Brian Knappenberger brings to light the attack on mainstream media, and more importantly, the manipulation of news by billionaires. The focus of the film is how those with money are able to create chaos, dictate content, and potentially erode the core of America's founding freedoms bestowed in the First Amendment. Knappenberger leads with the story of Hulk Hogan's sex tapes and the subsequent law suit against Gawker for reporting on and sharing the content. Attorneys on both sides are interviewed, along with key players in the story. Then the dots are connected, revealing the man behind the curtain who, like the great and powerful Oz, provides assistance and operates smoke and mirrors to manipulate the story. The film continues with revelations about other attempts - and successes - by those in power to purchase news companies and dictate content. Journalists are often used as scapegoats, the target of abuse by those who resent the truth being printed in black and white. Just as in any profession, there are bad news hounds that give journalism a bad name, causing the uninformed to jump in with the chanting of "fake news." This film is a reminder of how important the free press is to society, as well as reveals the required diligence and ultimate sacrifices made by ethical reporters.
