One of America's leading broadcast journalists, Amy Goodman held a discussion on Wednesday, April 20, in the University Commons.

Goodman is the host of award-winning, independent, daily radio/TV news show Democracy Now!, a news program airing on over 300 television and radio stations in North America.

The show presents a diversity of voices not often heard on other U.S. media including independent and international journalists, ordinary people affected by government policy, grassroots leaders and independent analysts.

Goodman is the author of the national best-seller, The Exception to the Rulers: Exposing Oily Politicians (written with her brother, David Goodman), and the director of the documentary, Massacre: The Story of East Timor; which won numerous awards.

Much of her discussion was directed towards the war, and the way media manipulates information given to the people living in America.

"I really do think if we were given one week and saw the truth about war, war would be eradicated," were the words Goodman used in her opening speech.

She went on to talk about many different issues: war, scandals, democracy, media's manipulation of the truth, universal standard of justice and the responsibility a journalist has to expose the truth.

"That is our job as journalists, go to where the silence and say something to bear witness," Goodman said.

"We, represent two things, the sword- providing military weapons and the shield- the people of America. Whether we are journalists, filmmakers, taxi cab drivers, doctors, lawyers, activists, we have a decision to make of every hour of every day; whether we want to represent the sword or the shield," were Goodman's last words.

Sid Gottlieb, professor of Media Studies and Digital Culture, as well as a speaker at the event shared his thoughts.

"I was very happy with the turnout and with the response," Gottlieb said. "On the hottest and nicest day of the year so far, hardly anyone in the large audience left the room or seemed distracted. Everyone seemed interested to hear what Amy Goodman had to say about what we are not getting in our news coverage these days, and about the many important voices we are often not allowed to hear on the news."

"All week I had been describing Amy Goodman to my classes as one of the best of the non-mainstream journalists. After hearing her talk, I think I would modify that to say that more than most journalists for conventional media outlets, she in fact speaks to and represents the mainstream audience."

Gottlieb added, "I was particularly struck by her low-key but obviously deeply-felt and passionate approach to often controversial topics."

In Goodman's book, The Exception to the Rulers, she exposes the lies, corruption, and crimes of the power elite. Her goal is "to go where the silence is, to give voice to the silenced majority. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." This book informs and empowers people to act on that principle.

"We felt the need to capture Democracy Now! in a book format, for those people who do not watch the show on TV. Your always reading about what happens in other people's neighborhoods; this book starts from the ground, up. Stories and events about people in our own neighborhoods," said co-writer David Goodman.

"Amy Goodman and Democracy Now! represent what journalism should be: beholden to the interests of people, not power and profit. Her work is invaluable," said Arundhati Roy, Author of The God of Small Things and War.

To subscribe to Goodman's free daily email news digest and media action alert; for local stations and air times or to listen/watch online visit www.democracynow.org

To get connected and collaborate with other local Democracy Now! supporters, email: outreach@democracynow.org.