The Dissenter On The 'Unfettered Speech' Podcast

Leonard Goodman and Patrick Sullivan of Integrity Media invited Dissenter editor Kevin Gosztola on their podcast, "Unfettered Speech," to discuss his 15+ years of reporting on WikiLeaks, whistleblowers, and government secrecy.

Kevin shared how the Iraq War in the 2000s was a formidable event that set him on a path toward chronicling the stories of Chelsea Manning, Julian Assange, and various others who defied the national security state to expose the truth. He further reflects on a media culture that conditions reporters to be more skeptical of whistleblowers than government officials who are often paid to deceive and spread lies.

Toward the end of the conversation, Kevin grapples with military censorship by the Israeli and U.S. governments during the war on Iran. He also considers the present state of accountability journalism—the polar opposite of access journalism. He describes pressures on reporters and the problem of algorithmic gatekeeping that boosts prestige media while marginalizing independent journalists.

Integrity Media has provided generous support to The Dissenter Newsletter, and Leonard Goodman has donated and subscribed to the publication as well.