Ben Swann

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Player #100081

Ben Swann

An Investigative Journalist and Media Figure. Born on July 17, 1978, in El Paso, Texas, Ben Swann was homeschooled with nine siblings. His educational journey is notable, having earned a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts from Brigham Young University at the age of 15 and a master's degree in history from California State University, Dominguez Hills at 16.

  • Affiliation: Investigative Journalist

About

Background & Career
  • Career in Journalism: Swann’s career began in broadcast news, where he quickly moved from a news photographer to a prime time anchor. His work has been recognized with two Emmy Awards and two Edward R. Murrow awards. He covered significant issues like Mexico’s drug war, which led him to question the mainstream media’s portrayal of events.
    Reality Check and Truth in Media: In Cincinnati, Swann created “Reality Check,” aiming to present facts beyond the left-right political divide. This segment, and later his “Truth in Media” project, focused on independent journalism, challenging the status quo on topics like the PATRIOT Act, NSA surveillance, and conspiracy theories.
Public Persona
  • Investigative Focus: Swann’s work often dives into areas where mainstream media might tread lightly, focusing on government overreach, conspiracy theories, and financial systems. His approach has earned him both acclaim for his investigative spirit and criticism for promoting or questioning conspiracy theories.
Current Work
  • As of 2024, Swann continues to engage through various platforms, focusing on independent journalism.

Videos/Media

Playlist

3 Videos

Major Topics & Controversies Covered

References/Sources

Controversies and Media Stance: Swann’s career took a controversial turn with his reporting on conspiracy theories, including Pizzagate, which led to his suspension and eventual firing from CBS46.