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The North State

The North State

Written by: Scott Martin
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Canada needs a news criticism podcast now more than ever. Thankfully, The Catch has got you covered. Join award-winning independent journalist Scott Martin every week as he breaks down the latest news media nonsense. Punching through the noise, The North State tackles how news media frames issues, omits information and pushes the status quo.


Go to readthecatch.ca to support the show.


The North State is a proud member of the Harbinger Media Network. Visit Harbinger for more progressive Canadian podcasts.


Artwork: Zo, Studio Bonjourhi

Theme Music: “Vigilante” by Cross Dog

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scott Martin
Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Postmedia Is Dragging Us All to the Far-Right ft. Jeremy Appel
    Jul 14 2026

    For those who pay close attention to the news media in Canada, one company becomes quickly notorious for its openly ideological project. Postmedia, a company owned by a New Jersey hedge fund, is the largest owner of newspaper outlets across the country. Their flagship publication, the National Post has increasingly pushed the bounds of acceptable political opinion to the far-right. From openly praising anti-trans sentiment, Zionist violence and laundering climate change denial, Postmedia has made its presence in Canada a known quantity. Journalist Jeremy Appel joins Scott to discuss his latest article on Postmedia's right-wing mission, how it affects Canadian politics and why we should all be worried about this behemoth's influence on news in local communities, as well as the national stage.


    ‘Dumpster fire’: Postmedia’s decade of pushing Canada’s politics to the right


    Check out Jeremy's work at The Orchard.

    Follow Jeremy on Bluesky.


    Follow Scott on Bluesky


    Sources and further reading:

    https://readthecatch.ca/postmedia-is-dragging-us-all-to-the-far-right-ft-jeremy-appel-podcast


    Intro Music: Vigilante - Cross Dog

    Artwork by Zo at Studio Bonjourhi

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • The Maple's 'Second Scoop' vs. News Media ft. Emma Paling
    Jul 7 2026

    With legacy news outlets becoming increasingly out of touch and propagandistic, critics in the news media sphere have been more necessary than ever. While there's certainly a vacuum left by one of the largest outlets losing all credibility, there are still principled voices doing thoughtful critique. Toronto journalist Emma Paling has joined the sphere. Launching Second Scoop, a news media criticism newsletter with The Maple, Paling delivers thoughtful, witty critique of how news media has covered events with more context and thoughtful analysis not found anywhere else. Paling joins Scott to discuss the newsletter, two big news stories worthy of the critique and even for a reflection on their first discussion nearly two years ago, about where we are in regards to news media coverage of the ongoing Palestinian genocide.


    Sign up for Second Scoop here


    Emma Paling on X


    Follow Scott on Bluesky


    Sources and further reading:

    https://readthecatch.ca/the-maples-second-scoop-vs-news-media-ft-emma-paling-podcast


    Artwork by Zo at Studio Bonjourhi

    Intro Music: Vigilante - Cross Dog

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Monologue: On Canada's Role in Cuba
    Jun 30 2026

    Cuba passed some of the most significant economic reforms since the 1960s in response to economic warfare waged on them by the US. Carney, and Canada more broadly, have been silent. So what is the relationship to Cuba in this country? Scott goes through Canada's economic relationship and the framework legacy news media operates in when covering the country.


    Follow Scott on Bluesky


    Sources and further reading:

    https://readthecatch.ca/monologue-on-canadas-role-in-cuba-podcast


    Artwork by Zo at Studio Bonjourhi

    Intro Music: Vigilante - Cross Dog

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
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