Brian Karem Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Brian J. Karem is an award-winning journalist, political analyst for CNN, and White House correspondent for Playboy. With a career spanning over four decades, he has established himself as a prominent figure in American journalism, known for his incisive reporting and steadfast commitment to press freedom. Born on March 10, 1961, in Louisville, Kentucky, Karem graduated from the University of Missouri in 1983 with a degree in journalism. His early career included roles at The Montgomery County Courier and WKYT-TV in Lexington, Kentucky. In 1990, he was jailed for contempt of court after refusing to disclose a confidential source, earning the National Press Club's Freedom of the Press Award for his steadfast defense of journalistic integrity. His investigative work has taken him to significant global events, including being one of the first reporters to enter Kuwait City after its liberation during the Gulf War. Karem's tenure at "America’s Most Wanted" as a producer and correspondent further honed his investigative skills. He gained international attention as the first American journalist allowed inside Pablo Escobar's prison following the drug lord's escape. His reporting has also led to confrontations with political figures, notably challenging then-deputy White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders on issues of press freedom and immigration policies. In 2019, a confrontation with Sebastian Gorka led to the temporary suspension of his White House press credentials, a decision later overturned by a federal court ruling in his favor. Beyond his reporting, Karem is a published author with several books to his name, including "Marked for Death" and "Shield the Source." He is also the host of the "Just Ask the Question" podcast, where he engages in discussions on politics and current events. A frequent guest on major news programs, Karem continues to be a vocal advocate for press freedom and the protection of journalistic sources. He resides in the Washington, D.C., area with his wife, Pamela J. Russell, and their three children.