Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Brian Williams’ Memory Flub, Amy Pascal’s Departure, and a “Gravity” Lawsuit
NBC’s Brian Williams has apologized for fabricating an experience he had reporting in Iraq 12 years ago. For years, he said his helicopter was hit by enemy fire, but admitted this week that it wasn’t. What does science say about how suggestible and reliable our memories are?
By Madeleine Brand • • 51m ListenNBC anchor Brian Williams’ has apologized for fabricating facts around a reporting trip he made to Iraq 12 years ago. We start with a look at how memories form and why they’re less reliable than we like to think. Then, Amy Pascal is out as co-chair of Sony Pictures. What’s next for the studio? In other entertainment news, the author of the book Gravity is suing Warner Brothers over the film of the same name. Could her case have implications for other writers? In our weekly film segment, our critics take stock of an action-packed space epic, a swords-and-dragons coming-of-age story, and the latest SpongeBob installment. And finally, we hear from a writer who’s critical of the NFL’s anti-domestic violence campaign.
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In this episode
5 storiesBrian's Brain
NBC’s Brian Williams has apologized for fabricating an experience he had reporting in Iraq 12 years ago. For years, he said his helicopter was hit by enemy fire, but admitted this week that it wasn’t. Williams claims his memories got “bungled,” and he made a mistake.
Read the story11 minPascal Out, What’s Next for Sony?
It seemed like only a matter of time before someone would lose their job after hackers turned Sony Pictures upside down late last year. That someone is the studio’s co-chair Amy Pascal. She was the executive ultimately responsible for The Interview, the movie at the center of the cyberattack. Pascal will now be a producer on the lot.
Read the story8 min"Gravity" Lawsuit
In 1999, a book called Gravity came out. In the book, a biohazard wipes out all the astronauts on the space station, except one woman. A rescue attempt ends in catastrophe, and the space station is left dangerously crippled. New Line bought the film rights, and then was taken over by Warner Brothers.
Read the story7 minCrazy Sci-Fi, SpongeBob, and More New Releases
There’s something for everyone at the movies this weekend. In our film roundup, critics hash out the pros and cons of Jupiter Ascending, SpongeBob, and Seventh Son.
Read the story14 minThe NFL on Domestic Abuse
Last Sunday during the Super Bowl, the NFL aired a chilling Public Service Announcement about domestic violence.
Read the story8 min
