BusinessCenterNational

Planet Money (NPR)

Planet Money offers a nuanced, policy-focused exploration of economic issues with a centrist perspective.

90
Episodes transcribed
Sep 2025Jul 2026 covered
26
Episodes analyzed
39 tone reads — one per figure per episode
Mixed
No clear favorite or target
thin read

What This Tone Is Based On

The tone scores on this page come from analyzing how this show covers each political figure it mentions. Below is the breakdown of how many of those reads were positive, neutral, or negative.

Positive1231%
Neutral2256%
Negative513%

Net media tone Slightly Positive across 39 figure-in-episode tone reads (not audience/impressions).

How Planet Money (NPR) Differs from Other Shows

Overall this show runs more favorable than the rest of the media — mean tone +0.06 vs the media's -0.09.

Editorial Identity

The editorial fingerprint of this center business show — who it elevates, who it goes after, and where it breaks from the pack.

Planet Money is a business-focused program that delves deeply into economic policy and its implications. The show maintains a centrist stance, often exploring the intricacies of economic issues such as trade, federal spending, and technology. It tends to focus on policy over scandal, providing a balanced analysis of economic events and decisions. The show is particularly attentive to the influence of political pressures on economic institutions like the Federal Reserve.

Who it champions

Planet Money champions discussions around the economy and cost of living, federal spending, and the impact of technology, often with a positive or neutral tone. Figures like Scott Bessent receive supportive coverage, particularly in the context of economic aid and stabilization efforts.

Who it targets

The show is critical of figures like Vladimir Putin, especially in the context of international sanctions and economic impacts. It also covers Lisa Cook with a critical lens, particularly regarding political pressures and accusations related to the Federal Reserve.

How it differs from the consensus

Planet Money stands out in its heavy focus on trade and tariffs, covering these issues significantly more than the average outlet. The show also emphasizes the role of artificial intelligence and technology in the economy, highlighting its transformative effects with a notable lift compared to other media.

24 episodes · 22 figures · Sep 6, 2025 – Jul 1, 2026 · updated Aug 20, 2026

Coverage Volume

Transcribed episodes per week — last 26 weeks

Sentiment Trajectory

Average weekly tone toward figures — green favorable, red critical

Top Issues Planet Money (NPR) drives

Top Issues ranked by lift — how much harder this show pushes an issue than the average outlet. ≥ 1.25× over-indexes.

Planet Money (NPR) pushes Trade & Tariffs hardest — 10.2× the average outlet's rate of coverage.

Thin sample — 14 analyzed episodes behind these issues; lift is directional.

Show organizations & places →
Organizations
Planet Money85
NPR51
Federal Reserve19
Amazon11
Places
United States29
New York24
China16
Washington DC14