Amy Goodman Documentary "Steal This Story, Please!" Reviewed

The documentary "Steal This Story, Please!" offers a comprehensive look at the career of Amy Goodman, a seasoned investigative reporter and host of the listener-funded radio show Democracy Now!. Directed by Carl Deal and Tia Lessin, the film chronicles Goodman's extensive work, which has included reporting on a massacre in East Timor and the actions of major oil companies, as well as confronting political figures like Bill Clinton. Goodman is presented as a persistent journalist who, since the inception of Democracy Now! in 1996, has consistently challenged authority and exposed corruption, operating in contrast to what the film suggests is a capitulation of corporate news media to their owners.

The documentary's title, "Steal This Story, Please!", serves as Goodman's ironic call to action, encouraging the dissemination of her reports on corruption and demagoguery. The film points out that while major news outlets often ignore stories broken by Goodman and her team, they are sometimes compelled to follow them. In contrast to commercially-driven media, Democracy Now! operates without advertisements or sponsorships, relying entirely on financial contributions from its audience, including viewers, listeners, and website readers. The documentary, however, does not specify the annual funding requirements for the show or the methods used for soliciting donations.

Goodman's journalistic approach is characterized by her relentless pursuit of truth and her willingness to ask difficult questions, positioning her as a significant figure on the progressive left in American journalism. The film illustrates her role as a gadfly, confronting and provoking those in power. Her work with Democracy Now! is framed as a vital counterpoint to a media landscape increasingly influenced by corporate interests. The documentary aims to showcase the impact and enduring relevance of her investigative reporting, emphasizing its independent and ethically-driven foundation.

"Steal This Story, Please!" delves into the life and times of Amy Goodman, presenting her as a stalwart of the American left. Her career, spanning decades, has been marked by a commitment to uncovering stories that might otherwise remain hidden, often focusing on marginalized communities and systemic injustices. The film implicitly critiques the broader media ecosystem by highlighting Goodman's success in maintaining editorial independence and audience-funded operations, a model that allows for uncompromised reporting on critical social and political issues.