Dive into the complexities of press freedom with Ben Dennis and legal expert Anna Diakun, an attorney with the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University. Discover the challenges citizens and journalists face today, and the impact of social media algorithms on free speech.

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

Join Ben Dennis for a conversation with Jesse Rodriguez, Vice President of Editorial and Booking at MS NOW, examining how news organizations are adapting to changes in how audiences consume information—and how editorial decisions shape what viewers ultimately see.

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.

One U.S. Capitol Police Officer beaten during the January 6th riots recalls the moments a mob attacked him and his colleagues while protecting Congress. Five years later Winston Pingeon tells Ben how he looks toward a future without political violence, his journey finding peace and how he hopes people don't rewrite history.

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.