rappler

Throughout the world, journalists and other news workers are facing new and growing threats. From the state-sponsored killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the state-led harassment of Maria Ressa, to the suppression of dissent in Hong Kong and the demonization of journalists by the Trump administration, the excesses of the state are endangering the lives and livelihoods of journalists as they seek to produce public interest media. These risks are exacerbated by the viral disinformation crisis which was discussed in Episode 2 of the series.

This episode focuses on the various threats facing media professionals, and consider new initiatives seeking to protect their rights at a multilateral and local level.

Guests include Maria Ressa (CEO and Editor in Chief of Rappler), David Kaye (UC Irvine and former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression), Caoilfhionn Gallagher (QC, Doughty Street Chambers) and Joel Simon (Executive Director, Committee to Protect Journalists). 

Credits:

Speakers: Caoilfhionn Gallagher, David Kaye, Maria Ressa, Joel Simon

Hosts: Ben Horton, Julie Posetti

Editor: Jamie Reed

Recorded and produced by Chatham House, in collaboration with Luminate and the International Center for Journalists. 

On the latest episode of GZERO World, Ian Bremmer talks to embattled Filipina journalist Maria Ressa, CEO of the online news agency Rappler. Ressa and her team have been involved in a years-long legal battle that challenges press freedoms and free speech in the Philippines, as President Rodrigo Duterte continues to assert authoritarian control in his nation. In the conversation Ressa details the ongoing court battles that have her facing up to 100 years in prison if convicted. She also discusses Duterte’s militaristic approach to COVID-19 response, and then issues strong warnings about social media’s role in promulgating hate speech globally.

On the latest episode of GZERO World, Ian Bremmer talks to embattled Filipina journalist Maria Ressa, CEO of the online news agency Rappler. Ressa and her team have been involved in a years-long legal battle that challenges press freedoms and free speech in the Philippines, as President Rodrigo Duterte continues to assert authoritarian control in his nation. In the conversation Ressa details the ongoing court battles that have her facing up to 100 years in prison if convicted. She also discusses Duterte’s militaristic approach to COVID-19 response, and then issues strong warnings about social media’s role in promulgating hate speech globally.

In this final episode of our 9th season, film critic Hannah Buchdahl (of chickflix.net) joins us to review the upcoming documentary on the many battles fought on our behalf by the American Civil Liberties Union in the age of Donald Trump, The Fight. Then, Bart and Chris interview Ramona Diaz about her (also upcoming) A Thousand Cuts, which profiles the challenges faced by journalist Maria Ressa, CEO of the Philippine news site Rappler, under the rule of strongman Rodrigo Duterte. Both films premiered at Sundance 2020, have also just played at AFI DOCS, and together form a bracing call to action to resist authoritarianism at all costs. Care about your freedoms? Then care about these films.

We’ll be back in a month or so with the first of two bonus episodes to drop before the start of season 10. Until then, stay safe and healthy. Do not, however, stay out of trouble.

Group Review Documentary:

THE FIGHT (Eli B. Despres/Josh Kriegman/Elyse Steinberg, 2020)

Available in theaters (if possible) and on demand from Magnolia Pictures on July 31.

Film Featured in Interview Portion:

A THOUSAND CUTS (Ramona Diaz, 2020)

Acquired by Frontline (PBS) for a Summer 2020 theatrical release (if possible) and/or Fall 2020 broadcast.

Other Films/Series Mentioned:

• Boys State (Amanda McBaine/Jesse Moss, 2020)
• Charm City (Marilyn Ness, 2018)
• Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich (Lisa Bryan, 2020) (4-part Netflix series)
• The Innocence Files(Sarah Dowland/Liz Garbus/Alex Gibney/Andy Grieve/Jed Rothstein/Roger Ross Williams, 2020)
• Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President (Mary Wharton, 2020)
• LA 92 (Dan Lindsay, TJ Martin, 2017)
• Motherland (Ramona Diaz, 2017)
• Rebuilding Paradise (Ron Howard, 2020)
• Weiner (Josh Kriegman/Elyse Steinberg, 2016)
• Women in Blue (Deirdre Fishel, 2020)

Links to reviews by Christopher Llewellyn Reed:

• Hammer to Nail review of The Fight
• Hammer to Nail review of A Thousand Cuts 

Timestamps:

• 00:42 – Intro
• 04:53 – Group discussion of THE FIGHT
• 21:54 – Bart and Chris interview director Ramona Diaz about A THOUSAND CUTS
• ­­43:28 – Doc Talk

Website/Email:

www.fogoftruth.com

disinfo@fogoftruth.com

Credits:

Artwork by Hilary Campbell

Intro music by Jeremiah Moore

Transitional music by BELLS (thanks to Christopher Ernst)

Editing and shownotes by Christopher Llewellyn Reed

Rappler CEO and co-founder Maria Ressa got her start as a journalist in the Philippines in the 1980s and has seen the pendulum of democracy swing in both directions since. In her interview with Andrew Keen, Ressa—who was among the journalists named Person of the Year by Time Magazine in 2018—dives into the way that “lies laced with anger” have spread faster than facts across social media, playing to the worst of human nature and undermining democracy. As we find ourselves in a political environment she likens to dystopia and chaos, Ressa asks us all to reflect on the values that guide us.

Ryan Macasero opened up about his battles with depression and anxiety in an essay for The FilAm, a Filipino magazine. The essay is titled “Young journalist opens up about overcoming depression: The Asian American in isolation.” His story recently won him a journalism award. Ryan speaks with host Jenee Darden about his journey to recovery, obstacles immigrant families face, and mental health stigma in the Asian & Pacific Islander community. He also speaks on the pressures some Asians face from the Model Minority Myth. Ryan is a social media producer and reporter for Rappler.com.