Amy Goodman walks across Seventh Avenue in Manhattan, heading towards the screening of Steal This Story, Please!, a documentary highlighting her extensive career in independent journalism.
For over three decades, Goodman has reported from locations around the world. Democracy Now!, the show she co-created and co-hosts, broadcasts online as well as on public and community TV and radio stations. The documentary, released independently, has been selling out its last theater showings before it transitions to streaming.
The film captures Goodman’s dynamic nature, often seen asking probing questions. An early scene depicts her pursuing Wells Griffith, Donald Trump’s climate adviser, at the 2018 United Nations Climate Summit. Goodman persistently asks, “Can you tell us what you think about President Trump saying that climate change is a hoax?” When Griffith doesn’t respond, she presses, “Are you not talking to the press while you’re here?” Though Griffith attempts to evade her, Goodman follows him relentlessly.
The documentary features Goodman questioning those in power and conversing with individuals during significant social and political events. Goodman attributes her questioning nature to her Jewish upbringing. “It came from my Jewish education, that you ask questions,” she notes.
“She’s fearless,” says actress and activist Jane Fonda. “Watching the film, I was in awe of her relentlessness.” Impressed with the documentary, Fonda took on the role of executive producer. She believes Democracy Now! provides vital, alternative media. “I bow before Amy Goodman,” Fonda remarks, crediting Goodman with demonstrating the courage needed for independent journalism.
The film, directed by Tia Lessin and Carl Deal, centers on Goodman’s career. Known for their collaborations with filmmaker Michael Moore, Lessin and Deal decided to focus on Goodman when the press faced allegations of being the ‘enemy of the people’ from a former president. This motivated the filmmakers to highlight Goodman’s investigative work, despite her facing criticism, attacks, and arrests.
Amy Goodman repeatedly demonstrates her willingness to challenge those in power. The documentary shows her history of confronting soldiers in Nigeria, reporting from Ground Zero after 9/11, and her presence in Haiti and on a death row prison in Georgia. In one moving account from 1991, Goodman recalls witnessing a massacre by Indonesian troops during a memorial in East Timor. This event, a turning point in her career, brought international attention to the situation in East Timor.
Critics often label Goodman a left-wing activist. However, her supporters, like radio producer Dave Isay, emphasize her dedication to independent reporting. Isay, familiar to NPR listeners from StoryCorps, respects her strong moral compass and fearless journalism. “You don’t mess with Amy Goodman,” he asserts.
Goodman mentors many journalists, including Isay, encouraging him to pursue stories others rejected. Together they recall the early days at the Pacifica radio station in New York.
In Democracy Now!‘s studio, Goodman discusses her distinct journalism approach, focusing on unique perspectives rather than mainstream pundits. “This is what independent media looks like as the corporate media consolidates,” she explains.
Goodman’s reporting has consistently spotlighted global political and social movements. “I’ve always believed that those who care about war and peace, racial and economic justice, and LGBTQ issues, are not a fringe minority,” she says. “People are organizing; it just doesn’t hit the corporate media radar.”
While Goodman remains a private individual, agreeing to be a documentary subject was a challenging decision for her. “It was extremely awkward for me,” she confesses, acknowledging the importance of independent media for informing the public.
After discussing her work, Goodman rushes off to catch a flight, busy promoting the documentary at film festivals and community gatherings. Proceeds from these events support local community stations. As she departs, she talks fondly of her dog Zazu, a Shih Tzu-Bichon mix she calls “my newshound.”
Before leaving, Goodman suggests visiting a historical landmark near the Chelsea Hotel, highlighting her knowledge of the area’s cultural history. Such anecdotes reveal another facet of one of journalism’s notable figures.
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