Vice News Tonight Season 4 Episode 114 July 24, 2019

On July 24, 2019, Vice News Tonight aired its 114th episode of season 4, covering a variety of topics in its signature documentary-style format. The episode began by delving into the recent controversy surrounding the 2020 Democratic National Committee (DNC) debates and the role of the media in selecting the candidates who would be allowed to participate. The show explored how the DNC's criteria for determining debate eligibility had created a de facto tier system, with less popular candidates being excluded from the debates and potentially losing out on crucial exposure.

Next, Vice News Tonight examined the ongoing political crisis in Puerto Rico, where mass protests had erupted after offensive messages from the governor's private chat were leaked to the public. The episode provided insight into the historical context of Puerto Rico's relationship with the United States, including the lasting impacts of colonialism and the island's current status as a U.S. territory. The show also showcased interviews with Puerto Rican activists and politicians, shedding light on their perspectives and strategies for enacting change.

The episode then shifted gears to focus on technology and its effects on society. One segment looked at the rise of "deepfake" videos, which use machine learning algorithms to create realistic but entirely fake footage of public figures. The segment examined the potential dangers of these videos for democracy and public discourse, as well as the challenges of detecting and addressing them. Another segment explored the influence of social media algorithms on our online behavior, highlighting how platforms like Facebook and Twitter often prioritize content that keeps us engaged (and annoyed) over information that might be more valuable.

In a lighter segment, Vice News Tonight profiled a group of "muralists" in Los Angeles who use public art to spread political messages and promote social justice causes. The show followed the artists as they painted a massive mural in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, discussing their creative process and the impact that art can have on communities.

Finally, the episode wrapped up with a segment on climate change and its effects on food production. Vice News Tonight investigated how rising temperatures and extreme weather patterns are threatening our food supply, from the rice paddies of Southeast Asia to the vineyards of California. The show explored potential solutions to these challenges, including alternative farming practices and the development of more resilient crops.

Overall, Vice News Tonight season 4 episode 114 offered a diverse array of stories and perspectives, touching on politics, social justice, technology, art, and the environment. The show's immersive style and nuanced reporting provided viewers with a deep understanding of complex issues, while its engaging format kept them engaged and informed.