Brian Watt Business and Economics Reporter

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Contact Brian Watt
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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

Police seek male suspect in shooting of poll worker outside South LA school

A polling place at an elementary school in South LA becomes scene of a shooting. The victim, a poll worker, did not sustain life threatening injuries.

Officials expect longer lines at LAX thanks to sequestration cuts

Sequestration is starting to take effect at airports. Cuts in overtime are reducing staffing at Customs booths, though airlines say operations aren't delayed so far.

Update: Northbound 405 Freeway closures could end early Sunday

Work was reportedly proceeding ahead of schedule, meaning that delays on the 405 Freeway near the Sepulveda Pass could be over by Sunday morning.

City officials ask Supreme Court to overturn homeless injunction

Attorneys for L.A. have filed an appeal with the Supreme Court to try overturning an injunction that prevents the seizure and destruction of homeless people's possessions.

After Rhythm & Hues: Hollywood effects studios seek a new business model

Visual effects companies struggle even as their work wins Oscars. One award-winning artist says the solution may be a new business model.

Rhythm & Hues wins Oscar for 'Life of Pi' after bankruptcy filing

The visual effects work that Rhythm and Hues Studios did on "Life of Pi" was worth an Oscar. But it couldn't keep the firm from bankruptcy.

Could sequestration make air travel worse?

The TSA and FAA could face furloughs if sequester cuts happen. That could delay flights and stretch airport security lines even longer.

Four generations of Westmore family have made up Hollywood

Four generations of the Westmore family have done hair and make-up on film and TV in Hollywood. They created beauty and beasts.

The business legacy of Jerry Buss in Southern California

On the court of business, Lakers owner Jerry Buss leaves a legacy taking risks, winning big and transforming the sports culture of Los Angeles.

Oscar's effects in Hollywood begin Sunday night

Rolling out the red carpet and building press risers and fan bleachers for the Oscars requires closing street and sidewalks in Hollywood.

Port cargo volume drops in LA but rises in Long Beach

The Port of L.A. saw a drop in cargo volumes in January, while the Port of Long Beach saw a surge. Meanwhile, clerical workers have rejected a negotiated contract.

Update: LA Archbishop calls Pope Benedict XVI's resignation 'Christ-like,' parishioners react

Some parishioners hadn't heard about the Pope's plans to retire before 6:30 a.m. mass, but Father Willy Raymond told them in remarks before communion.

LAPD manhunt: Officers who shot at bystanders placed on leave

Two women shot while delivering newspapers by LAPD officers in Torrance will survive. Their attorney says the shooting was mishandled by the cops.

New fueling station in Beverly Hills for its CNG vehicles

Beverly Hills opens a new CNG (compressed natural gas) fueling station that city officials say will save fuel costs and improve air quality.

Conference focuses on making green from building green

Building green and saving green, FutureBuild Summit focuses on environment-friendly building technologies and sustainable development.