NYC Radio: 77WABC Podcast Explores Journalism's Role in Democracy

Richard Esposito, Michael Hershman

Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us has launched its most recent episode on the 77WABC Podcast Network, featuring host Michael Hershman, CEO of Soloviev Group and guest Richard Esposito, an award-winning journalist, author, and communications strategist. In a thought-provoking conversation, the two experts delve into the evolving landscape of journalism, the impact of media on democracy, and the challenges of fostering dialogue in a divided society. Listeners can tune in to Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us on buildingbridges.nyc.

“The business has changed so dramatically,” noted Hershman. “Time is dead, and distance is moot. Anything can happen at any time and suddenly become news.”

“The pace is a real challenge,” said Esposito. “There is also a divisiveness in our society, where all sides are in silos, and they’re almost talking to themselves. How do you bridge both sides and get a story or message out that, even if somebody might disagree, they’re there to listen? The storytelling challenge right now is how to break out of those silos.”

Chief Executive Officer of RoundHouse Strategies, Esposito has served in both the public and private sectors in various roles, including NYPD Deputy Commissioner for Public Information, Senior Investigative Reporter at ABC News, and Senior Executive Producer of the Investigative Unit at NBC News. Among his many accomplishments, Esposito is a five-time Emmy Award winner, a Peabody recipient, and a shared Pulitzer Prize winner. His latest book, The Man Who Told the Truth, debuted on The New York Times Bestseller List and explores the life and career of celebrated New York columnist Jimmy Breslin.

Produced by WABC Radio, Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us explores topics that connect New Yorkers and the City to the rest of the country, with a focus on finding common ground through meaningful conversation.

Each episode brings listeners into the heart of Manhattan, where Michael engages in citizen on the street interviews to capture the authentic voices and thoughts of everyday New Yorkers. These candid comments fuel deeper discussions with guest experts, as Michael applies the discussion to national conversations about culture, democracy, and unity.