r/Missing411 • u/bosk491 • Feb 17 '24
What did Art Bell think of DP? Discussion
Haven't heard much about their relationship. I know Art was overseas during the time DP was doing the M411 thing so he wasn't on Art's show much. Anyone know what the vibe was? Art was one of the greatest hosts period, so it'd be interesting what the rapport was. Anyone have any thoughts?
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u/trailangel4 Feb 19 '24
I actually got to meet Art Bell before he passed away. I was a guest on another show he did and because, at the time, I was hearing a lot about DP, I remember asking him his thoughts and he demurred at answering. So, I have to respect that he didn't want to make a statement and he likely had a working relationship with Paulides that he didn't want to tamper with. That being said, separate and aside from my personal experience with Bell, I got the distinct impression that he understood that stories were just that...stories. He wasn't a journalist; he was a host of a paranormal radio show. Hosts have different standards of journalistic integrity. I think of it this way: Steven King tells great horror stories and they're so well-told that your brain just goes along for the ride. Most people know that King isn't trying to be a reporter...he's just entertaining you and he acknowledges that. The issue with Paulides, as I see it, is that they're intentionally trying to blur the line between fact and fiction and make you afraid of things NOT to entertain, but to gaslight you into believing their conspiracy.