Why Not Me? 2028
What if a regular person ran for President?
Why Not Me? is a smart, thoughtful, sometimes funny podcast about one woman’s journey to ask that question — out loud. Shana is not a celebrity, not a billionaire, and not backed by a political machine. She’s a former nonprofit worker and PTA fundraiser, and current higher ed employee who’s spent her life working, parenting, and trying to make things better from the ground up.
In each episode, she explores what it would actually take for someone like her to run for the highest office in the land — from policy ideas to campaign hurdles, from civic curiosity to systemic barriers. Along the way, she asks bigger questions about leadership, representation, and what democracy really means in 21st-century America.
This isn’t a show about bashing politicians or pushing an agenda. It’s about making space for new voices, honest conversations, and people who’ve never seen themselves in power. If you've ever looked at a ballot and thought, “Seriously? These are my choices?” — this podcast is for you.
Why Not Me? 2028
The News Is Broken — Can We Fix It?
Episode Summary
In this episode of Why Not Me?, we dive into the messy world of American media — from the early days of openly partisan newspapers, to the era of the Fairness Doctrine, to today’s fractured, 24-hour, hyper-partisan news environment. We explore how corporate consolidation, the loss of shared facts, and the return to openly partisan outlets shape not only what we see and hear, but also who gets heard. Along the way, we revisit The West Wing’s sharp observations about media ownership, and ask whether a better-informed democracy is still possible in the age of endless headlines and social media feeds.
Topics Covered
- The historical shift from partisan press to “objective” news — and back again
- The Fairness Doctrine — what it was, why it mattered, and what happened when it was repealed
- How corporate ownership affects what makes the news
- The power and pitfalls of the 24-hour news cycle
- Practical steps listeners can take to support a healthier news ecosystem
Notable References & Resources
- Ezra Klein, Why We’re Polarized (2020) – discussion of partisan press history
- Federal Communications Commission – “The Fairness Doctrine” historical overview
- Pew Research Center – “Americans’ Trust in Media” survey data
- Columbia Journalism Review – articles on corporate media consolidation
Call to Action
Do you think the media has gotten too partisan — or is it just reflecting us? What would you change about how news is produced and consumed? Share your thoughts and let’s start the conversation. And if you enjoy Why Not Me?, share it with a friend who loves a good debate about politics, policy, and pop culture.
Use this link to send us a text, or email us at the address in show notes.
shana@whynotme2028.com
Credits
Graphics and editing by Rory Lawson
Music by Universfield from Pixabay