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
Fiscal cliff deal prolongs holding pattern for defense contractors
A deal was done, but businesses that depend on defense contracts are still dangling off the fiscal cliff. Congress put off a sequestration decision for two months.
Social Security payroll tax rate rises, reduces paychecks
Your income tax rate might not be going up, but your Social Security payroll tax rate is, and it'll probably show in your next paycheck.
Lockout gives NHL fans a chance to 'date' other sports
While the NHL is stuck in a lock-out, hockey fans are off 'dating' other sports. The corporate ticket buyer will be tough to get back at the same price.
Many Rose Bowl neighbors oppose hosting an NFL team
For many neighbors of the venerable stadium, UCLA games and the annual bowl contest are fine. Adding pro games is another matter.
Is an NFL-ready stadium a Hail Mary pass for LA?
The courtship ritual between greater LA and the NFL involves money, politics, design details and environmental considerations - and lacks one key element: a pro team.
Volunteer to help 'SPARK' a young apprentice's focus
SPARK program offers apprenticeships to Middle School students so they understand why they're learning what they're learning. In Los Angeles, SPARK needs volunteers.
Silverlake couple makes it official on 12-12-12
Wednesday was 12-12-12, so KPCC's Brian Watt went looking for couples who decided to make that auspicious date their wedding anniversary.
David Geffen funds 33 scholarships to UCLA Medical School
David Geffen's name is already on UCLA's Medical School. Now, he's paying for 33 full-ride scholarships with a $100 million fund.
Couples line up to wed on 12/12/12
A big day for marriage: 12/12/12. County offices expand wedding services, and couples line up to tie the knot.
'Fiscal cliff' could put some LA businesses over the edge
Falling off the "fiscal cliff" would mean steep cuts in the defense budget and trouble for small businesses in Southern California that depend on military contracts.
Apple Maps led Australian motorists into remote 'ghost city'
Apple Maps has been upgraded from bummer to hazard after the app incorrectly positioned the location of a city, stranding drivers in a remote national park.
Faith Leaders Support Muslim convention at All Saints Church
Southern California Faith Leaders seek to turn negative emails on upcoming Muslim convention at All Saints Church in Pasadena into something positive.
Creative economy brings jobs, billions to Southland economy
A report shows Southern California's creative economy supported 340,000 jobs and generated $3 billion dollars in tax revenue last year. Read the full report.
Union and employers in port strike continue talks
Negotiations continue between ILWU clerical workers and shipping companies. The strike has all but shut down cargo traffic through the ports of L.A. and Long Beach.
UPDATE: Negotiations resume in Port of LA strike
A prolonged strike involving hundreds of clerical workers at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach could put thousands of jobs in jeopardy, a port official says.
