Question Everything

Join Tom McCarthy, acclaimed for Spotlight, Antonio Campos, creator of The Staircase, Tina Satter, who adapted Reality Winner's story, and Tobias Lindholm, known for The Investigation. They dive into the complex dance of fact and fiction in filmmaking. Explore the power of verbatim transcripts and how they shape narratives. Discover how meeting real-life figures transformed their approaches and the importance of authenticity in storytelling. They debate the balance between imagination and strict factual constraints while highlighting the emotional impact of dramatized truths.

In this conversation, Jeff Kosseff, a law professor and author of "The Twenty-Six Words That Created the Internet," dives into the origins and implications of Section 230. He recounts the pivotal Stratton Oakmont v. Prodigy case, revealing how moderation turned platforms into publishers and shaped online discourse. Kosseff emphasizes the risks of Congress potentially repealing the law, arguing it could stifle free expression and harm smaller platforms. The discussion reflects on today's internet and how it contrasts with the original vision lawmakers had in the 1990s.

Jason Leopold, an investigative reporter known for his FOIA expertise, and Matt Topic, a First Amendment attorney, dive into the complexities surrounding the imminent release of the Epstein files. They reveal the FBI's "Special Redaction Project," which trained nearly 1,000 agents to review sensitive documents. Discussion turns to a long-standing FOIA lawsuit that may force the release of crucial information. The duo outlines potential obstacles, including legal loopholes, and shares insights on the types of evidence that remain hidden from the public.

When the recent slate of Jeffrey Epstein emails dropped, one line immediately jumped out: “I think you should let him hang himself.” It was part of a 2015 email exchange between journalist Michael Wolff and his source, Jeffrey Epstein, discussing whether they should give Donald Trump a heads-up that Wolff had heard CNN was planning to question Trump about his relationship with Epstein. We dissect this startling exchange by talking with three journalists, who each had a different take on it – and what this sentence means for journalism, access, and the boundaries reporters might cross to get information. Question Everything is a production of KCRW and Placement Theory. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter. Guests:  Isaac Saul, Founder and executive editor of Tangle, a nonpartisan politics newsletter Susan Zakin, veteran journalist and Substack writer Tara Palmeri, The Red Letter Substack and host of the Tara Palmeri Show

Ben Collins, CEO of The Onion and former disinformation reporter, dives into the role of satire in contemporary politics. He discusses the success behind reviving The Onion's print newspaper and critiques mainstream journalism’s fair reporting norms. Collins reflects on his attempt to buy InfoWars, aiming to shut it down, and explains why AI will never match human creativity in comedy. With a blend of humor and insight, he highlights the importance of laughing while confronting unsettling truths about media.

Next week, the House is expected to hold a hearing on kids’ online safety. They plan to release several bills to protect kids from harmful content. But one issue is not on the agenda: Section 230, the law that helps shield tech platforms from liability for content posted on their sites.  In an interview with our host, Brian Reed, Congressman Jake Auchincloss (MA-D) says one man has the power to add 230 to the hearing: Committee Chair Brett Guthrie. Auchincloss urges our listeners to call Guthrie at 202-225-3501, and request that Section 230 be added to the agenda – so that the biggest tech companies in our country can be “humbled.” Or you can email Rep. Guthrie at guthrieassistance@mail.house.gov. There's more contact info at his website. You can read Rep. Auchincloss’s proposed Section 230 reform bill here. This emergency Section 230 alert is part of an ongoing journalistic experiment where Brian is shedding the traditional cloak of “objectivity” to actually try and change our information ecosystem for the better. Question Everything is a production of KCRW and Placement Theory. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter, where we’ll send out Brian’s full video interview with Rep. Auchincloss about how hard it is to hold tech companies accountable. Guests:  Congressman Jake Auchincloss (MA-D)

Jeff Horwitz, an investigative reporter at Reuters specializing in tech and Facebook/Meta, delves into the disturbing world of scam ads on Meta's platforms. He reveals that Meta serves a staggering 15 billion scam ad impressions daily, contributing to $16 billion in revenue. Jeff discusses the implications of Section 230, which shields Meta from lawsuits, and highlights organized crime's involvement in these scams. The conversation also explores Meta's inadequate responses to fraud and the importance of regulatory pressure for reform.

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.