On today’s livestream we welcome Sharyl Attkisson, the investigative journalist, news reporter and author who has dedicated her life to uncovering the truth and reporting the facts in a non-partisan approach that is becoming increasingly rare in the modern age of journalism.
It’s no surprise therefore, that Sharyl has become one of the most well known names in the industry, prioritising honesty and integrity no matter who is in the firing line, forging an illustrious career that has so far spanned three decades.
In that time Sharyl has won a remarkable five Emmy Awards, while also being the recipient of the Edward R. Murrow Award for investigative reporting, a testament to her relentless pursuit of truth and accountability.
Her journey began as a correspondent and anchor at major news outlets including CBS News, PBS, and CNN. With a focus on investigative reporting, Sharyl’s reports shed light on stories that are often hidden from public view, tackling significant issues, including undercover investigations into a broad range of topics, including prescription drug and vaccine dangers, investigating aid to Haiti earthquake victims and an undercover investigation into fundraising by Republican freshmen.
The awards came thick and fast with reports such as: “Washington Lobbying: K-Street Behind Closed Doors”, the “Gunwalker: Fast and Furious” story, and her exclusive investigations into TARP and the bank bailout and mismanagement at the Red Cross.
Just this year Sharyl continued to receive recognition for her impactful reporting, winning five Telly Awards for “Covid Clots: A Full Measure Town Hall”, illustrating her ability to tackle complex and often controversial topics with clarity and depth.
Sharyl is a staunch advocate for independent journalism, emphasising the importance of neutrality in an era of increasing media bias and censorship. She is the host, investigative reporter, and managing editor of the Sunday morning national TV news program, “Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson,” which reaches over 43 million US households each week.
The show has become renowned for its focus on investigative and accountability reporting, highlighting issues that are often ignored or underreported by mainstream media and underlines her status as a champion of independent journalism.
Sharyl is also the New York Times bestselling author of “Slanted: How the News Media Taught us to Love Censorship and Hate Journalism”, “The Smear: How Shady Political Operatives and Fake News Control What You See, What You Think and How You Vote“, and “Stonewalled“.
Sharyl’s new book “Follow the Science: How Big Pharma Misleads, Obscures, and Prevails” – exposes the corruption that has ruled the pharmaceutical industry and news media for decades.
“Through blatant lies, deep cover-ups, and high-level collusion with government and media, Big Pharma has continuously put profits over people with dangerous results.”
A significant theme in Sharyl’s work is the battle against censorship and the erosion of trust in the media. Sharyl believes that the rise of fake news and biassed reporting has led to a significant decline in public trust in mainstream media. This distrust is exacerbated by the increasing prevalence of censorship, where certain viewpoints are suppressed or ignored.
Sharyl explains that in today’s ‘managed information landscape’ it’s more difficult than ever for journalists and sources to report on ethical lapses, wrongdoing, and crimes.
“Today, much of the media is less likely to report those things, unless it serves certain political or financial interests. More often than not, the truth-teller – when named – is smeared and ruined while the wrongdoers carry on, escape accountability, and may even get promoted.”
Sharyl’s investigative work unsurprisingly, has often brought her into the crosshairs of powerful political entities, while intelligence agencies have been working hand in hand with telecommunications firms for decades with billions of dollars in dark contracts and secretive arrangements.
The Covid-19 pandemic has done more to expose the increasing power of the Big Tech companies, government overreach and why freedom of speech is so important in a democratic society. The continued censorship of anyone who questions the mainstream narrative offers a worrying glimpse of the future.
With that said, I’m delighted to be welcoming Sharyl to the London Real studios, she has consistently been at the tip of the spear when it comes to reporting on some of the most important stories of our time. With everything that is happening in the world right now, both here in the UK and in the endlessly chaotic US election race, Sharyl’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that one determined journalist can have in the fight for truth and accountability.
