Ep 23. The Gallagher Effect

The Weekly season 1 episode 23, "The Gallagher Effect," delves into the story of Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, the New York Times reporters who broke the Harvey Weinstein story and ignited the #MeToo movement. The episode explores the impact of their reporting on Hollywood and beyond, as well as the challenges they faced while investigating the story.

The episode begins by offering a brief overview of the Weinstein story and the subsequent fallout. The reporters are then introduced, and their backgrounds and motivations for pursuing the story are discussed. The audience learns about the challenges they faced as they tried to confirm the allegations against Weinstein and the lengths they went to ensure the accuracy of their reporting.

As the episode progresses, the focus shifts to the aftermath of the story. The reporters talk about the impact their reporting had on Hollywood and the entertainment industry, as many other powerful men were accused of harassment and assault in its wake. They also discuss the impact the #MeToo movement had on ordinary women, who were emboldened to come forward and share their own stories of abuse.

The episode explores the question of why it took so long for the Weinstein story to come to light. The reporters suggest that it was due in part to the culture of silence that exists in many industries, especially ones where men hold most of the power. They also discuss the challenges of getting sources to speak on the record and the fear many women feel when considering coming forward with allegations.

Overall, the episode highlights the crucial role that investigative journalism can play in bringing important stories to light and holding powerful individuals accountable for their actions. It also raises important questions about the broader societal issues that contribute to sexual harassment and assault, and the work that needs to be done to address them.

In addition to interviews with Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, the episode features interviews with other journalists and experts in the field of sexual harassment and assault. It also includes archival footage and photos of Weinstein, as well as clips from news broadcasts and other media coverage of the story.

Overall, "The Gallagher Effect" is a compelling and thought-provoking episode that sheds light on the power of investigative journalism and the importance of speaking truth to power. Whether you're interested in the Weinstein story specifically or broader issues related to sexual harassment and assault, this episode is well worth watching.