WRMEA, August 2010, Page 56

Arab-American Activism

Amy Goodman Discusses Mainstream Media

THE American people are good, if they know the truth, said Amy Goodman, host of the independent news program "Democracy Now!," speaking at a June 5 panel at the annual American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) convention.

Goodman cited several untruths disseminated by popular news sources, such as the American media's original claim that Israeli forces attacked members of al-Qaeda, rather than members of the Free Gaza Movement, on May 31.

The mainstream media's insufficient coverage of Israel's 2003 killing of Rachel Corrie is evident today, Goodman added, as news reports regarding the Rachel Corrie, the Irish flotilla ship captured by the Israelis, indicate the first time many have heard of Corrie's death. "Is this the way Rachel's story is being introduced to the public?" asked Goodman.

According to Goodman, few news reports include "the why"—such as why the flotilla was going to Gaza. The aim of "Democracy Now!" is to report the complete stories, so that they gradually move "from the edges to the center," she explained. "We just have to ensure that the stories are told."

The obstacles are numerous—and as proof Goodman related an experience she and two of her producers faced with riot police during the 2008 Republican National Convention, during which they were arrested for reporting on the anti-war protests being held outside the convention center.

Goodman emphasized the importance of hearing news "from the people themselves." Because fishermen assisting with the Gulf oil spill cleanup are required to sign a form in which they agree not to speak to the press, she noted, reports on the spill cannot include individual perspectives from those most affected, and are therefore largely one-sided.

The demand for independent media that deliver complete news is growing, according to Goodman, as evidenced by the fact that "Democracy Now!" has been picked up by more than 800 stations.

Goodman's latest book, Breaking the Sound Barrier, which explores the global impact of independent reporting, is a New York Times best-seller.

—Karina Kainth