On today’s show, host Esty Dinur is joined by Amy Goodman and Tia Lessin to highlight their new documentary, Steal This Story, Please!. The film will screen at The Barrymore Theatre on Saturday, September 5 at 7:30 pm.

The film presents Goodman’s career in journalism alongside touchpoints from Democracy Now!’s broadcast repertoire, like their early coverage of brutality in East Timor. The title Steal This Story, Please! comes from Goodman’s desire for Democracy Now!’s reporting to travel far and wide. Lessin calls it a “plucky” title that also describes the public’s right to truth and accountability. Over the years, the Democracy Now! team has seen their reporting lead to positive change, yet there have been times when it couldn’t do so.

They share memories of Dolly Parton and other musicians who have played on Democracy Now! over the years and how their family histories shape their work and values. Mainly, they discuss the importance of independent media. For Goodman and Lessin, amplifying voices, bearing witness, and mentoring other journalists make this work a moral practice. Goodman says that the media like Democracy Now! And WORT gives voice to the “silenced majority.”

Amy Goodman is the host and executive producer of Democracy Now!, a national, daily, independent, award-winning news program airing on over 1,400 public television and radio stations worldwide.

Tia Lessin is an Academy Award nominated filmmaker. Along with Carl Deal, she founded Elsewhere Films in 2007 to create documentary films of cultural relevance, social purpose and artistic integrity.

Featured image of the documentary, Steal This Story, Please!.

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