Snafu Season 2: Episode 1: The Citizens Commission to Investigate the FBI
Summary
SNAFU Season 2 explores the 1971 "Medburg" heist, where a group of activists broke into an FBI office in Media, Pennsylvania, to expose J. Edgar Hoover’s illegal surveillance programs. The episode details how journalist Betty Medzger received the stolen files and published a groundbreaking story in The Washington Post despite intense pressure from the Attorney General. It also covers the chilling aftermath, including FBI intimidation tactics against Medzger and the broader impact on public trust in the bureau.
Topics discussed
Sponsorship: United Healthcare, Brilliant, and Nissan Rogue
Introduction to Medburg and the 1971 FBI Burglary
The Fight of the Century and the Night of the Heist
Betty Medzger Receives Stolen FBI Files
Revealing FBI Surveillance of Activists and Students
J. Edgar Hoover and the Mythmaking of the FBI
Verifying Authenticity and Writing the Story
Sponsorship: Reese's, Eating Interrupted, Mint, LinkedIn
Catherine Graham's Decision to Publish the Story
Publication and FBI Retaliation Against Betty
Sponsorship: Reese's, United Healthcare, Eating Interrupted
More Files Arrive and Ken Claussen's Suspicion
The Burglars' Motivations and Steven Soderbergh Cameo
Credits and Final Sponsorship: Reese's Pumpkins
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