Guess, AndyRoth, Charles2025-08-012025-08-012025-04-11https://theses-dissertations.princeton.edu/handle/88435/dsp015t34sp01rThis thesis examines the influence of podcasts, particularly on the 2024 U.S. presidential election and the spread of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. An analysis of guests in popular political podcasts shows a weak, but existing, overlap in guests that is stronger in the conservative podcast network. Given how influential podcasts have proven to be, a policy proposal is set forth: threatening Section 230 protections to encourage podcast platforms to place labels on all content discussing public health emergencies. First Amendment concerns and implications are discussed.en-USPrinceton University Senior Theses