Brian Watt Business and Economics Reporter
- Phone: (626) 583-5108
Brian Watt is KPCC’s lead Business and Economics Reporter. He joined the KPCC news team in 2007. Prior to that, he worked as a producer at "Marketplace," where he filed a number of his own stories and even filled in some mornings as host.
Brian holds degrees in Theater from Yale University and the Sorbonne, and has worked as an actor in France, Italy, Brazil, Hungary and Hollywood. He appeared in a few television shows, including "The West Wing," "Judging Amy," and "The District."
Stories by Brian Watt
Rose Bowl game to be televised on ESPN through 2026
ESPN has agreed to pay a whopping average of $80 million a year to continue televising the annual Rose Bowl college football game.
Rose Bowl renovation continues despite a financing gap
The Rose Bowl renovation project faces a funding gap of over $36 million, something that's making officials reconsider key parts of the plan.
U.S. union offers solution to Olympic "Made in China" problem
A stage employers' union has offered to replace all Chinese-made U.S. Olympic uniforms — which means replacing all the U.S. Olympic uniforms, in two weeks.
Study: The downside of Farmers Field
The study focuses on the stadium development's displacement and housing affordability, employment, public safety, and access to open space.
Attendance way up in first half of Dodgers season
Cheaper tickets, more parking, new ownership and a winning record are bringing more fans to Dodger Stadium. Can it last?
Fireworks caused damage and injuries on Fourth of July
Fireworks are illegal in the City of Los Angeles, but that didn’t stop a number of people from using them on Independence Day.
Number of film shoots in LA continues to decline
The latest report from the organization that coordinates the permits for on-location shoots in Los Angeles, finds on-location shoots in the city fell slightly last quarter, with television taking the hardest hit.
Is Southern California prepared for a major fire?
Fire officials are looking to fires in Colorado and local weather conditions, bracing for a long, hot summer — and the fire potential that brings.
LA officials warn of fireworks danger for Fourth of July
Los Angeles officials with City Hall and the Fire Department are preparing for Independence Day with renewed warnings of the dangers of fireworks.
What's the Affordable Care Act's impact on small business?
The upholding of the Affordable Care Act means some small businesses will continue to enjoy a tax break while others will have some tough decisions to make.
Earlez Grille survived the LA Riots and thrives today
There were dozens of shops, stores and other businesses that burned in the LA Riots. Earlez Grille was one of them. It was about to open its doors 20 years ago this week, but a fire on the first night of the riots stopped that plan. KPCC’s Brian Watt has the story of how the South LA purveyor of hot dogs, burgers, and other good grub survived – and thrived.
Early season optimism for Dodgers and their fans
On Opening Day, fans like Jeremy Spurley pop the top on a can of optimism: 'I was born in '87 so I was a year old when Dodgers won it, so hopefully this is the year.'
Dodgers open in San Diego but fans can watch at Dodger Stadium
The Dodgers open the baseball season Thursday afternoon with a match-up against the Padres in San Diego, but fans can watch at Dodger Stadium — for free.
Adding jobs at AirSplat with a (soft) bang
Airsoft hobby's popularity shoots up during tough economy, triggering growth at AirSplat warehouse in Irwindale.
Metrolink to install remote tracking system
Metrolink says it’ll be the first commuter rail service in the country to install a GPS-based tracking system that helps guard against collisions.
