in the leg in Minneapolis after being attacked with a shovel, the Trump administration's decision to halt immigrant visa processing for people from 75 countries, and growing concerns over the editorial independence of the U.S. military newspaper Stars and Stripes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This 'Media Buzz Meter' first aired on February 19th, 2026… Howie Kurtz on Former Prince Andrew being arrested on allegations of sharing UK trade secrets with Jeffrey Epstein, the partial government shutdown impacting FEMA's disaster recovery efforts, and the FDA's decision to review Moderna's application for an mRNA-based flu vaccine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the controversy surrounding President Trump's comments about the U.S. women's hockey team during his State of the Union address, the nomination of Dr. Casey Means as Surgeon General, and President Trump's proposal to provide retirement savings accounts to Americans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump's delivering the State of the Union address, Bill Gates's admitting to affairs in connection to the Epstein files, and the DHS reversing their temporary suspension of the TSA PreCheck program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the U.S. men's hockey team's Olympic gold win over Canada & FBI Director Kash Patel being invited to celebrate with them, new allegations from a former ICE instructor that the agency cut training standards for new officers, and violence breaking out across Mexico after the killing of a major cartel leader. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the U.S. Men's Olympic Hockey Team securing the gold in a dramatic overtime victory over Canada, another assassination attempt against President Donald Trump being thwarted at his Mar-a-Lago residence, and an Federal Communications Commission commissioner calling for broadcasters to air more “patriotic” content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on former Prince Andrew being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, new information on Jeffrey Epstein showing he cultivated relationships with Virgin Island customs officers and Democratic Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland and President Trump scrapping over sewage in the Potomac. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on Former Prince Andrew being arrested on allegations of sharing UK trade secrets with Jeffrey Epstein, the partial government shutdown impacting FEMA's disaster recovery efforts, and the FDA's decision to review Moderna's application for an mRNA-based flu vaccine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on Stephen Colbert blasting CBS for not airing an interview with a Democrat Trump critic, the continuing search for Nancy Guthrie and the efforts by TMZ founder Harvey Levin to assist the FBI investigation, and Tricia McLaughlin resigning as the top spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security under Kristi Noem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the continuing search for Nancy Guthrie and the efforts by TMZ founder Harvey Levin to assist the FBI investigation, the profile of California Governor Gavin Newsom, including details about his dyslexia, and the passing of acclaimed actor Robert Duvall at the age of 95. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices