My Summer Lair Chapter #358: Does Good Journalism Inspire You To Press On?
Ready for lots of dope name dropping? From Executive Producers Julie Cohen, Rosario Dawson, Jane Fonda and Tom Morello (oh, yes!) comes Steal This Story, Please! (Everyone should be familiar with Jane Fonda and Tom Morello’s political bent. Their consistent activism is already a significant trailer for this documentary.)
The directors Carl Deal and Tia Lessin produced many of Michael Moore’s docs.
I’ve seen this journalism documentary: a fascinating portrait of Amy Goodman and her independent news program Democracy Now! It portrays her intense curiosity well.
My favourite line from Steal This Story, Please! is:
“We have so much work to do.”
In the doc, Amy Goodman is watching a Middle East war unfold (does it matter which one at this point?!) on CNN and other TV news. And recognizing her position as a truly independent news outlet; the host of Democracy Now! comments with: “We have so much work to do.”
She founded Democracy Now! to provide the independent news she believes is missing from mainstream and government-funded outlets. (Although, these days NPR no longer receives its traditional direct and indirect federal appropriations through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).
So, I like that Steal This Story, Please! also wrestles with “what does independent media mean?” Democracy Now! takes no corporate or government funding. It is audience supported and commercial free.)
It’s so weird…we have more podcasts and TikTok videos and CNN is 24/7 and access to NY Times, Washington Post and NPR you name it. And yet I find we’re less informed.
Currently, there’s an unsettling disappointment with a lot of popular news media. When I consume traditional news media like NY Times or CNN I don’t eat well, it’s a lot of junk food. There’s a lack of nuance and historical context.
And I don’t get distinct perspectives, just sides. I get issued a list of tribal talking points I’m supposed to memorize because my team? Why of course: “we’re the good guys.” (Utter nonsense.)
All of this is why Steal This Story, Please! is refreshing. It reveals an uncommon alternative and an effective cure for lame hot takes. In March 2026, Democracy Now! hosted a 30th anniversary event featuring musical performances by Patti Smith. Whose uplifting song People Have the Power closes out Steal This Story, Please!
Steal This Story! @ W • T • F
Host Sammy Younan
Recorded: Monday, April 20, 2026 at 6:30 pm (EST)
Stress free pop culture tastefully harvested for your divine delight. Once a week a carefully curated edition of My Pal Sammy goes directly to your inbox. Sign up for my newsletter so we can have so much fun…like fighting truth to power!
