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Question Everything

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

For decades, a Supreme Court decision called New York Times vs Sullivan was widely beloved by people across the political spectrum.

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Man with brown hair and glasses with his arms crossedBy Brian Reed • Apr 24, 2025 • 1h 0m Listen

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.

  • Man with brown hair and glasses with his arms crossed

    Brian Reed

    host and producer of KCRW’s “Question Everything”

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    Robyn Semien

    Executive Producer, Question Everything

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    Zach St Louis

    Producer at KCRW's "Question Everything"

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    Emily Malterre

    Production Intern

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