Dark Shining Moment Episode 2: Poor Man's NSA

In the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, Andrew Weisburd tracks jihadist terror websites, which put him on the trail of Iranian and then Russian social media troll networks. The road to 2016 passes first through Syria, then Ukraine, and finally to the US election. Story written and narrated by: Chris Zappone Executive Producer: Greg Muller Consulting Producer: Richard Baker Production Manager: Nick Randall Sound Design: Marty Peralta Credits/Contributors: The opening theme is “Rainbow Death Revisited” by Votaries courtesy of Wharf Cat Records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Om Podcasten

It was the moment the 21st Century began in earnest: In 2016, Russia reached out across the internet and interfered with America’s democracy, setting the conditions that helped propel Donald Trump into the White House. Dark Shining Moment tells the story of the first people to detect Russia’s interference - before that pivotal election. It’s a narrative about how information has been used to create a new reality for the public, for democracies and for the world - kicking off the crisis we’re in today. While the first six episodes titled Dark Shining Moment tells the story of how Russia exploited the internet, The Dark Shining Moment Countercast examines some of the promoted narratives coming out of authoritative regimes. Identifying such disinformation is just part of the puzzle. The Countercast will also explore how democracy can thrive in the digital age because, in the information age, narrative doesn't just inform a society--it shapes the questions that people ask.