Episode 19: Lotteryism Part I -- How a Compliant Press Fuels the Spectacle of 'Winning'

Citations Needed, co-hosted by Nima Shirazi and Adam Johnson, delves into "Lotteryism," the media's role in promoting individual success stories over collective action, often driven by corporations and billionaires. The episode explores how this concept manifests in various sectors, such as sports, business, and philanthropy, with examples including Walmart's misleading job application claims, Amazon's HQ2 competition among cities, and the Bill Gates Foundation's influence on education policy. The hosts discuss how local media often uncritically amplify these narratives. The episode also features an interview with Anne Orchier, an organizer with NOlympics LA, who discusses the anti-democratic nature of the Olympic bidding process and the potential for displacement and real estate speculation. The podcast aims to dissect the underlying propaganda techniques used to undermine solidarity and promote a self-motivated, individualistic worldview. The episode concludes with a preview of next week's discussion with Dave Zirin on the broader context of sports and stadium deals.