This week on Byline, Ben Dennis sits down with Syracuse University professor Emily Sydnor to examine what that means for journalism. They discuss how AI is reshaping reporting and news consumption, the importance of local news, the role of transparency, and how journalists can adapt to new platforms without compromising fairness, accuracy, or trust.

They also explore political polarization, social media algorithms, personal branding for reporters, and what the next generation of journalists needs to succeed in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Topics include:

• How AI is changing journalism
• Why local news still matters
• Can transparency strengthen audience trust?
• Should journalists build personal brands?
• How social media shapes the news people see
• AI's role in political polarization
• What journalism could look like in five years

If you're interested in the future of news, media, and democracy, this conversation offers practical insights into where journalism is headed next.

Byline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders, and everyday voices you might not hear elsewhere to ask the questions headlines leave behind. From politics and culture to stories shaping our neighborhoods, Byline makes sense of the world in a way that’s real, relatable, and eye-opening — no spin, no talking points, just honest conversations that make you think.⁠️

Listen to any episode you like here⁠

⁠ Find Ben on Social Media

Byline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders, and everyday voices you might not hear elsewhere to ask the questions headlines leave behind. From politics and culture to stories shaping our neighborhoods, Byline makes sense of the world in a way that’s real, relatable, and eye-opening — no spin, no talking points, just honest conversations that make you think.⁠️

Listen to any episode you like here⁠

⁠ Find Ben on Social Media

Rodriguez reflects on how his early newsroom experience in Miami informed his transition to network news, and how MS NOW is approaching coverage in a media environment increasingly influenced by digital platforms, social media, and algorithm-driven content. Ben and Jesse also discuss how audiences distinguish between traditional newscasts and more opinion-driven programming at a time when influencers and nontraditional sources often produce news-adjacent content.

The conversation explores what these shifts mean for journalism, audience trust, and the evolving relationship between national networks and local reporting.

Within seconds, you’re scrolling—posts, videos, headlines, all arranged in a way that feels almost intuitive.

But why that post? Why that video? Why that story—right now?

In this episode, Ben Dennis speaks with Katie Harbath, former Facebook public policy director and CEO of Anchor Change, about how those decisions are made—and how quickly they’re changing.

Because what shows up in your feed isn’t random.

It’s shaped by signals—what you watch, what you skip, what you engage with, and what you don’t.

But that’s only part of the story.

As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in these systems, the process of deciding what you see is starting to shift—moving beyond simple recommendation into something more dynamic, and less visible.

So what does that mean for what you’re seeing today?

And what might it mean for what you see next?

This conversation explores how platforms interpret behavior, why certain content rises, and how AI could reshape not just your feed—but how information itself is delivered.

🎧 Listen to the full episode.

It’s already shaping how we search for information, communicate with coworkers, consume news, and increasingly how society functions behind the scenes.

But as AI systems become more embedded into everyday life, a larger question is emerging:

Who decides the rules?

In this episode of Byline with Ben Dennis, Ben sits down with legal scholar and former Department of Justice attorney Alan Rozenshtein to explore whether America is entering a new constitutional era driven by artificial intelligence.

The conversation examines:

— whether democratic institutions can realistically keep pace with AI development
— how executive power could expand alongside AI systems
— the growing influence of private tech companies over public life
— whether the Constitution is flexible enough to adapt to machine learning and algorithmic governance
— and what kinds of legal guardrails Americans may ultimately demand — or reject

Rozenshtein argues the Constitution was designed to survive periods of massive technological and political change. The founders never imagined AI chatbots, recommendation algorithms, or machine-generated speech.

But they also never imagined electricity.

So what happens when innovation moves faster than regulation?

And if government fails to establish meaningful boundaries, are Americans comfortable allowing the people building these systems to increasingly shape the economy, culture, and flow of information themselves?

As the United States approaches 250 years since its founding, this conversation asks a broader question:

What technological guardrails are Americans willing to accept before AI becomes fully embedded into the next chapter of public life?

#ArtificialIntelligence #AI #Constitution #Technology #Politics #SamAltman #ElonMusk #AIGovernance #ExecutivePower #MachineLearning #BylineWithBenDennis

Is trust built on facts?
On tone?
On whether someone reinforces what you already believe?

This week on Byline, I talk with Michael LaRosa, former press secretary to Dr. Jill Biden, about how trust is built, protected, and sometimes tested inside the White House.

We unpack how messaging decisions are made, how influence travels from Washington to everyday Americans, and what campaigns are really trying to measure when they speak.

Michael and I both grew up in rural Pennsylvania — which made for an honest conversation about how power in D.C. connects (or doesn’t) with people outside the Beltway.

No partisan decoder ring.
Just a deeper look at how communication works.

New episodes every week.

Stay tuned for more episodes that are sure to keep you informed and engaged. Subscribe now to never miss an update

Byline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders, and everyday voices you might not hear elsewhere to ask the questions headlines leave behind. From politics and culture to stories shaping our neighborhoods, Byline makes sense of the world in a way that’s real, relatable, and eye-opening — no spin, no talking points, just honest conversations that make you think.⁠️

Listen to any episode you like here⁠

⁠ Find Ben on Social Media

SURVEY: ‘Porch Pirates 2025 & Holiday Shopping Guide

By Michael Giusti’

Washington, D.C., has always evolved. Presidents and first ladies have influenced its landscape, new memorials have reshaped the National Mall, and security needs have changed how the public experiences some of the country’s most recognizable places.

Now, projects proposed or advanced during President Donald Trump’s second term—including the White House ballroom and a proposed monumental arch—are renewing questions about presidential influence, historic preservation and public input.

Charles Birnbaum, president and CEO of the Cultural Landscape Foundation, joins Ben Dennis to explain how changes to historic landscapes are traditionally reviewed, what Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires, and why his organization has challenged some current projects and review processes.

The conversation explores the balance between security and accessibility, the role of presidents and first ladies in shaping Washington, public input in memorial design, original design intent, redevelopment and the question of whether today’s approach could influence how future administrations pursue major projects.

Birnbaum also raises questions about how some projects are funded and the role nonprofit organizations play in advancing them.

A conversation about how Washington changes, who gets a voice and what happens next.

Byline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders, and everyday voices you might not hear elsewhere to ask the questions headlines leave behind. From politics and culture to stories shaping our neighborhoods, Byline makes sense of the world in a way that’s real, relatable, and eye-opening — no spin, no talking points, just honest conversations that make you think.⁠⁠️ ⁠

⁠Listen to any episode you like here⁠⁠

⁠⁠Find Ben on Social Media⁠

Byline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders, and everyday voices you might not hear elsewhere to ask the questions headlines leave behind. From politics and culture to stories shaping our neighborhoods, Byline makes sense of the world in a way that’s real, relatable, and eye-opening — no spin, no talking points, just honest conversations that make you think.

Byline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders, and everyday voices you might not hear elsewhere to ask the questions headlines leave behind. From politics and culture to stories shaping our neighborhoods, Byline makes sense of the world in a way that’s real, relatable, and eye-opening — no spin, no talking points, just honest conversations that make you think.
️ Listen to any episode you like here

 Find Ben on Social Media

This week on Byline, Penn State mathematics professor Andrea Boito joins me to unpack the hidden math behind democracy — from ranked-choice voting and the Electoral College to apportionment, strategic voting, and why mathematicians say a perfectly “fair” voting system may actually be impossible.

We dive into the formulas and theories that shape how leaders are elected, why the same votes can produce different winners under different systems, and what Americans should understand before the next major election cycle.

It’s a fascinating conversation about politics, power, and the numbers quietly deciding who wins.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of Byline with Ben Dennis, I sit down with political communication expert Peter Loge to unpack why outrage motivates voters, why affordability dominates elections, and how leadership rhetoric can either calm a nation or escalate distrust.

We discuss:• Why anger drives political incentives• The racist AI depiction of the Obamas and leadership accountability• Immigration messaging and voter punishment• America’s global standing• And one simple strategy both parties should adopt before the midterms: fix stuff.

If politics feels broken, this conversation explains why — and what could change

But the bigger question is: What happens next?

As tensions rise with Iran, most coverage focuses on what just occurred — missiles launched, statements issued, retaliation promised. Inside the Defense Department, though, officials are already assessing risk, modeling escalation, and preparing for what the next 24 to 72 hours could bring.

In this episode of Byline with Ben Dennis, I sit down with Todd Huntley to walk through what unfolds behind closed doors before a strike — and the critical decisions that follow immediately after.

We break down:

• How strike options are developed
• What intelligence and risk assessments shape military action
• How leaders prepare for potential escalation
• What signals policymakers watch in the hours after action
• And the key questions Americans should be asking right now

Because the real story isn’t just about what happened.
It’s about what that decision sets in motion.

If you want to understand not only today’s headline — but what may come next — this conversation helps you think ahead.

🎙️ Byline with Ben Dennis focuses on why stories matter — and what they may lead to next.

Subscribe for weekly conversations designed to make you smarter about what’s coming.

How long could this fighting last?
What happens to gas prices if it drags on?
And what does it mean for Americans here at home?

In this episode of Byline with Ben Dennis, I sit down with retired U.S. Army Major General John Ferrari to go beyond the headlines and break down what’s actually happening—and what comes next.

We get into what happens after strikes are launched… how prepared the U.S. really is for a prolonged conflict… and whether America is built for sustained warfare.

Ferrari also explains a critical imbalance: the U.S. has to succeed on multiple fronts—military, strategic, and public perception—while an adversary may only need one to claim success.

This isn’t about fear. It’s about understanding what comes next.

Because while the conflict is happening thousands of miles away… the real question is what it means if it doesn’t stay there.

In this episode of Byline with Ben Dennis, I talk with Tracee Stanford of the News Literacy Project, who works with educators nationwide to help students learn what information can be trusted—and how to verify it for themselves.

We recorded this conversation during News Literacy Week, at a moment when AI-generated content is spreading faster and becoming harder to spot. Tracee draws on her background in local news and media literacy work in underserved communities to break down the real challenges students face online today.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How students are encountering misinformation

• Why media ethics still matter in an algorithm-driven world

• Practical ways educators and parents can help young people think critically about what they see online

Subscribe for free (yes, free) for new posts and episodes that question tomorrow’s headlines.

🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode of Byline with Ben Dennis now.

Will voters cast their ballots based on affordability, foreign policy, cultural issues, or frustration with Washington? Are Democrats building a message beyond opposition to President Trump? And what does the future of the Republican Party look like once Trump is no longer on the ballot?

Political analyst and Randolph-Macon College professor Rich Meagher joins me to discuss the issues driving voters, why affordability remains one of the most powerful forces in American politics, and whether both parties are preparing for a post-Trump era.

In this episode:

• Why affordability continues to dominate political conversations
• Whether Democrats are finding a message beyond anti-Trump politics
• Signs some Republicans are beginning to distance themselves from Trump
• Why younger voters may be looking for a new generation of leaders
• Whether cultural issues still resonate with voters the way they once did
• What the race for 2028 could look like before the 2026 midterms are even over
• The role AI, technology, and economic uncertainty could play in future elections

What issue do you think will matter most to voters this November?

In this excerpt, we examine the impact of racist political imagery — including depictions of former President Obama — and the broader question of leadership and responsibility in American politics.

Do presidents set the tone for how Americans treat one another?

We discuss:

• ​The ethical boundaries of political communication
• ​How racist imagery shapes public discourse
• ​Whether presidential rhetoric influences everyday behavior
• ​What accountability looks like in a polarized climate
• ​How Americans can engage more constructively — online and in person

This conversation focuses on facts, responsibility, and the real-world consequences of tone and leadership.

🎧 Full episode available here: [INSERT LINK]🎙 Subscribe to Byline with Ben Dennis for weekly conversations that go beyond the headlines.

#PoliticalCommunication #PresidentialLeadership #CivilDiscourse #RaceInAmerica #MediaEthics #BylineWithBenDennis

The conversation covers a range of topics; delving into the First Amendment, the role of influencers, government accountability, and the challenges faced by journalists in the current media landscape.

#PressFreedom #Journalism #FreeSpeech

Byline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders, and everyday voices you might not hear elsewhere to ask the questions headlines leave behind. From politics and culture to stories shaping our neighborhoods, Byline makes sense of the world in a way that’s real, relatable, and eye-opening — no spin, no talking points, just honest conversations that make you think.⁠⁠️ ⁠

⁠Listen to any episode you like here⁠⁠

⁠⁠ Find Ben on Social Media⁠

Byline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders, and everyday voices you might not hear elsewhere to ask the questions headlines leave behind. From politics and culture to stories shaping our neighborhoods, Byline makes sense of the world in a way that’s real, relatable, and eye-opening — no spin, no talking points, just honest conversations that make you think.⁠⁠️ ⁠

⁠Listen to any episode you like here⁠⁠

⁠⁠ Find Ben on Social Media⁠

In this episode of Byline with Ben Dennis, I sit down with Jeff James — a former Secret Service agent who spent more than two decades on protective detail — to discuss what it actually takes to protect the President of the United States.

From the day-to-day volume of threats, to protecting foreign leaders, to how intelligence informs national security decisions, Jeff shares insight into a role that is often misunderstood.

We also discuss how the U.S. tracks emerging threats — including weapons of mass destruction — and how decisions are made when information is incomplete or evolving.

Key topics:

-Life on a presidential protective detail

-Common misconceptions about the Secret Service

-How threats are identified and assessed

-Protecting visiting world leaders

-Intelligence and decision-making under pressure

-Challenges in preventing large-scale threats

🎧 Listen to the full episode and follow for more conversations that go beyond the headlines.⚡️ Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@broadcastben📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/broadcastben/?hl=en🐦 Follow on Twitter: https://x.com/broadcastben_

Uncover the challenges faced by federal employees and their fight for transparency and justice. This episode offers a deep dive into the resilience and advocacy efforts of those affected by these sweeping changes.

Anna works with '27 UNIHTED'

Cat works with 'OneAID'

Byline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders, and everyday voices you might not hear elsewhere to ask the questions headlines leave behind. From politics and culture to stories shaping our neighborhoods, Byline makes sense of the world in a way that’s real, relatable, and eye-opening — no spin, no talking points, just honest conversations that make you think.⁠️

Listen to any episode you like here⁠

⁠ Find Ben on Social Media

Byline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders, and everyday voices you might not hear elsewhere to ask the questions headlines leave behind. From politics and culture to stories shaping our neighborhoods, Byline makes sense of the world in a way that’s real, relatable, and eye-opening — no spin, no talking points, just honest conversations that make you think.⁠️

Listen to any episode you like here⁠

⁠ Find Ben on Social Media

But what happens when it gets something wrong?

Law professor and former Google trust and safety expert Jess Miers joins me to discuss AI liability, chatbot lawsuits, free speech, and the legal questions courts are being forced to answer in real time.

Byline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders, and everyday voices you might not hear elsewhere to ask the questions headlines leave behind. From politics and culture to stories shaping our neighborhoods, Byline makes sense of the world in a way that’s real, relatable, and eye-opening — no spin, no talking points, just honest conversations that make you think.
️ Listen to any episode you like here

 Find me on Social Media

#VenezuelaCrisis #USPolitics #Midterms2026

Ben revisits his enlightening interview with Peter Loge, a political analyst and professor at George Washington University, for a candid conversation about one of the biggest unanswered questions in American politics: Can we rebuild civility in an era fueled by outrage? A grounded, thoughtful discussion about how we got here—and whether a healthier political culture is still possible.

Byline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders, and everyday voices you might not hear elsewhere to ask the questions headlines leave behind. From politics and culture to stories shaping our neighborhoods, Byline makes sense of the world in a way that’s real, relatable, and eye-opening — no spin, no talking points, just honest conversations that make you think.
️ Listen to any episode you like here

 Find Ben on Social Media