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 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

Howie Kurtz on the Homeland Security funding remaining the major obstacle in the ongoing government shutdown, journalist Don Lemon getting indicted for his actions at a protest in Minnesota, and the FTC investigating Apple News for potential bias. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the Trump Administration moving to strip the Environmental Protection Agency of its authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions tied to climate change, Catherine Ruhmer resigning as top attorney at Goldman Sachs over her ties to Jeffrey Epstein, and the ongoing FBI-led search for Savannah Guthrie's missing mother. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the recent congressional hearing with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding the Jeffrey Epstein case, the “looming” government shutdown related to funding for the Department of Homeland Security, and discussions around potential negotiations and military action against Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the latest in the investigation into the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, newly released Epstein files showing President Trump reportedly contacted Palm Beach Police to support their investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, and the FDA's refusing to review Moderna's application for a new mRNA flu vaccine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump reportedly telling a Florida police chief 'everyone' knew what Epstein was doing, Howard Lutnick facing bipartisan calls to resign after being named in Epstein files and Savannah Guthrie issuing a new plea to the public to help find her mother. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on Jeff Bezos' ownership and management of the Washington Post newspaper, the White House removing a social media video depicting the Obamas as apes, and new details about Ghislaine Maxwell's involvement with the Clinton Global Initiative. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump willing to release federal funding for the Gateway Tunnel Project in New York if Penn Station is named after him, the ongoing disappearance case of TODAY show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother, and The Trump administration's new policy making it easier to remove or discipline up to 50,000 federal workers. 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 former CNN commentator Don Lemon for storming a church with anti-ICE protestors, the withdrawal of 700 federal immigration and border agents from the Minneapolis area, and the emotional video of TODAY show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie discussing her mother's disappearance and the family's demand for 'proof of life' before addressing ransom demands. 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 comments about nationalizing elections and claims of voter fraud, the testimony of the siblings of Rene Gainger, who was killed by an ICE agent, and the DOJ's release of 3 million Epstein files containing new allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the disappearance of TODAY show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother, the arrest of former CNN anchor Don Lemon, and the decision by Hillary Clinton to testify before a House committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on Don Lemon reveling in his own arrest, Howard Lutnick and Elon Musk named in latest Epstein file release and President Trump announcing a two-year closure of the Kennedy Center for renovations. 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 selecting Kevin Warsh to serve as the next chair of the Federal Reserve, Ghislaine Maxwell's claims about secret settlements involving Jeffrey Epstein's associates, and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreeing to halt attacks on Ukraine's capital due to brutal cold. 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 fallout from fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis, the debate between Senator Rand Paul and Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the legality of capturing the Venezuelan president, and the FBI raid on a Georgia election hub as part of an investigation into 2020 election fraud behavior. 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 fallout from fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis, the developing shooting incident involving the border patrol on the Arizona-Mexico border, and the controversy around Kanye West's recent apology regarding antisemitic comments and behavior. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis, the retirement of long-serving Democratic Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton from Congress, and two newspapers owned by Rupert Murdoch, the New York Post and the Wall Street Journal coming out against ICE in Minneapolis. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, the Trump administration's new push for equal airtime for political candidates on entertainment talk shows, and Elizabeth Hurley's lawsuit against the Daily Mail over claims of illegal wiretapping. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices