On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti

Latest Episodes:

Netanyahu’s endgame in Iran Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu got what he wanted this weekend after the U.S. bombed Iran. But Netanyahu says its goals in Iran have not yet been fully achieved. So, what are Israel’s goals in Iran? And what role does the U.S. still play?

*** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

How William F. Buckley, Jr. created modern conservatism Jun 23, 2025

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The late William F. Buckley, Jr. is one of the most important figures of the American right. How did the erudite and dapper Yale man pave the way for President Donald Trump?

*** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

From Endless Thread: When the government wants your socials Jun 21, 2025

Show notes

Recently, On Point explored how Hong Kong has changed five years after China passed its so-called national security law and vastly diminished protest and free speech in Hong Kong.

Our colleagues at WBUR’s podcast Endless Thread also took a look at this law. Specifically, how it changed how people in Hong Kong interact digitally — on social media, and in text messages.

What happens to online speech when you're unsure how much the government is monitoring your speech, and what the repercussions will be if they don't like it?

And if you want to hear more Endless Thread, you can follow our podcast wherever you follow On Point.

Show notes:

PROFILE: For Jeffrey Ngo, The Fight For Hong Kong is Far From Over(The Hoya)
Social Media and the Hong Kong Protests (The New Yorker)
Hong Kong protesters join hands in 30-mile human chain (The Guardian)
Hong Kong national security law: What is it and is it worrying? (BBC)

*** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Trump's budget bill and ballooning deficits Jun 20, 2025

Show notes

The Congressional Budget Office estimates the current budget bill will add $3 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade.

On Point wraps up a weeklong exploration of what Trump's budget bill tells us about government spending and our financial future.

*** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

The Jackpod: A TV-run state Jun 20, 2025

Show notes

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the connections and correlation between President Trump, his most loyal supporters and the popularity of the Fox News Channel.

*** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint