Jon Mays on Local Journalism, AI Ethics, Historic Preservation & California Politics

Jon Mays, editor of the San Mateo Daily Journal, joins Mark Simon and Bob Marks for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of local journalism, AI in media, political endorsements, education policy, historic preservation, and the changing political landscape in San Mateo County and California.

Jon discusses how the Daily Journal approaches endorsements during election season, why the paper rejects AI-generated submissions, and the challenges local newspapers face in the social media era. The conversation also explores school cell phone bans, California’s gubernatorial race, housing and historic preservation debates, and how local communities are evolving politically and culturally.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at the role of journalism in democracy and the tensions between growth, technology, and preserving community identity.

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The Game is hosted by Mark Simon and Bob Marks and produced by Frank Bravo, BravoITC.com and YourTechMakeover.com.

You can see more information about The Game at TheGamePeninsula.com.

Time Breaks

(00:00) - – Introduction and Jon Mays joins the show

(00:45) - – San Mateo County assessor race and newspaper endorsements

(02:36) - – Reactions to endorsements and public criticism

(05:05) - – Why local newspapers still make endorsements

(07:24) - – Do endorsements actually influence voters?