Journalist and Founder of The Spiro Circle | Seen on @Forbes | Formerly @Calcalistech | Written work: @JNS_org, @TimesofIsrael | TV: @i24News_EN, @ILTVNews
Israel
Joined June 2009
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We have more ways to access information and more voices to choose from than ever before. But I'm not always sure that makes us "better" informed.
@OmriHurwitz and I discuss AI advertising, media gatekeepers, and the responsibilities that come with having a microphone.
Omri argues that commercial influence over information is nothing new and that audiences have more choice than ever. I explain why becoming a parent and living through war in Israel have made me think harder about guardrails, corrections, and accountability.
We also discuss incorporating Community Notes into podcasts and whether audiences should have better tools to challenge what they hear.
The full episode is here: thespirocircle.com/p/money-c…
We all ask ChatGPT questions for simple answers (it's what helped kill $GOOG Search).
But my concern is where LLMs get their data, because an AI response carries the flaws of its sources, especially those with biases.
This is particularly important when we’re asking about contested subjects, including Israel and the war.
From my conversation with Omri Hurwitz on The Spiro Circle.
thespirocircle.com/p/money-c…
"Europe is so fucking weird, man."
The continent offers proximity, large markets, and opportunities for Israeli companies. So why is expanding there so complicated?
@OmriHurwitz shares his frustrations with regulation and his firm’s attempts to invest in European media outlets. I discuss the additional challenges of languages, currencies, and operating across different markets.
Full ep: thespirocircle.com/p/money-c…
Breaking: Sir Patrick Stewart has died at the age of 86, following a battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Sad news 😢
More:
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Fund
alzresearch.org/giving/
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Caregiver Resources
alzfdn.org/donate/
Photo Credit: Tommy Garcia
A report published by INSS *before* the election in Israel examined foreign influence operations.
Researchers tracked an Islamist influence network known as “Isnad” on X, described as a volunteer-based group identified with the Muslim Brotherhood, operating from Turkey.
Its messaging attempted to undermine trust in institutions and the credibility of the election.
This was known before the vote even took place. I wrote about it here:
jns.org/feature/how-israel-i…
🚨 BREAKING: Israel’s Central Elections Committee chairman has ordered Shin Bet chief David Zini to investigate suspected foreign funding and election bribery involving foreign actors.
The suspicion is that Muslim Brotherhood money was funnelled into Israel to boost voter turnout in the Arab sector.
The order follows a briefing in which Zini presented information described as “exceptionally grave” concerning alleged foreign interference in Israel’s elections.
The Shin Bet has been given one week to submit its findings.
How Israel is using technology to guard its election… and how its enemies may have found a workaround.
For @JNS_org jns.org/feature/how-israel-i…
Israel’s WhatsApp culture exposes a challenge for social-media bans: the channels that preserve children’s friendships can also carry graphic footage, rumors, and bullying.
My latest essay for The Spiro Circle: thespirocircle.com/p/greece-…
Also here:
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/3C1…
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcas…
Youtube: youtube.com/watch?v=Z_067RIB…
This exchange was the first time I had listened to Peter Hitchens, who at the time I thought was obnoxious, naive, and insensitive.
13 years later my view has completely reversed. Of course he is correct.
I didn’t notice how much Perry was already slurring his words here, and relying on anecdotal evidence to defend his inability to control his actions.
Sadly it cost him his life.
Matthew Perry’s sister, Mia Perry Bowick, has told a new documentary about her brother’s life that his 2013 #Newsnight debate with Peter Hitchens was a “huge moment” in his decision to speak publicly about addiction and “show himself”.
You can watch some of the debate here.
Some clarifications:
This post has caused quite a stir. To be clear:
- Substance cravings are real and felt more strongly in some than others.
- Addiction is not a “disease” and there is no “allergy”.
- Individuals have a responsibility to themselves and loved ones to avoid harmful substances if they cannot control their consumption.
- I myself have identified the things that harmed me and have cut them from my life.
- Those who agree with me most describe themselves as addicts.
This post has caused quite a stir. To be clear:
- Substance cravings are real and felt more strongly in some than others.
- Addiction is not a “disease” and there is no “allergy”.
- Individuals have a responsibility to themselves and loved ones to avoid harmful substances if they cannot control their consumption.
- I myself have identified the things that harmed me and have cut them from my life.
- Those who agree with me most describe themselves as addicts.
This exchange was the first time I had listened to Peter Hitchens, who at the time I thought was obnoxious, naive, and insensitive.
13 years later my view has completely reversed. Of course he is correct.
I didn’t notice how much Perry was already slurring his words here, and relying on anecdotal evidence to defend his inability to control his actions.
Sadly it cost him his life.
In 2013 I was smoking at least a pack of cigarettes a day and could easily finish a bottle of liquor.
I haven’t touched either since 2018 and 2020.
(Sour gummies on the other hand remain my last true vice)
James Spiro retweeted
If @JamesSpiro invites you to his podcast, you say yes.
Then you talk about Media.
Check out this clip:
NEW: @OmriHurwitz returns to The Spiro Circle to discuss why investors are backing podcasts, and what building my own publication has taught me about audiences, independence, and trust.
We also touch on Israel, Europe, the midterms, media ownership, and plenty more.
One of the longest (and most wide-ranging) conversations I’ve had on the show.
thespirocircle.com/p/money-c…
Election joke did not land well.
We appear not ready to laugh at the state of Israeli politics.
This: Nobody wants Nobody Wants This
“Nobody Wants This” Season 3 reached 6.2 million views in its first four days of streaming on Netflix.
This marks a decrease from previous seasons: Season 1 debuted with 10.3 million views in 2024, while Season 2 opened with 8.6 million views in 2025.
variety.com/2026/tv/news/nob…
In Israel, the election is all everyone is talking about. But Start Nation marches on!
I’m about to kick off a two-day event dedicated to Fintech, one of Israel’s biggest tech sectors.
Here at the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange we will hear about payments, AI, and capital.
