Question Everything with Brian Reed

From the Fringe Web to Real Life: How Seriously Should We Be Taking Conspiracy Theories?

Question Everything with Brian Reed

Back in December, we did an episode about Pyrra, an AI-powered software that tracks sifts through the far corners of the internet – in some places you probably haven’t even heard of – to see what narratives are emerging from the people who post there. A lot of these are conspiracy theories, and also violent threats. This week, we check back in with the creator of that software, Dr. Welton Chang, about what narratives he’s seeing, right now, that might soon make the jump from fringe shitposts to actually having an impact in the real world.  Welton’s especially worried about the violent rhetoric aimed at one particular group of people, which has been topping the charts in recent weeks. Welton is the creator of Pyrra Technologies, and Vice President for Digital Intelligence Solutions at AlertMedia.  Sign up for our newsletter: www.kcrw.com/questioneverything “Question Everything” is a production of KCRW and Placement Theory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pounding Beers in a Shed, and Other Dispatches from the War on Free Speech

Question Everything with Brian Reed

Last episode we discussed the campaign to overturn the Supreme Court decision that protects reporters’ ability to criticize and investigate people in power. But even with that decision still in place, reporter David Enrich has discovered a shocking wave of legal attacks that is being waged on journalists in towns and cities across the country. These are often reporters at tiny, local outlets, trying to hold people accountable in their communities.  And these legal claims don’t even have to succeed - and they frequently don’t - to shut down reporters. Plus, Brian waxes poetic about the first amendment, under the night sky.  This is part two of our series about David Enrich’s reporting from his book “Murder the Truth”. Listen to part one first – it’s called “Freedom of the press is great, until you’re the target.”  In our newsletter this week – Brian tells a personal story about how his lawyers helped him fend off a legal threat. Check that out at:  www.kcrw.com/questioneverything “Question Everything” is a production of KCRW and Placement Theory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Freedom of the press is great, until you're the target

Question Everything with Brian Reed

For decades, a Supreme Court decision called New York Times vs Sullivan was widely beloved by people across the political spectrum. Hailed as a decision that gives the first amendment teeth and sets our country apart, as a place that prizes free speech. But recently, right under our noses, some of the same people who once sang Times v Sullivan's praises have turned against it.  The story of the growing movement that is trying to get the Supreme Court to overturn perhaps the strongest protection for speech and the press in America. This is part one of a two part series about the book Murder the Truth: Fear, the First Amendment, and a Secret Campaign to Protect the Powerful, by Times investigative editor David Enrich. Sign up for our newsletter here to hear about one of Brian’s own legal battles: www.kcrw.com/questioneverything “Question Everything” is a production of KCRW and Placement Theory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The masterpiece Prince documentary Netflix won’t let you see.

Question Everything with Brian Reed

The best documentary filmmaker in America spent nearly five years of his life making a nine-hour masterpiece for Netflix.  It will never see the light of day.  After a nasty estate battle, the series won't be released. No one will ever see it. In his first sit-down interview about this scandal, the filmmaker Ezra Edelman seeks catharsis – if not closure – in the fight for truth and control over the life story of Prince. Thanks to “Pablo Torre Finds Out” for this incredible interview. “Question Everything” is a production of KCRW and Placement Theory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices