Funnel-themed Week, TikTok Banned.

Last week’s Iowa Politics podcast featured a dynamic group of panelists who discussed legislation and social media.

Panelists Take on Funnel Week

The panel kicked off the episode by taking on funnel week, during which lawmakers vote on bills in committee to determine if they should progress through the legislative process.

The team discussed several key pieces of legislation, including bills related to vaping, payday lending and hands-free driving. The group also touched on Representative Bruce Bearinger’s bill aimed at increasing funding for mental health resources in schools.

Social Media Scrutinized by Lawmakers

Next, the panel dug into the topic of social media and the scrutiny it’s facing from lawmakers at both the state and federal levels in Iowa.

The discussion covered a range of issues, including the role social media played in the 2023 election and the recent controversy surrounding Senator Amanda Chase’s Facebook post.

The panel also explored the question of whether social media should be considered a public utility and regulated as such, much like electricity or water.

Meet the Panelists

The show was hosted by The Gazette’s Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy and featured Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Caleb McCullough, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal, and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman.

The episode was produced by Stephen M. Colbert, with music from Steven Kristopher and Copperhead.