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.

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

Howie Kurtz on Special Counsel Jack Smith testifying before a House committee regarding the investigation into President Trump, TikTok finalizing a deal to create a new American entity, and concerns developing over the future of the transatlantic alliance between the United States and European countries. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on ICE agents in Minnesota detaining a 5-year-old boy and his father, the testimony of Jack Smith and the sentencing of Ghislaine Maxwell related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, and the Supreme Court hearing on President Trump's attempt to remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on DOJ's investigation into Democratic officials in Minnesota related to immigration enforcement policies, potential changes the Justice Department is considering to loosen gun regulations, and the case of a woman in Minneapolis who helped a right-wing activist who was being attacked by protesters. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Media Buzzmeter launches its new weekly video podcast on YouTube with host Howie Kurtz in conversation with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC). In this debut episode, the two discuss Nancy's decision to run for governor of South Carolina, her choice to leave the U.S. House, and how her experience in Congress has shaped her vision for leading at the state level. Howard Kurtz and Nancy Mace examine the state of the GOP, debates over immigration enforcement and U.S. policy toward Venezuela, and the evolving South Carolina Republican primary, including polling and the possible influence of President Trump. Nancy also pushes back on media coverage she says has been unfair and misrepresented her record and character—offering a candid look at the political and media battles shaping her next move. Watch & subscribe: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump's social media posts about Greenland and the general opposition to the idea of a U.S. takeover of Greenland, ICE officers detaining a naturalized U.S. citizen in Minnesota, and the three highest ranking Catholic archbishops denouncing the Trump Administration's foreign policy. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on establishing Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday in the United States, the Trump administration threatening to impose tariffs on European countries that have sent troops to Greenland, and the FBI's efforts to uncover negative information on President Trump's perceived political enemies. 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 considering invoking the Insurrection Act in Minnesota, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presenting a Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Trump, and the expanding scandal involving a sports betting ring that enlisted college basketball players to fix games. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

Howie Kurtz on six federal prosecutors resigning amid a DOJ push to investigate the widow of an ICE shooting victim, the Supreme Court appearing ready to uphold state bans on transgender athletes competing in women's sports, and the continuing political backlash over the Justice Department's investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. 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 criticism of Attorney General Pam Bondi, including his frustration with her handling of various investigations and cases, the DOJ's criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, and the Pentagon's use of a disguised military aircraft in an attack on a boat. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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