Amy Goodman, host and executive producer of Democracy Now!, said reporters must seek out stories that are being ignored by mainstream media.
Goodman's call for independent journalism comes as she promotes her new documentary, “Steal This Story, Please!”, which premiered in New York City in April 2026 [1]. The film addresses the current crisis facing journalism in the U.S. and argues for the necessity of press freedom [2].
During an interview on MSNBC’s “MS NOW” in April 2026, Goodman said the role of the press in a democratic society is critical [3]. She said independent media is needed now more than ever [2].
Goodman said the fundamental purpose of reporting is to uncover truths that others avoid. "Our job is to go to where the silence is," she said [1].
The documentary, directed by Tia Lessin, uses a specific historical lens to illustrate these points [1]. The film's opening scene was filmed at the 2018 [4] UN Climate Summit in Poland to highlight the gap between official narratives and ground realities [4].
By focusing on independent media, Goodman aims to show how journalists can operate outside corporate structures to provide comprehensive coverage [2]. She said this independence allows reporters to challenge power structures without the constraints of corporate ownership [2].
“Our job is to go to where the silence is.”
Goodman's emphasis on 'silence' reflects a broader critique of corporate media consolidation, suggesting that the narrowing of ownership leads to a narrowing of the public record. By championing independent models, she argues that press freedom is not just a legal right but a practical necessity for holding power accountable.
