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 the Justice Department opening an investigation into the renovation costs of the Federal Reserve headquarters, the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, and the Washington National Opera's deciding to leave its long-time home at the Kennedy Center. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the continuing reactions to the shooting death of a woman by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, President Trump possibly meeting with Nobel Peace Prize winner and Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, and the U.S. Senate voting to block further military action in Venezuela without approval from Congress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, the U.S. seizure of two oil tankers, including a Russian-flagged vessel, in the North Atlantic, and the Trump Administration's new dietary guidelines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump blaming Jan. 6th on Democrats, President Trump saying he's planning on buying Greenland and former FBI Dep. Dir. Dan Bongino attacking the GOP. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on ICE blasting Hilton after emails allegedly show hotel refusing rooms to immigration agents, Maduro and his wife pleading not guilty in federal court and Zohran Mamdani cancelling antisemitism orders signed by Eric Adams. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the United States capturing Venezuelan dictator Maduro, President Trump threatening Cuba with the same and Gov. Tim Walz not seeking reelection. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This 'Media Buzz Meter' first aired on December 18th, 2025… Howie Kurtz on President Trump's address to the nation, House Republicans offering an alternative to Obamacare, and Secretary RFK Jr. terminating grants to the American Academy of Pediatrics over federal vaccine policy disagreements. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This 'Media Buzz Meter' first aired on December 23rd, 2025… Howie Kurtz on '60 Minutes' pulling a story about President Trump's deportation policy at the last minute, the appointment of a special US envoy to Greenland, and Uber's background check practices and the incidents of sexual assault by Uber drivers. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This 'Media Buzz Meter' first aired on November 26th, 2025… Howie Kurtz on ICE arresting the mother of White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt's nephew, President Trump's potential peace deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war, and the leaking of a phone conversation between Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and a senior Russian foreign policy advisor. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This 'Media Buzz Meter' first aired on December 16th, 2025… Howie Kurtz on the ongoing investigation into the stabbing death of Director Rob Reiner and wife Michele, the antisemitic attack in Australia, and the investigation into the widespread fraud and misuse of taxpayer funds intended for Somali children in Minnesota. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This 'Media Buzz Meter' first aired on December 10th, 2025 …Howie Kurtz on President Trump's recent rally despite media criticism of his health, the release of records related to the Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein investigation, and Netflix's $72 billion bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This 'Media Buzz Meter' first aired on December 11th, 2025… Howie Kurtz on the growing speculation of the potential departure of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Netflix, and the U.S. seizing an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This 'Media Buzz Meter' first aired on December 8th, 2025… Howie Kurtz on President Trump weighing in on Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, Marjorie Taylor Greene advocating for the release of Epstein files and her disagreement with President Trump on the issue, and the dismissal of journalist Olivia Nuzzi from Vanity Fair. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on newly released Epstein emails making some serious accusations toward President Trump, SCOTUS ruling that the President cannot deploy the national guard to Chicago, and the latest in the drama over newly appointed CBS Editor-in-Chief pulling a segment about brutal conditions in an El Salvador prison used to house illegal immigrants. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on '60 Minutes' pulling a story about President Trump's deportation policy at the last minute, the appointment of a special US envoy to Greenland, and Uber's background check practices and the incidents of sexual assault by Uber drivers. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on '60 Minutes' pulling a story about President Trump's deportation policy at the last minute, the release of new photos and documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, and MAGA infighting erupts at Turning Point USA's convention. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the extremely low approval rating of the Democrat Party and the decision by the DNC not to release an autopsy report on the 2024 election, Dan Bongino resigning as FBI Deputy Director after only 9 months on the job, and the conviction of a federal judge in Wisconsin for obstructing the arrest of an illegal immigrant. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump's address to the nation, House Republicans offering an alternative to Obamacare, and Secretary RFK Jr. terminating grants to the American Academy of Pediatrics over federal vaccine policy disagreements. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump's controversial comments about the tragic death of Rob Reiner and his wife, the passing of Norman Podhoretz, a prominent neoconservative thinker and writer, and the FDA's expanded approval of a drug aimed at boosting female libido. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the ongoing investigation into the stabbing death of Director Rob Reiner and wife Michele, the antisemitic attack in Australia, and the investigation into the widespread fraud and misuse of taxpayer funds intended for Somali children in Minnesota. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the developing investigation into the stabbing death of Director Rob Reiner and wife Michele, Republican Congressman James Comer threatening contempt of Congress proceedings against the Clintons for refusing to testify in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, and the anti-Semitic mass shooting at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach in Sydney Australia. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This 'Media Buzz Meter' first aired on December 1st, 2025 …Howie Kurtz on President Trump proposing a permanent pause on accepting migrants from third world countries after two national guardsmen were shot, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth denying he ordered to leave 'no one alive' during a Venezuelan drug boat strike, and the ex-mistress of Eric Schmidt accusing the former CEO of Google of rape. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the growing speculation of the potential departure of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Netflix, and the U.S. seizing an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump's recent rally despite media criticism of his health, the release of records related to the Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein investigation, and Netflix's $72 billion bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This 'Media Buzz Meter' first aired on October 9th, 2025 …Howie Kurtz on the potential peace deal between Israel and Hamas, the ongoing government shutdown in the U.S., and the arrest of an Uber driver accused of starting the devastating Palisades wildfire in California. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump weighing in on Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, Marjorie Taylor Greene advocating for the release of Epstein files and her disagreement with President Trump on the issue, and the dismissal of journalist Olivia Nuzzi from Vanity Fair. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the grand jury's refusal to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James, the controversy surrounding a U.S. military strike on drug smugglers in the Caribbean, and the Blaze media outlet incorrectly reporting the identity of the suspect accused of planting pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC headquarters in 2021. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the arrest of a suspect in the investigation of the pipe bombs planted near the Capitol building on January 6, 2021, and the release of photos and videos by House Democrats showing Jeffrey Epstein's private Caribbean island. Later, Howie weighs in on the Inspector General's report on Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's use of the Signal app to discuss sensitive military information. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's efforts to loosen rules of engagement for the military, Olivia Nuzzi's new book and her relationship with RFK Jr., and the IRS potentially having to review content on OnlyFans and other platforms to determine eligibility for tax deductions. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump's reduced public schedule and travel compared to his first term and the controversy around a second-strike order given by a U.S. military admiral against a Venezuelan vessel. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump proposing a permanent pause on accepting migrants from third world countries after two national guardsmen were shot, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth denying he ordered to leave 'no one alive' during a Venezuelan drug boat strike, and the ex-mistress of Eric Schmidt accusing the former CEO of Google of rape. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This 'Media Buzz Meter' first aired on September 29th, 2025 … Howie Kurtz on Trump seeking more retribution against political enemies, Trump planning on sending troops to various Democrat run cities and Eric Adams dropping out of the NYC mayoral race. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This 'Media Buzz Meter' first aired on June 25th, 2025 ... Howie Kurtz on Trump reveling in the Israel and Iran ceasefire, democrat socialist upsetting Andrew Cuomo in NYC mayor's race and a MAHA report on chronic disease including fake citations. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on ICE arresting the mother of White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt's nephew, President Trump's potential peace deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war, and the leaking of an of a phone conversation between Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and a senior Russian foreign policy advisor. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James being dismissed, the Trump administration proposing their own healthcare plan, and Marjorie Taylor Greene denying rumors that she is considering a 2028 presidential run. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on Marjorie Taylor Greene announcing her retirement, U.S.-Ukraine changing peace plan draft that initially favored Russia and President Trump and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani having a 'lovefest' of meeting at the White House. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the U.S. Coast Guard's attempt to reclassify Nazi symbols, President Trump's efforts to broker a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, and the indictment of Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) for allegedly stealing FEMA funds to finance her campaign. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on recent polls showing Democrats with a 14-point lead over Republicans to take control of Congress, former Harvard President Larry Summers and his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and the federal appeals court upholding the dismissal of President Trump's defamation lawsuit against CNN. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on both the House and Senate voting overwhelmingly to release Epstein-related files, President Trump meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and allegations of misconduct by journalist Olivia Nuzzi and how this has impacted her journalistic credibility. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on Larry Summers' decision to step back from public commitments following the release of emails between him and Jeffrey Epstein, Ted Cruz positioning himself for a potential 2028 presidential bid, and the resignation of Robert George from the Heritage Foundation's board over a video released by the think tank's president. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump reversing his stance on the release of the Epstein files, the ongoing feud between President Trump and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, and President Trump threatening a lawsuit against BBC over their editing of his January 6th remarks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on both Democrats and Republicans releasing thousands of emails on Jeffrey Epstein, Trump claiming the Epstein files are a Democrat hoax and the White House plan to issue exemptions on certain food tariffs. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices