Question Everything

It seems like Meta just can’t lose. The Facebook parent company won a huge victory in court this week. The federal government was claiming Meta was too massive after acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp, and wanted to force the company to spin off those platforms. But a federal judge disagreed. And that means, Meta will continue to make a ton of money from scam ads on those platforms.  Reuters reporter Jeff Horwitz received leaked documents from inside Meta where employees estimated that last year its platforms served up 15 billion scam ad impressions every day, totalling about $16 billion. That’s ten percent of the company’s total 2024 revenue. It’s a major part of their business. And if you want to sue Meta for serving you ads that lead to your credit card or identity getting stolen, it’s going to be really tough – because of Section 230, the law that prevents companies from getting sued for the content posted on their sites.  Brian talks to Jeff about what he discovered in this latest leak: how these scam ads make Meta billions, one “queasy-making” fix Meta has come up with, and how Section 230 provides not just a shield, but a lack of incentive for the company to change its ways. “Question Everything” is a production of KCRW and Placement Theory. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter. And please help support our show by visiting our sponsor, the notetaking and personal assistant device Plaud.ai, and using the offer code QUESTION. Guests: Jeff Horwitz, Reuters reporter and the author of “Broken Code: Inside Facebook and the Fight to Expose Its Harmful Secrets.”

Julia Mengolini, an Argentinian journalist and co-founder of Futurock, shares her harrowing experience of being targeted by a pornographic deepfake following her criticism of President Javier Milei. She reveals the shocking escalation of online harassment, including government officials amplifying the smear campaign. Julia discusses her decision to fight back legally against the president, highlighting the growing threat to press freedom and the urgent need for accountability in the age of AI. Her insights emphasize the real dangers behind digital manipulations.

When NSA contractor Reality Winner leaked proof that Russia had tried to break into the U.S. election system, she thought she was helping her country. Instead, she got the longest federal prison sentence ever for giving information to the press. While prepping for her trial, she found out that the journalist she had trusted with the leaked document, accidentally exposed her. The Intercept, once known for protecting sources like Edward Snowden, bungled their vetting process in a way that led investigators straight to Reality’s front door.  As Reality releases her new memoir, “I Am Not Your Enemy,” This American Life host Ira Glass joins her in a live conversation, where she explains what happened and how the media turned her life into fodder for tabloid TV.  “Question Everything” is a production of KCRW and Placement Theory. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter. Guests:  Reality Winner, government whistleblower  Ira Glass, host of This American Life Show Notes: During Reality’s conversation with Ira Glass, she said she thought the world record for holding an abdominal plank position is around 18 hours. According to Guinness World Records, the record is 9 hours 38 minutes 47 seconds.

Join Natalia Antelava, Founder of Coda Story and seasoned foreign correspondent, as she delves into the unsettling parallels between media capture in autocratic nations and the growing trends in the U.S. She discusses how self-censorship plays a crucial role and highlights the influence of tech giants in manipulating narratives. Natalia reveals how noise and misinformation create an environment that benefits elites, raising urgent questions about the future of media and the potential need for regulation in Silicon Valley.

Julian Shapiro-Barnum, the creator of Recess Therapy known for his heartwarming interviews with kids, and Ananiya Williams, host of the LGBTQ quiz show Gaydar, explore the intersection of TikTok and politics. They discuss how politicians seek exposure on their platforms and the ethical dilemmas that arise when money is involved. The duo delves into why shows made on a budget resonate with audiences, the risks of platforming politicians, and the unique challenges of blending entertainment with journalism while maintaining integrity.

A former believer in the Sandy Hook hoax shares her journey from conspiracy theory to truth. Influenced by her father's views and misleading media, she recounts the shocking moment her beliefs crumbled during a college class. The discussion explores the deep emotional toll of disinformation, how it dulled her empathy, and the family rifts it caused. The conversation also tackles the urgent need to reform Section 230 to hold tech platforms accountable for spreading harmful lies—an enlightening dive into the interplay of belief, technology, and accountability.

In this engaging discussion, AJ Daulerio, a former editor known for aggressive viral journalism, and Jenn Sterger, who became infamous following the Brett Favre sexting scandal, explore the complex fallout of accountability and personal trauma. They reflect on AJ's choice to publish Jenn's story against her wishes, leading to her relentless public harassment. Their paths intersect again through a rescue dog, prompting a heartfelt conversation about reconciliation and shared experiences of regret and identity transformation. Their evolving friendship highlights the power of healing.

In this discussion, Sophie Kazas, a producer and reporter, dives into the controversial decision of the BBC to pull a documentary on Gaza's healthcare crisis. Joined by Ramita Navai, an award-winning journalist who led the film's reporting, and Ben de Pear, a veteran journalist, they explore the systemic destruction of Gaza’s hospitals. They unveil the intense edits, pressure, and ethical dilemmas that surrounded the film's making, highlighting the challenges faced by journalists tackling sensitive subjects. The episode confronts issues of institutional bias and the urgent need for reporting on critical humanitarian crises.

Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes have been picked apart in headlines, documentaries, and endless conspiracy theories. And yet there have continued to be shocking new revelations in the story this year, as President Trump’s base has pressured him to release the government’s files about Epstein.  In this episode of Question Everything, host Brian Reed brings together the reporters who know the case best – along with one of their Trump-supporting producers – for drinks and a candid, no-holds-barred conversation. They compare notes, challenge each other’s assumptions, and reveal what it really takes to separate fact from rumor in a story that has tested the limits of journalism. It’s one of the most provocative and confronting discussions Brian’s ever hosted about power, accountability and what’s at stake when the media goes up against billionaires and their networks. Check out our Substack, by the way, where we get into juicy behind the scenes details and other good stuff from our episodes.  “Question Everything” is a production of KCRW and Placement Theory. Drinking and fact-checking don’t always go hand in hand, so clarifying and correcting a few statements from the conversation here – which honestly in themselves give a sense of just how many crannies of global power the tendrils of the Epstein story reach into.  We reached out to Anouska De Georgiou to see if she wanted to comment, but we didn’t hear back.  Leslie Wexner is not the founder of Victoria’s Secret – he bought the company in 1982, and he said Jeffrey Epstein had stolen $46 million from him, not $60 million. Meanwhile investor Leon Black paid Epstein $170 million for supposed tax advice – not $160 million.  Virginia Giuffre sued Prince Andrew as an individual, not the Crown itself. Tara Palmeri’s reporting that Elon Musk dm’d Virgina Giuffre saying Trump would release the files is based on Virginia telling her this – Tara didn’t see the DM.  At one point, Eric says that in 2015, Roger Stone called Epstein’s island a “democrat orgy island”. Really, Stone wrote a book excoriating the Clintons called The Clinton’s War on Women, and there’s a chapter in there called Orgy Island, which highlights Bill Clinton’s friendship with Epstein. So Roger Stone didn’t call Epstein’s island a democrat orgy island. Just “orgy island”.  And last, but not least: the pope who was in a picture with Jeffrey Epstein, which was displayed on Epstein’s credenza, was John Paul II.

The podcast dives into the ramifications of free speech and the control exerted by tech giants. Host Brian Reed visits the Iowa State Fair to capture the public's discontent regarding trust in news and the media's role. Attendees express feelings of helplessness and concern over how social media fuels division and misinformation. The discussion highlights the controversial Section 230 law, which shields tech platforms from lawsuits. Can reforming this law restore trust in information? Brian leaves motivated to advocate for change.