Watch Nobody Speak: Trials Of The Free Press

In 2012, one of the most powerful media companies in the world, Gawker Media, published a sex tape of wrestler Hulk Hogan. This led to a legal battle that would change the face of journalism as we know it. Nobody Speak: Trials Of The Free Press is a documentary that explores the Hogan case, as well as other high-profile cases that have threatened the freedom of the press.

The documentary, directed by Brian Knappenberger, takes a deep dive into the events leading up to and following the Hogan case. It shows how Gawker Media, known for its brazen and controversial content, was taken down through a series of lawsuits funded by billionaire Peter Thiel. Thiel, who had a personal vendetta against Gawker, was able to use his vast resources to bankrupt the company and force it to shut down.

Much of the documentary focuses on the legal battle between Hogan and Gawker. Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, sued the media company for invasion of privacy, arguing that his personal life was not of public interest. The trial attracted widespread media attention and was covered extensively by news outlets across the country.

As the trial progressed, it became clear that the case had implications far beyond Hogan and Gawker. It became a question of whether the press has the right to publish whatever it wants, regardless of the consequences. The documentary explores this theme in depth, showing how freedom of speech and the press are under attack from powerful individuals who want to silence their critics.

One of the key figures in the documentary is Charles Harder, the lawyer who represented Hogan in his case against Gawker. Harder, who is interviewed extensively throughout the film, argues that the media has too much power and needs to be held accountable for its actions. He believes that the Hogan case was a victory for ordinary citizens against the media elite.

However, others in the documentary have a different perspective. A.J. Daulerio, the former editor-in-chief of Gawker, argues that the case was an attack on free speech and the public's right to know. He believes that the media has a responsibility to hold powerful people accountable, regardless of whether they like it or not.

The documentary also explores other cases that have threatened the freedom of the press. It shows how Sheldon Adelson, a casino magnate with ties to the Republican Party, sued the Las Vegas Review-Journal after it published articles critical of him. The case ultimately led to a change in ownership at the newspaper, raising questions about the independence of the press.

Nobody Speak: Trials Of The Free Press is a sobering look at the state of journalism in America today. It shows how the media is under attack from powerful individuals who want to silence their critics, and how the freedom of speech and the press are more important than ever. The documentary is a powerful reminder of the vital role that journalists play in holding those in power accountable, and why we must fight to protect their right to do so.

Nobody Speak: Trials Of The Free Press is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 68.