A pioneering show about independent journalism has inspired a generation of alternative news outlets.

Amy Goodman’s path to creating Democracy Now! began in 1996, when she co-founded the show with journalist Juan González as an antidote to mainstream media’s perceived bias. Leveraging their respective connections and a modest budget, the duo leveraged public radio and internet platforms to broadcast their message directly to audiences. Their commitment to critical reporting, investigative journalism, and amplifying marginalized voices helped establish Democracy Now! as a beacon for independent news. Fast forward to 2023, and Goodman is still at the helm of the show, navigating an ever-evolving media landscape where AI-generated content threatens traditional journalistic models. As she prepares to take theaters by storm with a documentary about her career, Goodman reflects on how her approach has become the template for indie media outlets worldwide. “We’ve seen an explosion of independent news sites and podcasts that have emerged in recent years,” Goodman notes. “And while there’s still much work to be done to ensure these new voices are sustainable and impactful, I’m heartened by the diversity and innovation on display.”