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This week's guest is journalist Sally Mauk, senior news analyst and news director emerita at Montana Public Radio. Sally has covered Montana politics and other topics for over 30 years and is the host of MTPR's Capitol Talk. In this episode Sally talks about the factors that brought her to journalism, her perspective on the 2023 Montana Legislative session and the future of political coverage in Montana. Justin asks Sally about friend and colleague Chuck Johnson, and about her current objectives now that she has semi-retired. Transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HRVBLQ1smR9DBJCgeXqKEyuFzJ6y_g0Uz6P_yUJOKqg/edit?usp=sharing
Campaign Beat is Montana Public Radio's weekly political analysis program. It's hosted by Sally Mauk and features Lee Newspapers State News Bureau Chief Holly Michels and University of Montana Political Science Professor and Mansfield Center fellow Rob Saldin. Sitting in this week for Holly is Lee's deputy bureau chief Tom Kuglin.
For the first time in 30 years, Montanans will be voting to send two representatives to the U.S. House, one from the Eastern District and one from the West. MTPR's Sally Mauk, Lee Newspapers State News Bureau Chief Holly Michels and University of Montana Political Science Professor and Mansfield Center fellow Rob Saldin talk about the fundraising race, name recognition and why the conventional wisdom about voter turnout may not apply anymore.
Over the past five months, Parsing the Press has looked at current issues and how they are being presented in the Montana press. Veteran journalist and author Gwen Florio joins MTPR's Sally Mauk give the main takeaways from the interviews they've done with Montana journalists. Listen now on Parsing The Press.
Veteran journalist Chuck Johnson joins Sally and Gwen to talk about the good and bad changes and challenges in Montana journalism over his over 40-year career — including decreased access and increased distrust. Listen now on Parsing The Press, with Sally Mauk and Gwen Florio
The 2021 Legislature produced a balanced budget with a slight spending increase, some new restrictions on abortion, a fight with the state Supreme Court and a lot of fulfilled conservative goals. Holly, Rob and Sally give their final takeaways from the session and preview the upcoming race for Montana's new second congressional seat. Listen now on this year's final episode of Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin and Holly Michels.
The 2021 Legislature produced a balanced budget with a slight spending increase, some new restrictions on abortion, a fight with the state Supreme Court and a lot of fulfilled conservative goals. Holly, Rob and Sally give their final takeaways from the session and preview the upcoming race for Montana's new second congressional seat. Listen now on this year's final episode of Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin and Holly Michels.
We all think we know BS when we see it, but do we? University of Montana journalism professor Lee Banville is teaching a course on how to recognize and combat BS, something he'll talk about as this week's guest. Listen now on Parsing the Press with Sally Mauk and Gwen Florio.
The dispute between Republican legislative leadership and the state Supreme Court will likely continue after the legislative session ends. This as Montana joins several states in passing changes to voting laws — and those changes are already being challenged in court. And Friday, lawmakers reached a compromise on how to implement recreational marijuana. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin and Holly Michels.
The dispute between Republican legislative leadership and the state Supreme Court will likely continue after the legislative session ends. This as Montana joins several states in passing changes to voting laws — and those changes are already being challenged in court. And Friday, lawmakers reached a compromise on how to implement recreational marijuana. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin and Holly Michels.
Public radio journalist Nate Hegyi got a huge scoop when he broke the story of Gov. Greg Gianforte's trapping and killing of a collared Yellowstone wolf without following all the legal requirements. Nate is our guest this week talking about hot tips, unanswered questions and what he learned from a 900-mile bike trip through the Mountain West. Listen now on Parsing the Press with Sally Mauk and Gwen Florio.
COVID leads to the cancellation of floor sessions at the Legislature as the Republican leaders are in a subpoena standoff with the state Supreme Court. All this as a bill to ban abortion dies in the Senate, the governor tries to prohibit "vaccine passports" and a Montanan may become the next head of the Bureau of Land Management. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin and Holly Michels.
COVID leads to the cancellation of floor sessions at the Legislature as the Republican leaders are in a subpoena standoff with the state Supreme Court. All this as a bill to ban abortion dies in the Senate, the governor tries to prohibit "vaccine passports" and a Montanan may become the next head of the Bureau of Land Management. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin and Holly Michels.
Updated 04/16/21 This transcription has been updated to reflect the on-air broadcast of this program. Former-Gov. Brian Schweitzer prided himself on his access to the press. Now Schweitzer joins Gwen and Sally to talk about the obligation public officials have to be transparent, and what he sees as the press' failure to hold them accountable. Listen now on Parsing the Press with Sally Mauk and Gwen Florio.
Gov. Gianforte is one of Montana's new cases of COVID. The marijuana bills are now in the Senate's lap. The House votes to abide by the First Amendment. The Republican PSC opposes a Republican Colstrip bill. And the Republican renaissance in Montana owes a lot to the legacy of former Governor Stan Stephens. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin and Holly Michels.
Gov. Gianforte is one of Montana's new cases of COVID. The marijuana bills are now in the Senate's lap. The House votes to abide by the First Amendment. The Republican PSC opposes a Republican Colstrip bill. And the Republican renaissance in Montana owes a lot to the legacy of former Governor Stan Stephens. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin and Holly Michels.
NBC Montana anchor/reporter Maritsa Georgiou talks with Gwen and Sally about how she has become a go-to source of information about COVID; about the importance of good news sources, and about the threats highly visible female TV journalists have to deal with. Listen now on Parsing The Press with Sally Mauk and Gwen Florio.
The "beast bill" heads to the Senate. The attorney general sues over restrictions on the use of federal COVID relief money. Montana could lose millions in federal education money because of a bill banning transgender students from participating in women's sports. A bill to make it easier for Native Americans to vote is killed. And a progressive blogger ends his long run as an influential gadfly. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin and Holly Michels.
The "beast bill" heads to the Senate. The attorney general sues over restrictions on the use of federal COVID relief money. Montana could lose millions in federal education money because of a bill banning transgender students from participating in women's sports. A bill to make it easier for Native Americans to vote is killed. And a progressive blogger ends his long run as an influential gadfly. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin and Holly Michels.
Gov. Greg Gianforte makes headlines after trapping a Yellowstone wolf — while bills targeting wolves head toward passage. Republican lawmakers want to eliminate same-day voter registration. And the so-called "beast bill" — directing how billions in federal COVID relief money will be spent — crawls forward. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Holly Michels and Rob Saldin.
Gov. Greg Gianforte makes headlines after trapping a Yellowstone wolf — while bills targeting wolves head toward passage. Republican lawmakers want to eliminate same-day voter registration. And the so-called "beast bill" — directing how billions in federal COVID relief money will be spent — crawls forward. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Holly Michels and Rob Saldin.
Gov. Greg Gianforte makes headlines after trapping a Yellowstone wolf — while bills targeting wolves head toward passage. Republican lawmakers want to eliminate same-day voter registration. And the so-called "beast bill" — directing how billions in federal COVID relief money will be spent — crawls forward. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Holly Michels and Rob Saldin.
The opinion pages of a daily newspaper can spark a lot of community discussion and/or outrage. Missoulian opinion editor Tyler Christensen joins Sally and Gwen to talk about the rewards and challenges of editorials for readers — and for reporters. Listen now on Parsing the Press, a weekly look at how the news is reported, with Sally Mauk and Gwen Florio.
The many moving parts of the state budget have pushed lawmakers to extend the session — but Montana's Legislature isn't the state's only busy branch. Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has filed yet another lawsuit against the Biden Administration. At the same time, prominent Montanans are suing Gov. Greg Gianforte over his effort to directly appoint judges. And, as a racist social media post by a Republican lawmaker resurfaces, Montanans are learning that overwhelming public opposition to legislation does not guarantee a bill's defeat. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Holly Michels and Rob Saldin.
The many moving parts of the state budget have pushed lawmakers to extend the session — but Montana's Legislature isn't the state's only busy branch. Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has filed yet another lawsuit against the Biden Administration. At the same time, prominent Montanans are suing Gov. Greg Gianforte over his effort to directly appoint judges. And, as a racist social media post by a Republican lawmaker resurfaces, Montanans are learning that overwhelming public opposition to legislation does not guarantee a bill's defeat. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Holly Michels and Rob Saldin.
The many moving parts of the state budget have pushed lawmakers to extend the session — but Montana's Legislature isn't the state's only busy branch. Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has filed yet another lawsuit against the Biden Administration. At the same time, prominent Montanans are suing Gov. Greg Gianforte over his effort to directly appoint judges. And, as a racist social media post by a Republican lawmaker resurfaces, Montanans are learning that overwhelming public opposition to legislation does not guarantee a bill's defeat. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Holly Michels and Rob Saldin.
From racial injustice to the Capitol riots, the past year has highlighted just how often breaking news and law enforcement are intertwined. Sgt. Travis Welsh with the Missoula Police Department joins Gwen and Sally to talk about how law enforcement and the press navigate the inherent pressures that come with covering those types of events. Listen now on Parsing the Press, a weekly look at how the news is reported, with Sally Mauk and Gwen Florio.
Montana Republican leaders think the COVID relief signed into law this week is a mistake. The Legislature now has to figure out how to spend the COVID windfall. Montana's attorney general joins a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. It looks like Gov. Gianforte will sign a "religious freedom" bill if it reaches his desk. And Sen. Daines says the Interior Secretary nominee will harm Montana's "way of life" if she's confirmed. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Holly Michels and Rob Saldin.
Montana Republican leaders think the COVID relief signed into law this week is a mistake. The Legislature now has to figure out how to spend the COVID windfall. Montana's attorney general joins a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. It looks like Gov. Gianforte will sign a "religious freedom" bill if it reaches his desk. And Sen. Daines says the Interior Secretary nominee will harm Montana's "way of life" if she's confirmed. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Holly Michels and Rob Saldin.
Podcasts — and their listener numbers — have exploded in recent years, and Montana is leading the way with several nationally-recognized podcasts. The host and producer of one of those award-winning podcasts, Nora Saks , joins Gwen and Sally to talk about this popular new form of storytelling. Listen now on Parsing the Press, a weekly look at how the news is reported, with Sally Mauk and Gwen Florio.
Right-to-work legislation fails. "Culture war" bills are still alive. And the big budget fights loom as the Legislature marks its midpoint. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Holly Michels and Rob Saldin.
Right-to-work legislation fails. "Culture war" bills are still alive. And the big budget fights loom as the Legislature marks its midpoint. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Holly Michels and Rob Saldin.
After being laid-off, more and more journalists are turning to freelancing. But it's a tough field. Missoula-based freelancer Ann-Derrick Gaillot talks about the pros and cons of freelance journalism, and the diversity and freedom it can offer. It helps, she says, to have a side gig. Listen now on Parsing the Press, a weekly look at how the news is reported, with Sally Mauk and Gwen Florio.
Montana's two senators are split on their support for the first Native American to be nominated to a Cabinet post. And the state Legislature is hurtling towards its mid-session break with a flurry of bills addressing abortion, transgender surgery and tax cuts, among others. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Holly Michels and Rob Saldin.
Montana's two senators are split on their support for the first Native American to be nominated to a Cabinet post. And the state Legislature is hurtling towards its mid-session break with a flurry of bills addressing abortion, transgender surgery and tax cuts, among others. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Holly Michels and Rob Saldin.
Montana's two senators are split on their support for the first Native American to be nominated to a Cabinet post. And the state Legislature is hurtling towards its mid-session break with a flurry of bills addressing abortion, transgender surgery and tax cuts, among others. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Holly Michels and Rob Saldin.
As traditional news organizations shrink, nontraditional news sites are popping up, including new non-profit news organizations. In this episode, our guest is Darrell Ehrlick, the editor of the non-profit Daily Montanan , talking about the goals and challenges of this new and growing journalism model. Listen now on Parsing the Press, a weekly look at how the news is reported, with Sally Mauk and Gwen Florio.
Bills heard this week at the Capitol seek to: limit the ability of local governments and health departments to require restrictions during a public health emergency; limit services to LGBTQ people in the name of religious freedom; make Montana a right-to-work state; declare antifa a domestic terrorist organization — even though there isn't such an organization. And after years of criticizing dark money groups, former Gov. Steve Bullock raises eyebrows by taking a position with a PAC tied to dark money. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Holly Michels and Rob Saldin.
Bills heard this week at the Capitol seek to: limit the ability of local governments and health departments to require restrictions during a public health emergency; limit services to LGBTQ people in the name of religious freedom; make Montana a right-to-work state; declare antifa a domestic terrorist organization — even though there isn't such an organization. And after years of criticizing dark money groups, former Gov. Steve Bullock raises eyebrows by taking a position with a PAC tied to dark money. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Holly Michels and Rob Saldin.
Bills heard this week at the Capitol seek to: limit the ability of local governments and health departments to require restrictions during a public health emergency; limit services to LGBTQ people in the name of religious freedom; make Montana a right-to-work state; declare antifa a domestic terrorist organization — even though there isn't such an organization. And after years of criticizing dark money groups, former Gov. Steve Bullock raises eyebrows by taking a position with a PAC tied to dark money. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Holly Michels and Rob Saldin.
Journalists try to keep an ethical distance between themselves and their news sources, but that presents challenges sometimes. This week's guest, University of Montana Journalism Professor Dennis Swibold, discusses that relationship — and the criticism aimed at female journalists that sometimes crosses lines that shouldn't be crossed. Listen now on Parsing the Press with Sally Mauk, Gwen Florio and guest Dennis Swibold.
Montana's two senators are expected to split their votes on impeachment. The governor has lifted the state's mandatory mask mandate, and Attorney General Austin Knudsen joins the effort to reverse a Biden administration decision to halt the Keystone pipeline. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin and Holly Michels.
Montana's two senators are expected to split their votes on impeachment. The governor has lifted the state's mandatory mask mandate, and Attorney General Austin Knudsen joins the effort to reverse a Biden administration decision to halt the Keystone pipeline. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin and Holly Michels.
Montana's two senators are expected to split their votes on impeachment. The governor has lifted the state's mandatory mask mandate, and Attorney General Austin Knudsen joins the effort to reverse a Biden administration decision to halt the Keystone pipeline. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin and Holly Michels.
Salish Kootenai photojournalist Tailyr Irvine joins Gwen and Sally to talk about the role of photojournalism in telling a story, and the importance of having Native voices in newsrooms. Listen now on Parsing the Press with Sally Mauk, Gwen Florio and guest Tailyr Irvine
Gov. Greg Gianforte wants to increase the power of Montana's executive branch. Meanwhile, U.S. Congressman Matt Rosendale loses a battle with the national Republican leadership. And state Legislature moves toward making it harder to vote and easier to carry concealed guns. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Holly Michels and Rob Saldin.
Gov. Greg Gianforte wants to increase the power of Montana's executive branch. Meanwhile, U.S. Congressman Matt Rosendale loses a battle with the national Republican leadership. And state Legislature moves toward making it harder to vote and easier to carry concealed guns. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Holly Michels and Rob Saldin.
Gov. Greg Gianforte wants to increase the power of Montana's executive branch. Meanwhile, U.S. Congressman Matt Rosendale loses a battle with the national Republican leadership. And state Legislature moves toward making it harder to vote and easier to carry concealed guns. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Holly Michels and Rob Saldin.
Gov. Gianforte's State of the State address was a mixture of Republican canon and bipartisan proposals. Lawmakers disagree whether an immigration bill has racist intent. A handful of Republicans change their minds about a bill to limit gender-affirming health care for transgender youth. And hefty raises for executive branch department heads raise some eyebrows. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin and Holly Michels.
Outside Magazine columnist Wes Siler joins MCVcast from Bozeman for a chat about Montana's anti-public lands politicians. Plus Aaron Murphy, Whitney Tawney, Jake Brown and Clara Stein dive into this week's PSC debate, new “leadership” legislation from Senator Jon Tester, and a fight over public land access in Attorney General candidate Austin Knudsen's hometown. LINKS: * NPR: Trump's public lands chief hasn't left despite judge's order: https://n.pr/2Tkj7Xz * Senator Tester introduces bill to block Pendley's “illegal leadership:” https://bit.ly/2HxxMfi * Whitney Tawney's op-ed: “Can Steve Daines please stand up?” https://bit.ly/3jn2TI3 * Raph Graybill: Austin Knudsen blocking vets from access: https://bit.ly/2TftAUn * Judge Morris denies tribes' bid to block KXL construction: https://bit.ly/34j1AFF * Montana Public Radio's Sally Mauk interviews former Missoulian editor Gwen Florio: https://bit.ly/3mqhIvp * Missoula City Club PSC debate between Jennifer Fielder and Monica Tranel: https://bit.ly/35pIzAD * Outside Magazine: “In Montana, Stream Access is on the Ballot,” by Wes Siler: https://bit.ly/2IPIcHW * Legislative rule to protect Lake Koocanusca clears hurdle: https://bit.ly/3ojqCMD * Link to MCV's Facebook version of Public Trust: http://bit.ly/MCVPublicTrust (password: montana)