One of my favorite pods…Ian brings the most intelligent guests to share their perspectives. Grateful for this during these very challenging times!

An intelligent host but horrid politics. Mostly academic spokesmen for the Establishment, posing as enlightened. A pack of self-righteous uplifters spouting liberalish clichés.

Host lays out the info with excellent delivery. Very educational program- would highly recommend it Update: I love your show but I find it ridiculous for your latest guest to say Russia wields leverage over Trump due to naked photos of him or his wife. Trump & the American people could not care less if that came out. They just don’t care. Let’s have more logic please, when looking into what ties there are with Trump & Russia. Money laundering maybe? Follow the money

I really enjoy the podcast. Thanks Ian you are our guiding light. Your hard work and effort is always appreciated. I also love your theme song

The best news podcast out there.

For more than 20 yrs Ian Masters has been my go-to source for intelligent & informed analysis of the news. Many scholarly & genuinely knowledgeable guests & very few pundits. Most amazing is when a guest expert contradicts Ian’s take on an issue; talk it out, & often Ian changes or modifies his previous position—should be a no brainer, but incredibly rare. Kudos

Prolific

If you want deeper analyses and insights in politics and current events both domestic and international, this is the show for you. Interesting and relevant guests and intelligent, incisive conversations and commentary. Fabulous!

Background Briefing with Ian Masters is one of my fav pods. Never miss. Longtime listener of show on KPFK in LA too. Glad Ian can do his own thing now. Show has gotten even better. We need background briefing and other media/ journalists like Ian Masters. Thanks.

If you make it to high school, this is the information you need.

I can’t even remember how I found this podcast, but it’s turned into my favorite news pod. Grade A excellent, intelligent, informative discourse on all happenings in the world today.

Ian Masters does a phenomenal job of presenting the very complicated issues that we face as both a national and global community, and, as he rightly claims, finds extremely accomplished and authoritative commentators from around the world. In comparison, every other news source feels timid and amateur in these chaotic yet vitally historic times. Even when, on occasion, he slips into “grumpy grandpa” mode, he has every reason to incredulously inquire to both his guest and audience “How the **** did we get here?” - a question always worth pondering. I have learned so much from this podcast, and I am very grateful for it! Keep up the great work, Ian:) And thank you!:) Andrew, Woodland Hills, CA

Background Briefing is the best podcast of commentary and analysis I have come across throughout the web. The choice of interviewees is always great and questions and remarks by Ian Masters are insightful and informed. It is not mindless and trendy and political orientation is unbiased and fair. I am amazed how he can putout so much thoughtful and timely programming every week.

Thankyou Ian for what you continue to do best- present thoughtful analysis with well chosen guests to discuss the most critical issues of our day for the 8 bil+ of us now in the planet. You’re a jewel Ian!

Having listened to Ian Masters for over 20 years, Ian has continually pushed into the information and disinformation space to seek out both the difference while providing a neutral cadence. One can accept or reject his pointed questions, but ignoring them is done at your own peril.

To his credit, Masters seems to dig for sources, frequently presenting interviews with knowledgeable people who raise salient arguments. He’s not consistent, though, in how he questions his guests. If the guest is saying something that Masters seems to agree with, he can be a patsy. This was especially evident in a recent episode where he brought on somebody who trotted out that old canard about NATO provoking Russia to invade Ukraine. This is a talking point shared by the extreme right and the extreme left and is at variance with the actual, well documented but nuanced, facts. Irrespective of his own opinion. It was Masters’ job to ask probing questions based in the record.. He didn’t ask a single one. In other words, he let disingenuousness stand unchallenged. Knowing a little bit about Ukraine, I was able to catch him in his game. There are other topics that I know far less about, but there seems to be reason to suspect that he would pull the same kind of stunt there, too. I think I will unsubscribe.

Yes, the host is biased - TOWARD REALITY. If “the pursuit of facts” is considered too liberal by some then they can go to mainstream media which has surrendered to radical talking points instead of facts, details and careful analysis.

Great coverage - but please get new music!! Get a young person to choose music that is compelling, and that we can stand to listen to, please. Thank you

I discovered Background Briefing during the run up to the 2016 presidential election. I have listened to almost every time since then. Ian Masters is one of those old school investigative journalists who finds the experts in the field or on the subject under discussion. The guests clearly come from both sides of the political spectrum, but always speak the truth without crazy spin found on line or at extreme television outlets like Fox News. We all need balance in the information we use to form our opinions.

I’ve learned a great deal from Ian and his guests over the years, cable news should take a page from his book!

I found this program while finishing up college in Los Ángeles in the 206 election cycle. The way he presented the news was so articulate and precise. He didn’t sugar coat anything and I appreciate gai efforts to bring professionals to the conversation without sensationalism. I am happy to contribute Truth Media. And I cannot thank Ian enough for all his efforts.

I listen on my way to work on an almost daily basis. It’s hilarious and frightening that Ian has a platform to spew the half truths and whole lies. Ian has no integrity and if you are looking for the facts surrounding the news I would highly recommend looking elsewhere. If you are looking for regurgitated talking points that elicit an emotional response of hate and fear then check him out! I listen because it’s funny to hear him take himself so serious and identity as an intelectual. His thinly vailed bias removes any credibility he could hope to have.

Incredibly insulting to hear that it’s the left’s fault that Joe Biden is a doddering, ineffectual sell-out to the plutocracy, who won’t even defend or fight for several dozen policies that are supported by a large majority of the country - not just “the left.” We are ALREADY a (soft) fascist country. Yes, it can get worse. Thanks for noticing.

This? Is essential listening.

I was looking for a “Background Briefing “. Instead I found more left wing diatribes.

Probing of today’s events and totally independent. Listen fir truth.

As a regular listener and supporter for several years, I’m still amazed at the information density and high quality interviews every single day. Agree or not with views offered.

Informative, intelligent, and intriguing. Ian is a great host and journalist. I have learned so much over the years. Thank you for your dedication to bringing your audience the truth.

Of Kpfk silver. 3 years of Trump the Russian washed away by Durham Apology? Correction? Ian can’t face the truth and can’t tell his believers that his bias and bile clouded his judgment I listen anyway like listening to a schizophrenic who refuses medication

Vote no on the California recall. Second question: select Green party candidate, civil rights lawyer, Dan Kapelovitz as the person to replace Newsom if the unthinkable happens. It’s great that Ian is telling everyone to vote no on the Newsom recall, but I was disappointed that he said to leave the second question blank. If, by some horrible twist of fate, the recall goes through, democrats would have left themselves defenseless and without strategy yet again. The republicans see the recall as the only possible way to get one of their terrible trumpy candidates in. People on left should take advantage and coalesce around the Green party candidate Dan Kapelovitz. Vote no on the recall and select Dan Kapelovitz as the person to replace Newsom if the unthinkable happens. Thank you Ian. I’ve been listening to you since the mid 90s and learned so much. We’re all horrified by what’s happened at kpfk. It’s been bad for a while. It’s a shame.

Ff the first 4 mins of each show. Excessive time spent on introducing and reintroducing each guest citing every qualification and publication. How about updating his photo this century? Good coverage today on global warming.

Ian Masters program is great. In-depth interviews on extremely important and timely issues.

All the most knowledgeable academics and journalists— and even some movie stars in LA— appear to make a rational case for equity and reform on Ian Masters’ Background Briefing; He is the Aussie Immigrant Jew of the Left on the other side of the Ideological SeeSaw from the Jew Fascist Pervert, Rupert Murdoch, Mate!

I started listening to Ian Masters at least 20 years ago on KPFK in LA. Now I listen to his podcast almost every day. He gets some of the best, most well-informed guests on his program who don't always agree with his POV. However Masters is always respectful of his guests and never talks over them and asks very insightful questions. It sounds like he will be removed from KPFK soon which has started to run more light-hearted political comedy programing like Stephanie Miller and Jimmy Dore or occult/new age programming. Glad Ian Masters has still retained a following outside of Pacifica.

Ever since I started listening to Ian Masters and his podcast about ten years ago, I haven’t missed a single day, even when I’m in the Thai countryside or in Kyoto or anywhere. He thinks on his feet, is as eloquent and hard hitting as any journalist, sets up great questions and allows his guests sufficient time to make their points relaxedly. No interrupting or making people speak in sound bites. All the usual crap is removed and we get to listen to intelligent people speaking their expertise on vital topics of the day. Ian Masters is also courteous to his guests and tells them before time is running out. He also has a valuable outsider’s perspective as he’s from Australia, but his love for America and wish to see it do well in these troubled times is palpable and touching. I’m also a donor. If I’m on a desert island and have only one podcast, background briefing is the one.

Ian Masters hosts this show comprised of interviews with experts- typically 3 interviews per broadcast. His guests range from current and former governmental officials to university professors to journalists to experts on the topics at hand. He presents views that are often not covered on mainstream media. Mr Masters and his guests offer insightful reflections on important news stories and current events. 5 stars for Background Briefing!

Background Briefing serves as one of the few remaining ties my media habits have to the center-left. Ian is an Obama/Democratic Party type and suffers a bit from “wishing what was that really wasn’t-itis.” The show format is great and I’m always happier to hear journalists over “advocates opinions” or formerly problematic politicians/authorities attempting to rehab their image(s) but I do respect the work Ian does and his seemingly honest perspective. MY ONLY COMPLAINT: Please, someone tell them Ian sounds like he has a mouth full of peanut butter and that he constantly smacks/masticates. Turn down the high end of the EQ (5k-8kHrz) and save us all from going insane!!!

This pod is a no nonsense, no joking around, no ads intellectual feast. The guests are highly regarded and Ian Masters is a superior questioner. Production values excellent. I never miss this one.

One of my favorite pod shows

‘What I don’t understand is, how these evangelicals can support this man’ Jesus how many times have I heard that for five years. Got it yet ian! Those moe-rons like that one. Ok move on.

I know, I know - he talks to people who have served in the government. It seems that for some reviewers, this is disqualifying. But think about it: should he talk to mediocrities? People who have never actually worked in the global world of security, and diplomacy, and energy, and technology? Do we need to hear vague conjecture from “commentators” and “journalists”, or do we need to hear from the people who have actually worked within these systems? Ian speaks with technocrats and analysts who have worked in these fields for decades, under both Republicans and Democrats, in apolitical civil service positions. I may not agree with them, but that’s not why I listen to Ian...to hear people I agree with. I listen to be informed about how these systems work, and how the people who work within them think. As an aside, I think it’s hilarious that half the one-star reviews think that Ian is a right-wing CIA plant, and the other half think he’s a radical Leftist. He must be doing something right if he confuses the ideologues to that degree. Truth is an equal opportunity disappointer.

The most intelligent, best informed political analysis you will find. Ian is a rare commentator in that his interviews are conversations between equals rather than the dumbed down reportage we get from mainstream media. His encyclopedic knowlege of world affairs is in full play.

The most informed long form interview/conversations available. Ian Masters is a national treasure

Ian, Leonard Leo is under your bed. He’s in your closet! Opus Dei is waiting for you to fall asleep to haunt your dreams at night. Don’t let your eyes shut. They ate thinking about you even more than you think about them. Don’t stop ruminating, that’s when they creep into your thoughts

State propaganda. Anti-Russia, anti-Assad, anti-China. Question the official 911 story and you’re slandered like you’re an idiot. Interventionist propaganda disguised as “Progressive” “Journalism”. Whatever the fresh story of the day is, Ean is right on top with all the details, right there to back up the official lies. It’s not journalism, it’s journalistic malpractice. Half of his guests are from conservative think tanks and/or establishment rags. One would almost think he’s a CIA plant, maybe controlled descent. Who knows. But he’s smart enough to know better. Maybe he just doesn’t do his due diligence, he’s too busy with his show prep that only reinforces his pre-existing ideology. Extremely dangerous propaganda. The world would be a much better place without this show.

A fantastic public affairs program mostly focused on US and international affairs.

No small talk and self aggrandizing from the host. Intelligent and pointed.

I love how Ian always introduces his guests with their bona fides. No filler here. A huge backlog of experienced, articulate experts. Often not comforting news, but always something we need to know.

Ian brings the best and the brightest to his podcasts. I am constantly learning from his guests. Ian is professional, incredibly intelligent and a great interviewer. I love these podcasts.

I am always learning in this podcast. Ian draws out the issues and in such a great way.