Jim Shepherd, The Outdoor Wire | GUNS Magazine Podcast #5

Published on November 29, 2019
Duration: 45:59

This podcast episode features Jim Shepard, founder of The Outdoor Wire, discussing his extensive career in journalism, including his role in the founding of CNN. He shares insights on media bias, the importance of timely information, and the challenges of discerning fact from fiction in the digital age. Shepard also offers his perspective on the firearms industry, the NRA's current situation, and the evolving media landscape.

Quick Summary

Jim Shepard, founder of The Outdoor Wire, believes the focus in gun control debates should be on the individuals using firearms, not the weapons themselves. He likens guns to tools, stating that the problem lies with the 'nuts behind the bolts' and that logic is often overshadowed by emotion in these discussions.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Podcast Start
  2. 00:41Host Introduction and Guest Introduction
  3. 01:58Jim Shepard's Background and CNN Origins
  4. 04:59CNN's Initial Mission and Evolution
  5. 06:18Thoughts on Ted Turner and Jane Fonda
  6. 09:45The Genesis of The Outdoor Wire
  7. 13:33The Outdoor Wire's Dominance and Strategy
  8. 14:23Information Overload and Media Discernment
  9. 19:09Critique of Modern Media and Entertainment
  10. 20:37Political Leanings in Mainstream Media
  11. 23:08The Psychology Behind Media Bias
  12. 25:55The Nature of News Reporting
  13. 27:34Gun Control vs. Individual Responsibility
  14. 29:07The Cultural Battle and Preparedness
  15. 30:24Analysis of the NRA's Current Situation
  16. 33:02Following the Money in Corporate and Organizational Health
  17. 34:04The Fight for the Soul of the Country
  18. 35:06The Power of the Silent Majority
  19. 36:01Hijacking of Conservation by Eco-Terrorists
  20. 37:09The Importance of Interaction and Open Dialogue
  21. 37:50Addressing Accusations of Shilling for Manufacturers
  22. 39:33The Golden Age of Firearms Manufacturing
  23. 41:14Reflections on Competition and Accuracy
  24. 42:37Concluding Thoughts and Podcast Wrap-up
  25. 43:02How to Find The Outdoor Wire
  26. 45:01Podcast Outro and Subscription Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Outdoor Wire and why is it important in the firearms industry?

The Outdoor Wire, founded by Jim Shepard, is a daily news service focused on the shooting, hunting, and outdoor industry. It's considered a cornerstone publication, with most industry professionals reading it daily to stay informed about new products and industry trends.

What was Jim Shepard's role in the founding of CNN?

Jim Shepard was one of the original employees hired at CNN. He describes the early years as a period of intense creativity and innovation, where they were essentially building a news network from scratch with few established rules.

How does Jim Shepard view the current state of mainstream media, particularly CNN?

Shepard believes that CNN has moved away from its original mission of focusing solely on the news. He observes a shift towards building personal brands and utilizing publicists, which he feels detracts from objective reporting.

What is Jim Shepard's perspective on gun control debates?

Shepard argues that the focus should be on the individuals using firearms, not the firearms themselves. He likens guns to tools, stating that the problem lies with the 'nuts behind the bolts' and that logic is often overshadowed by emotion in these discussions.

What is Jim Shepard's advice for consuming news in the digital age?

Shepard advises readers to be discerning and to vet information carefully, as the internet provides a vast amount of data without a clear system for determining credibility. He suggests reading from multiple sources to gain a more balanced perspective.

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