The Brainwashing of My Dad

"The truth behind the right-wing media machine that changed a father--and divided the nation"

Mar 18 2016 N/A 1h 30m
Documentary

A filmmaker examines the rise of right-wing media through the lens of her father, whose immersion in it radicalized him and rocked the foundation of their family. She discovers this political phenomenon recurring in living rooms everywhere, and reveals the consequences conservative media has had on families and a nation.

Plot

Jen Senko, a documentary filmmaker, looks at the rise of right-wing media through the lens of her WWII vet father who changed from a life-long, nonpolitical Democrat to an angry, right-wing fanatic after his discovery of talk radio on a lengthened commute to work. In trying to understand how this happened, she not only finds this to be a phenomenon, but also uncovers some of the forces behind it: a plan by Roger Ailes under Nixon to create a media for the GOP; the Lewis Powell Memo, urging business leaders to influence institutions of public opinion - especially the universities - the media and the courts; and under Reagan, the dismantling of the Fairness Doctrine - all of which helped to change the entire country's direction and culture, misinformed millions, divided families and even the country itself.

Written by

Melodie Bryant, Fiore DeRosa, Kala Mandrake

Directed by

Jen Senko

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

Cinco Dedos Peliculas, JSenko Productions

Languages

English

Awards

7 wins & 3 nominations

Scores
# of Votes
1,562
Average Rating
7 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA