Truth Seekers Summit: A celebration of truth in media
The Truth Seekers Summit, presented by Paramount+, is an annual event that honors those who prioritize the discovery of truth. Curated by the editors of prominent media outlets, this year’s summit featured a remarkable lineup of documentary filmmakers, political journalists, and advocates for justice. The event included thought-provoking discussions and insights from renowned figures such as acclaimed documentary maker Alex Gibney, comedian and host Amber Ruffin, and the tireless crusaders behind the “Unsolved Mysteries” series.
Highlights from the summit
Political correspondents on covering Trump
A key moment of the summit was a panel of political correspondents and anchors, including Abby Phillip, Yamiche Alcindor, Katy Tur, Tony Dokoupil, and Geoff Bennett. They discussed the realities and hypocrisies of covering former President Donald Trump. CBS News President Susan Zirinsky also joined the conference to discuss the documentary “We Will Dance Again.” The event concluded with the presentation of the Truth Seekers Award to journalist E. Jean Carroll.
Documentary panel: The art of storytelling
Five leading documentarians gathered to discuss the current state and future of the medium. The panel included Alex Stapleton (“God Save Texas”, “How Music Got Free”), Rahman Ali Bugg (“Exposing Parchman,” “Welcome to Rap City”), Fisher Stevens (“Beckham”), Adam Bhala Lough (“Telemarketers”), and Lana Wilson (“Look Into My Eyes”). Moderated by a chief correspondent, the conversation kicked off with a question about how filmmakers choose their subjects.
Wilson, whose new film is about psychics in New York City, emphasized the importance of having a vision rich enough to sustain years of work. Stevens shared his initial disinterest in David Beckham, which changed as he dug deeper into Beckham’s life. The panelists agreed that objectivity in filmmaking is neither possible nor desirable, as personal perspectives infuse their work.
Investigative reporting: A legacy of justice
John Walsh, host and executive producer of “America’s Most Wanted,” and his son Callahan Walsh, discussed the revival of the show and their ongoing efforts in child protection and crime-fighting. The conversation delved into their motivations, the evolution of crime-solving, and their personal dedication to justice, rooted in the tragic loss of John’s son, Adam, in 1981.
John highlighted how the internet has transformed their approach, making the world a smaller place for criminals. Callahan expressed pride in following his father’s footsteps, emphasizing the critical role of public tips in their success.
Fireside chat with Nancy Grace
Nancy Grace, often considered the godmother of true crime, joined for a fireside chat about her career in crime reporting. Grace, who started as a special prosecutor, has built a true crime empire through her broadcasting career, novels, and daily podcast, “Crime Stories with Nancy Grace.”
Grace shared how her fiancé’s murder inspired her to pursue law and how she views true crime not as a genre but as a real-life trauma for victims. She emphasized the importance of accuracy and the emotional toll of seeking justice.
Politics, humor, and pop culture
A lively panel featuring comedians and commentators Amber Ruffin, Lewis Black, Alex Edelman, and Charlamagne Tha God discussed the intersection of politics, humor, and pop culture. They reflected on how they choose which subjects to address publicly and the challenges of topical comedy.
Edelman noted the importance of considering how jokes will age, while Charlamagne Tha God urged the audience to stay focused on issues rather than getting caught up in the vibes. The panel provided a humorous yet insightful reflection on society’s current state.
True crime masters: Behind the scenes
A panel of true crime documentarians, including Muta’Ali Muhammad, Christian Hansen, Amara Cofer, Brian Knappenberger, Andrew Jarecki, and Geeta Gandbhir, discussed the creation of 2024’s biggest true crime documentaries. The conversation highlighted the personal involvement of creators and the balance between storytelling and maintaining anonymity.
Cofer shared her reluctance to put herself on camera, preferring to focus on the stories rather than becoming the center of attention. The panelists emphasized the emotional connection with their subjects and the challenges of bringing true crime stories to life.
Keynote with Alex Gibney: The making of ‘The Sopranos’
Oscar-winning documentarian Alex Gibney sat down to discuss his filmmaking career and his new documentary on the making of “The Sopranos,” titled “Wise Guy.” Gibney shared his initial hesitation about the project, which changed after talking with “The Sopranos” creator David Chase.
Gibney saw the potential in exploring the themes surrounding the show’s conception and the importance of the origin story. He highlighted the details of how the show was made and the significance of its impact on television.
Watch the full conversations
For those interested in diving deeper into the discussions, the full conversations from the summit are available to watch online. These sessions provide valuable insights into the minds of some of the most influential figures in media and their dedication to uncovering the truth.
Explore more
- God Save Texas
- How Music Got Free
- Exposing Parchman
- Welcome to Rap City
- Beckham
- Telemarketers
- Look Into My Eyes
- America’s Most Wanted
- Crime Stories with Nancy Grace
- Wise Guy
The Truth Seekers Summit serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of truth in media and the dedication of those who strive to uncover it. Whether through documentaries, investigative reporting, or true crime storytelling, these individuals continue to inspire and inform, making a significant impact on society.