Richard Luthmann and Michael Volpe examine interview backlash, Vanguard removals, and the correspondence behind two media disputes – MEGAN FOX & SUSAN BASSI
LUTHMANN NOTE: I sat down with Jay Collins to ask questions about Florida. Megan Fox can criticize every question, every answer, and every word I publish. But I expect her criticism to confront the substance. The Bassi dispute demands that same discipline: examine the removal notices, the donor references, and the correspondence. My criminal history is public, and I answer for my words. Anyone accusing me of current misconduct should identify the conduct and produce the evidence. Journalists earn credibility by meeting scrutiny with records and explanations. That obligation belongs to everyone in this fight, including me. The documents deserve direct answers. These two deserve eachother. This piece is “MEGAN FOX & SUSAN BASSI.”
By Richard Luthmann
Richard Luthmann and Michael Volpe interviewed Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins. Then the interview itself became a story.
Michael Volpe joins Luthmann to examine author and commentator Megan Fox’s criticism of Collins for appearing with them. They read posts, revisit the interview, and ask a direct question: What, specifically, was wrong with the questions or the answers?
The opening segment puts the policy discussion back on screen. Collins faces questions about affordability, insurance costs, teacher pay, deregulation, and Florida’s fight with Disney. Volpe challenges the state’s treatment of Disney; Luthmann defends Florida’s direction.
Then comes Fox’s criticism of Luthmann’s association with Joey Camp. The conversation gets heated between host and guest. Luthmann defends Camp and his freedom of speech. Volpe condemns the language in an email discussed on the show.
The second major segment turns to California reporter Susan Bassi and articles removed by the Davis Vanguard. Luthmann and Volpe examine removal notices, the publication’s apology to attorney Julie Levy, and Luthmann’s account of his interview with Vanguard counsel Paul Nicholas Boylan.
The correspondence takes center stage. The June 2023 email demands changes to Robert J. Hansen’s coverage while invoking donors and advertisers. More recent messages accuse Luthmann and other reporters of improper conduct. Luthmann and Volpe deny those accusations and demand specific transactions, records, and evidence. They examine the connection between the WomenSV Court Watchers email account and Bassi’s reporting operation. Bassi’s response, including her allegations against Luthmann and her demand that contact stop, is also discussed.
Volpe compares these exchanges with messages he received during his coverage of Jeremy Hales and the Hales/Preston-Cook dispute. He revisits the unidentified sender who claimed to have hacked his systems, the Mary Lenkins account, and communications from Hales.
The episode closes with journalism credentials and independence. Luthmann describes studying constituional law and legal journalism under James F. Simon, interning at Fox News, and learning through reporting with Frank Parlato. Volpe recalls the document work and interviews behind his investigation of former Chicago Heights Mayor Chuck Panici.
00:00:00 Opening musical satire
00:02:01 Richard Luthmann introduces the show
00:03:37 Michael Volpe on the Collins-interview backlash
00:06:08 Collins replay: Affordability, insurance and teacher pay
00:11:00 Luthmann and Volpe debate Florida’s economy
00:14:23 Collins replay: Business climate and deregulation
00:19:58 Government spending and the Florida comparison
00:24:04 Disney, free speech and special privileges
00:35:25 Megan Fox’s posts and demands for an apology
00:39:44 Joey Camp: A heated disagreement
00:46:10 Camp’s denial and correction demand
00:51:29 Political contacts and Luthmann’s response
00:54:36 Luthmann discusses his criminal case and guilty plea
01:03:40 Susan Bassi and the Davis Vanguard controversy
01:04:54 Reading the removal notices
01:09:43 Earlier dispute involving Julie Holburn
01:15:15 Source protection and Robert J. Hansen’s criticism
01:20:24 Julie Levy and disputed reporting
01:23:25 Vanguard counsel and the reasons for removal
01:28:39 The June 2023 email: Donors and editorial demands
01:30:12 WomenSV Court Watchers allegations and responses
01:34:26 Volpe revisits the threatening Hales-coverage email
01:35:54 Luthmann demands specific evidence
01:41:18 Connecting the email account to Bassi’s channel
01:42:03 Mary Lenkins and suspected anonymous accounts
01:48:31 The account’s explanation of its reporting role
01:52:40 Bassi’s response and demand to stop contact
01:53:49 Volpe compares the Hales correspondence
02:02:23 Luthmann describes his journalism training
02:03:37 Volpe’s Chuck Panici investigation
02:09:45 Luthmann’s extortion allegation and proposed injunction
02:11:08 How the Vanguard reporting began
02:14:12 Final takeaways and support for further reporting
02:16:16 Closing remarks
02:16:52 Musical outro
NOTE: This video is presented as Educational, Documentary, Scientific, and Artistic (EDSA) material for journalistic purposes. It contains commentary, criticism, and reporting on matters of public interest. Any referenced names, images, or events are used in that context and are not intended to harass, threaten, or invade privacy. Parts of this video are a satirical representation of newsworthy events and public commentary. It is intended for entertainment, criticism, and commentary purposes only. Any depictions, dialogue, or characterizations are exaggerated or fictionalized and should not be interpreted as statements of fact. No harm or harassment is intended.
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