BROOKE GLADSTONE: And now for an important update. I was had! In our March 5th, 2004 show, I did an interview with Joseph Medawar and Alison Heruth-Waterbury. The former was executive producer and the latter, a producer and co-star of the upcoming TV show "DHS: The Series," supposedly a drama based on derring-do inside the Department of Homeland Security. Here's an excerpt from that interview.

JOSEPH MEDAWAR: Before we saw the President, we had a very nice conversation with Karl Rove on where we are and how far we're going with it. When Mr. Tom Ridge came to Los Angeles to inspire the entertainment division of doing shows about the department, the head of our production had met with him; there was tremendous amount of enthusiasm and excitement, and I - I - if I may add something, it was very funny. Our head of production turned to Mr. Ridge [CHUCKLES] and said, "Who would you like to see play your part?" And Mr. Ridge kind of giggled, and he says, "Hold off two years. Maybe I'll come back and play it myself."

BOB GARFIELD: What we didn't know AT the time was that Medawar, who you just heard in the tape, apparently was lying when he suggested the White House had endorsed the project. Based on that lie, he was able to defraud some 70 investors out of 5 and a half million dollars. Anyway, that's according to the U.S. Attorney, who alleges that the accused spent the loot living the high life, with no intention of ever producing the show. Last Friday, agents of the FBI and the IRS arrested Joseph Medawar. He faces up to 25 years in the clink if convicted.

BROOKE GLADSTONE: We will, of course, continue to update you on all criminal investigations involving our former guests. Let us know if you hear of any by writing to onthemedia@nyc.org, and don't forget to tell us where you live and how to pronounce your name.

BOB GARFIELD: Coming up - [MUSIC UP AND UNDER] - a look back to the '50s, when newsman Edward R. Murrow took a side on a story because there was only one side to take.

BROOKE GLADSTONE: This is On the Media from NPR. (FUNDING CREDITS)

BROOKE GLADSTONE: This is On the Media. I'm Brooke Gladstone.

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