When it comes to defending Free Speech, few can speak with the experience Brian possesses. In a case before the Supreme Court, he was jailed four times after refusing to give up a confidential source. He battled Donald Trump and beat him three times in court after Trump tried to confiscate his White House Press pass. Both cases helped expand reporting rights across the country. Brian testified in Congress and several legislatures to advocate for a shield law to protect reporters from divulging sources. These are pivotal stories in a fascinating keynote speech highlighting the growing problems of reporting in a corporate media environment that increasingly sacrifices local news for “clickbait” that means little and says less. It is a captivating, fascinating look into free speech and protecting our democracy that is often overlooked while also keenly felt every day.

During his career, Brian has covered conflicts in South and Central America, the hunt for drug kingpin Pablo Escobar, the Gulf War, the Ukrainian War, and several conflicts in the Middle East. He has also covered crime for America’s Most Wanted and several local television stations. His vast experience is the background for an engrossing keynote speech on the challenges of staying alive in a violent America ravaged by violence and an even more violent international arena where you must keep your head on a swivel while putting yourself in danger to keep people informed. It is the single most dangerous situation for any reporter, and the conflicting reports coming out of war zones speak to the need for cool heads and fearless reporting.

Having mentored young journalists for over a decade while running a community newspaper group, Brian knows what it takes to develop the next generation of journalists. Mentoring young journalists and the introduction to what it means to be a reporter – especially in the age of connectivity, is a keynote speech that will engross everyone. Key takeaways include covering how to report the news, letting people know it’s okay to change your mind, and why the scientific method is crucial in gathering facts. From even covering high school sports to the federal government, nobody cares what you think; they only care what you know. What is critical thinking? Stick around and find out.