Director's Cut Blog with Frank Macek

By Frank Macek There’s no getting around it—Donald J. Trump remains one of the most polarizing figures in modern American political history. From the moment he entered the political arena, he has managed to dominate headlines, spark national debates, and shift the foundation of how campaigns and presidencies are covered. Now, in 2025, with Trump once again in the spotlight amid ongoing legal battles and another presidential campaign, the media is at a crossroads. The national press has been wrestling with how to responsibly cover Trump for nearly a decade. But this isn’t just a dilemma for CNN, Fox News, or The New York Times. Local newsrooms—TV, radio, and newspapers—must also grapple with the question: How do we cover Trump in a way that informs without inflaming, that protects democracy without compromising journalistic standards, and that fiercely defends the First Amendment in the process? This is a challenge that must be taken seriously, because how we cover Trump going forward h...

Former "Celebrity Apprentice" winner Bret Michaels and 13 other past contestants are returning for an all-star edition to air next March. NBC announced Friday on the "Today" show the slate of contenders set to face host Donald Trump in the "Celebrity Apprentice" boardroom. Click through the photo gallery above to see the entire cast. Photos: 'Celebrity Apprentice All-Stars' cast announced The four other "Celebrity Apprentice" champs -- Piers Morgan, Joan Rivers, John Rich and Arsenio Hall -- will all be included as advisors. Taping starts Monday. It's the 13th season for the competition series, which premiered in 2004. "I absolutely love The Celebrity Apprentice," executive producer Mark Burnett said in a press release. "No other show on television has such an entertaining cast, such a dynamic host, and also raises so much money for charity. This season is going to be more fun than ever, and our loyal fans ...

NEW YORK -- Donald Trump isn't firing "The Celebrity Apprentice," but he's bringing back the regular edition of the show with 14 ordinary candidates plagued by the sour job market. NBC and Trump said Wednesday they want to put America back to work. His revived ordinary-folks "Apprentice" will recruit competitors who have lost their jobs, are stuck with jobs they don't like, or have finished college with no offers in sight. Trump says the winner will land a position with him, while the rest will get advice on how to find their dream jobs elsewhere. "The Apprentice" first aired in 2004 and is expected to return in its refreshed edition this fall on NBC. The current season of "The Celebrity Apprentice" had its premiere Sunday and is expected back for another run in spring 2011.