Former Infowars employee on Alex Jones' conspiracy machine
Fresh Air Podcast Recap
Published:
Duration: 45 min
Guests: Josh Owens
Summary
This episode examines the inner workings of Alex Jones' Infowars through the experiences of former employee Josh Owens. Owens provides insights into the environment and operations that enabled widespread conspiracy theories.
What Happened
Alex Jones is the driving force behind Infowars, a platform notorious for spreading conspiracy theories, such as the false claim that the Sandy Hook shooting was a hoax. Josh Owens, who worked for Infowars as a video editor and field producer for four years, provides an insider perspective on the organization's operations. Owens authored a memoir, 'The Madness of Believing,' detailing his time at Infowars and the moral dilemmas he faced.
Jones often demanded content centered on the deep state and global elites, frequently basing these stories on scant or no evidence. Owens recounts an incident where the team was sent to measure radiation levels on the Pacific coast following the Fukushima disaster, driven by Jones' unfounded fears. Despite finding no significant radiation, Jones' narrative persisted.
Infowars frequently omitted sources unless they supported Jones' pre-existing beliefs. Owens recalls a specific instance when Jones claimed that a low-flying plane over Austin was a psychological operation similar to 9/11, a claim made without evidence.
Owens' introduction to Infowars came through a friend in North Georgia who linked the platform to warnings about fluoride. Owens initially joined Infowars through a contest, hoping to be a reporter but was instead hired as a video editor.
Infowars' operations were heavily funded by sales of dietary supplements and survival gear, with Jones learning about the supplement industry from Joe Rogan. Despite erratic behavior and dangerous activities, such as shooting guns while intoxicated, Jones maintained a significant following.
Owens participated in creating a staged video in El Paso, Texas, depicting an ISIS member crossing the border, which garnered over a million views overnight. Infowars also falsely reported threats from a mosque in Juarez and an Islamic community in New York without evidence.
Josh Owens eventually had a turning point after visiting Islamburg, realizing the damaging impact of spreading false narratives. Although Jones attempted to retain Owens with various incentives, including remote work and increased pay, Owens decided to leave Infowars.
After his departure, Owens contributed to the Sandy Hook defamation trial depositions and an HBO documentary, further exposing Infowars' practices. Despite defamation judgments totaling $1.5 billion, Alex Jones continues broadcasting and selling products, partly due to bankruptcy proceedings.
Key Insights
- Alex Jones' Infowars heavily relies on conspiracy theories such as the deep state and global elites, often with little evidence. This approach has helped Jones create a loyal audience despite being criticized and facing legal challenges.
- Josh Owens' experience at Infowars reveals a work environment characterized by fear and pressure to align with Jones' demands. The environment was described as cult-like, with employees feeling compelled to please Jones regardless of the truth.
- Infowars' financial model is largely supported by the sales of dietary supplements and survival gear, a strategy Jones adopted from Joe Rogan. These sales have been crucial in maintaining Infowars' operations despite legal setbacks.
- Josh Owens' memoir, 'The Madness of Believing,' serves as a reflection on his years at Infowars and an attempt to take accountability for his role in disseminating false information. Owens hopes his story will provide insights into the mechanisms of conspiracy-driven media.