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I argued something similar, though less articulately, in 2023 when GA Dems seemed to want to pretend Trump was an aberration. They've moved beyond over-relying on the AJC but elders are still pushing centrist consensus and a return to "civility." brianpbannon.medium.com/two-chairs-t...

Gov Roy Barnes "Politics has lost its civility."

Closer Look with Rose Scott

closerlook

Can political civility make a comeback? Former Georgia leaders weigh in

00:48:33

Sep 30

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Georgia. It was founded to champion civility in politics, safeguard confidence in elections among other initiatives.

In this episode of Closer Look with Rose Scott, former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, former Georgia Senator Saxby Chambliss, former Congressman and West Point, Georgia, Mayor Drew Ferguson, and former Georgia Governor Roy Barnes all agreed that civility seems to be lost in today's political environment. They also discussed the role that DFF can still play in delivering bi-partisan messages amid the current 24-hour news cycle and the influence of social

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 23h

The Jerusalem Post has a story on the media outlets with ties to Fergie Chambers. It’s a legitimate line of inquiry given his facing a U.S. extradition request in Spain, but comes as mainstream outlets have largely ignored or downplayed the story and his dynastic media connections.

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Steve had the headline all set. The episode discussed the hearing but not Schmitt. I monitor Cox media 'cause they dominate Atlanta and Steve 'cause he sullies the Bannon name. Sometimes the two intersect. brianpbannon.medium.com/steve-bannon...

Bannon's War Room episode description.
Bannon's War Room

WAR ROOM

Episode 5699: Jack Smith Purjures Himself Before The Senate; Attacks On White Men Continues

00:55:01 Sep 29

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Episode 5699: Jack Smith Purjures Himself Before The Senate; Attacks On White Men Continues

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

I've noticed no MAGA politician or pundit, i.e. Steve Bannon (no relation) try to politicize Fergie Chambers arrest. I suspect politicians in both parties value access relationships w/ Cox outlets more. "Sen.Eric Schmitt is drawing buzz as a possible Vance VP in 2028" www.axios.com/2026/09/29/e...

axios.com

Sen. Eric Schmitt is drawing buzz as a possible Vance VP in 2028

Vance views the Missouri senator as trustworthy.

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

The PM newsletter had a "Catch Up Quick" item mentioning the hearing but not Schmitt. A "Go deeper" link is to an Associated Press story.

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Spanish wire services report that James "Fergie" Chambers appeared behind closed doors today at the Audiencia Nacional to formally refuse extradition to the US. Original report (via @europapress): www.europapress.es/nacional/not...

europapress.es

El filántropo propalestino encarcelado rechaza ser extraditado a EEUU y denuncia una persecución del Gobierno de Trump

Fergie Chambers, el activista multimillonario propalestino encarcelado en España tras ser detenido en...

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Tonight is the last broadcast of "Atlanta Music Scene" on WABE, a program of local concert recordings that debuted in 1974 with the station's switch from mono to stereo broadcasts. Since 1987 it'd been produced by engineer Tommy Joe Anderson. www.artsatl.org/qa-tommy-joe...

Slide showing New Programs on WABE starting Sept. 28th.
From the Top airs Sundays 9-10 replacing Atlanta Music Scene which ends production.

Atlanta Music Scene program listing for Sept. 27,
GEORGIAN CHAMBER PLAYERS
Bedrich Smetana: Moldau Symphonic Poem for piano duet
Julie Coucheron & Elizabeth Pridgen-piano
Johannes Brahms: Piano Quintet in F Minor, Op. 34 David Coucheron & Jessica Wu-violins, Zhenwei Shi-viola, Guang Wang-cello and Julie Coucheron-piano
(Recorded at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta on March 7, 2022) Program Time 49:55

1974 Newspaper article about WABE beginning stereo broadcasts and the debut of Atlanta Music Scene.
WABE Ups Power, Adds Stereo
By JEAN THWAITE
Atlanta's public radio station WABE-FM (90.1) will increase its power from 10,000 watts monaural to 30,000 watts stereo on Saturday. The station, licensed to The Atlanta Board of Education is in its 25th year and the only member of the National Public Radio network in Georgia. It also is the only source of classical music in Atlanta during the evening hours. In addition to stereophonic sound, the station is increasing the number of local programs after sundown. "Atlanta Music Scene" will focus on professional and non-professional concerts and recitals in the metro area and will be broadcast each Thursday at 9:30 p.m.

Full page of 1972 Atlanta Constitution radio column.

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

A Tale of Two City Documentaries: Apparently, the same week the "Stop Cop City" documentary had its Atlanta premiere at the Plaza Theatre, a film called "The Atlanta Story" screened at Georgia Public Broadcasting with the involvement of several former mayors.

Instagram post: cityofatlantaga • Here are some highlights from the special screening of The Atlanta Story.
Chief of Staff Courtney English joined Ambassador Andrew Young, director and co-creator CB Hackworth, and former Mayors Shirley Franklin, Bill Campbell and Kasim Reed for an evening reflecting on the people, leadership and defining moments that helped shape Atlanta.
The screening and conversation brought generations of Atlanta leadership together to reflect on our city's history and the work that continues to shape its next chapter.

A City in the Forest title card on screen at its Plaza Theatre screening.

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The Met used to come to Atlanta every April for a week. They were here in 1916 when noted socialist Helen Keller was invited to "hear" tenor Enrico Caruso at his room at the Georgian Terrace. In 1962, the Met held the 1st Fox Theatre show for an integrated audience after threatening to stop coming.

Helen Keller with her fingers at the mouth of Enrico Caruso

Newspaper headline: Helen Keller "Listening" to the singing of Caruso

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Prediction: NPR will interview/profile MTG about her criticisms of Trump or a story on "the MAGA movement after Trump" while completely memory-holing her "Anti-American Airwaves"/Defund Public Media efforts.

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

I should note for the record I reached out to Gov. Kemp's office about the holdover commissioners on Monday ahead of today's scheduled board meetings. Separately I emailed GPB to confirm the meetings and was told they would not take place and would be rescheduled though no public notice was made.

GPB Board meeting schedule showing Wed. Sept. 23, 2026 dates for the Foundation and Commission.

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Hasan Piker has commented on Fergie's status before Axios or Cox.

hasanthehun tweet: completely insane. pedro sanchez is here. someone should ask him why spain is aiding the us in prosecuting pro palestine activism esp when the us is currently trying to sanction the icc further. does the american state do whatever it wants? will any of the global leaders say no?

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Relatedly, 6 of the 9 members of GPB's governing body are serving on holdover status as their terms expired June 30th. GPB is governed by the Georgia Public Telecommunications Commission whose members are appointed but the Gov. and subject to state senate confirmation. www.gpb.org/news/2026/09...

gpb.org

Statewide candidates to debate at Atlanta Press Club, minus the top of the GOP ticket

The first day of early voting, on Oct. 13, will feature the final candidates in two days of debates coordinated by the Atlanta Press Club at Georgia Public Broadcasting’s midtown Atlanta studios. Ever...

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Showing my age but I keep thinking Trump's gonna add bacon and a peppercorn dijonnaise to make it an Arch Deluxe.

Triumphal Arch with bacon and special sauce.

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

This is CNN's first story about Fergie Chambers' arrest and incls. statements from his wife and attorney other outlets also reported today, but wanted to note CNN's because of the Atlanta ties. His attorney claims Fergie was in Atlanta during one of the underlying events. www.cnn.com/2026/09/22/e...

Garzón said the Tunisia transfer, made while Chambers was living there, paid off a struggling football club’s debt and covered salaries, plus personal expenses, which he argued isn’t money laundering under Spanish law since the funds weren’t illegally sourced.

Four people who took part in the New Hampshire protest were sentenced to 60 days each in prison, while Chambers faces up to five years if convicted of riot and conspiracy to riot over the same episode. Garzón contends that his client wasn’t even in Massachusetts when the protest took place, but was in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Adult Swim's flag at its Williams St. Studios is flying at half staff. An Oracle of forboding?

Black flag at half staff next to US flag at full rise.

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

The Spanish government will allow the U.S. extradition request of James Cox "Fergie" Chambers to proceed. "The government has done what it is required to do at this stage, which is purely procedural: it has authorized the continuation of the extradition request for Mr. Chambers..."

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

"The future of James ‘Fergie’ Chambers will be decided this Tuesday, September 22, in the Council of Ministers." Diario Red is a Podemos Party-aligned media outlet. El futuro de 'Fergie' Chambers, en manos del Gobierno este martes 22 de septiembre - www.diario-red.com/articulo/esp...

diario-red.com

El futuro de 'Fergie' Chambers, en manos del Gobierno este martes 22 de septiembre

El Consejo de Ministros decidirá si autoriza que el procedimiento de extradición de Fergie Chambers a Estados Unidos siga adelante

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Last week the AJC announced it was eliminating some exec positions as a "1st step" toward more streamlined operations in 2027. As critical as I am of the AJC, the fortunes of most GA media, and major non-profits, have long been tied to Cox. Directly or indirectly. www.thewrap.com/media-platfo...

thewrap.com

Atlanta Journal-Constitution Eliminates 5 Executive Roles in Leadership Shake-Up

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is eliminating five senior executive roles as publisher Paul Curran develops a streamlined operating model for 2027.

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

The New York Times has its first article about Cox heir James Cox "Fergie" Chambers since his arrest in Spain. It also notes he is now seeking asylum in Spain. Explore this gift article from The New York Times. You can read it for free without a subscription. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/19/w...

nytimes.com

Millionaire Activist James Chambers Seeks Asylum in Spain (Gift Article)

Jailed in Madrid on an extradition request from the United States that his lawyer says is tied to pro-Palestinian activism, James Chambers fears persecution if returned.

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

"The mass of men may lead lives of quiet desperation, but with our suggested AI prompts you can optimize your endless rat race and gain slightly more free time." brianpbannon.medium.com/axios-walden...

brianpbannon.medium.com

Axios Walden

“…a forgettable guide to paring down work and life obligations to focus on what really matters.” — Publishers Weekly, on Simplify, by the…

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

McCormick also wants to amend his own name to McCarthy.

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Wait 'til they all find out that an Axios owner's heir is in jail in Spain on a U.S. extradition request for allegedly funding groups allied with Hamas. brianpbannon.medium.com/when-cox-is-...

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

404 Media. In more ways than one. #atl

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

This appears to be mostly execs but the AJC had newsroom cuts at the same time as the post. One former AJC reporter wrote the Capital Beat article about partisan-aligned outlets like Courier Georgia. bsky.app/profile/sobs...

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Album88 turned me on to this new favorite song title. Yr Op-Ed Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore | Lex Walton | YOUTH AGAINST SATAN share.google/mg5En8rIQVGA...

Yr Op-Ed Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore by Lex Walton

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

John Sugg wrote for alt-weeklies in Florida and Atlanta's Creative Loafing where he was the city's fiercest critics of Cox media's local dominance. Parting Thoughts: John Sugg - Columbia Journalism Review share.google/tKQCnT4jpp43...

share.google

Parting Thoughts: John Sugg

Newspaper publishers knew the end was nigh—and they milked it

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Guardian story on political pressure in Spain ahead of a council of ministers meeting that could decide whether to allow the US extradition request to proceed. Also reports Stella Schnabel says "the FBI pulled her aside at JFK airport and confiscated her phone" www.theguardian.com/world/2026/s...

theguardian.com

Pressure builds in Spain to deny US extradition request for leftwing donor

Key government meeting this month will consider US bid to try James ‘Fergie’ Chambers over alleged support for Hamas

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Bill Nigut had former GPB President Teya Ryan, longtime GPB board member (and Ryan mentor) Gail Evans, and former PBS President Pat Mitchell on his WABE show to talk about Gloria Steinem and feminism. All three are former CNN executives who cycled through public media. www.wabe.org/podcasts/in-...

wabe.org

Gloria Steinem and Women's Rights

Pat Mitchell, the first female President and CEO of PBS, Gail Evans, Former Executive Vice President of the CNN Newsgroup, and Teya Ryan, Former President and CEO of Georgia Public […]

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Stella Schnabel is taking an active role in fighting the U.S. extradition request for her partner, Cox media heir James "Fergie" Chambers. Meeting with Spanish lawmakers and holding press briefings outside parliament. This is from the Podemos-aligned Diario Red: www.diario-red.com/articulo/esp...

Meeting of several representatives of alternative left groups with Stella Schnabel and Fergie Chambers' legal team

Chambers was arrested on July 10 in Ibiza, following an international arrest warrant issued by US authorities, and was placed at the disposal of the National Court, which will be the court in charge of deciding on the extradition file.

If Diario Red can publish what almost no one else dares to, with a left-wing editorial line and all journalistic rigor, it is thanks to the support of our members.

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

That Theranos lady is everywhere.

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

I've followed the ongoing competition between Atlanta's public broadcasters, the political control over GPB, the interference of the billionaire-owned AJC. I no longer trust Poynter Institute to serve as an unbiased arbiter of what's best for local journalism here. www.poynter.org/news-release...

poynter.org

Poynter, Public Media Company launch national initiative on the future of public media - Poynter

The effort will engage local communities to reimagine public media after loss of federal funding.

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

The new South - the triumph of free labor. From an Oct. 1895 issue of Puck Magazine coinciding with the Cotton States Exhibition in Atlanta that year. Found on the Library of Congress Website.

"Print shows African Americans and Civil War veterans among the crowd that passes a statue of Abraham Lincoln on their way to the Cotton States Exposition visible in the background labeled 'Prosperity'. In the left foreground is a large man labeled 'Free Labor' standing with the tools of labor."

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Even though DragonCon is held every Labor Day weekend, I've never seen so much Labor Movement cosplay in the parade before. Spotted Eugene V. Debs in the 300.

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Power's out in Inman Park...

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

I did ask WABE via its contact form about the 2 different Courier Georgia segment and received this response from Closer Look Host Rose Scott. "The focus of the 9/1 Closer Look segment wasn’t to 'scrutinize' Courier Georgia itself...our discussion focused on the broader issue..."

Thanks for reaching out and as always listening to WABE/Closer Look. I do hope you
continue. The focus of the 9/1 Closer Look segment wasn’t to "scrutinize" Courier
Georgia itself. Our conversation centered on the reporting Ty Tagami had done about
two partisan‑aligned news outlets and what he was able to confirm through his own
reporting. He noted that Courier Georgia did respond to him, and our discussion
focused on the broader issue: how news consumers can identify different types of
platforms including those that recycle content, operate with a partisan mission, or
blend traditional reporting with advocacy.

Different WABE programs highlight newsrooms in different ways depending on the story. Sometimes that means featuring a reporter’s work; other times it means examining the role of media ownership, transparency, or editorial practices when those factors are relevant to the public’s understanding of the news ecosystem. In this case, Closer Look was exploring how news consumers can better recognize the range of outlets operating in the state and how to evaluate the information they publish.

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Atlanta's WCLK is one of the stations. Primarily a music station, it did air news and talk shows like News & Notes, Tell Me More, and The Takeaway. "Black public radio stations band together, seeking sustainability and shared resources" www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/blac...

editorandpublisher.com

Black public radio stations band together, seeking sustainability and shared resources - Editor and Publisher

Facing funding pressures and an uncertain future for public media, Black public radio stations are finding strength in collaboration. The newly formed Black Public Radio Network will share resources, ...

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

WABE's Closer Look recently scrutinized newish digital outlets like Peach State Post and Courier Georgia for partisan framing and party ties yet... wabe.org/truth-vs-template-georgia-sites-mimic-news-while-pushing-bias-stories/

wabe.org

Truth vs. Template: Georgia sites mimic news while pushing bias stories

In Georgia, two relatively new digital outlets, Courier Georgia and Peach State Post, have drawn scrutiny for blending credible reporting with partisan framing.

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Al Jazeera is reporting that the U.S. did transmit the indictment and related dossier for Fergie Chambers' extradition to Spanish authorities by the deadline last week though it remains sealed and the U.S. did not offer comment. www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/...

aljazeera.com

As US seeks Gaza donor’s extradition, wife warns of ‘terrifying precedent’

Imprisoned in Spain, James 'Fergie' Chambers has supported charities but is accused of aiding Hamas.

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Atlanta radio station AM1690 did flip from MAGA to Progressive talk today. It's currently simulcasting Heartland Signal's WCPT in Chicago. brianpbannon.medium.com/full-circle-...

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

From what I can tell, Stella Schnabel's mother and sister are signers but not Julian. No Cox or Chambers family members are public signatories.

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

An international group of artists and public figures have signed an open letter urging the Spanish govt. to reject the U.S. extradition request of Fergie Chambers. American signers incl. Richard Gere, Cynthia Nixon, Hannah Einbinder, + Chan Marshall (Cat Power) www.libertadparafergie.com/en/#sumate

libertadparafergie.com

Free Fergie Chambers — Solidarity is not a crime

An American philanthropist who funded bakeries, clinics and clean water in Gaza. The United States wants him extradited. Spain has to decide.

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

The AJC is offering a NYTs Games subscription w/ one to their own newspaper. Reminds me, again, of the part collegial, part gatekeeping relationships Dynastic newspapers have. brianpbannon.medium.com/family-busin...

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Brian Bannon @sobsax.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

John Fredericks confirmed on his radio show today that his MAGA media network will stop programming AM1690 in Atlanta on Sept. 1st. Fredericks only mentioned "another company" will begin programming though it is Heartland Signal, a Progressive talk network owned by a Democratic Party-aligned group.

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