New film highlights journalism’s importance

Eden Area Indivisible hosted a screening of the documentary “Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink,” followed by a panel discussion at Douglas Morrison Theater on March 10.

This event came together beautifully with the help of co-sponsors Northern California Public Media, Ovis Foundation, American Association of University Women Hayward Castro Valley Branch, Black Women Organized for Political Action Hayward South County Chapter, and League of Women Voters Eden Area. 

Panelists Y’Anad Burrell of Glass House Communications, Pulitzer Prize winning reporter Thomas Peele, and Michael Singer, editor of the Castro Valley Forum, answered various questions regarding the future of journalism and how to protect democracy despite local newspapers being bought out by greedy news corporations. 

Director Rick Goldsmith, a two-time Academy Award nominee, depicts journalist Julie Reynolds’ investigation into the decline of local newspapers. Turns out, hedge fund Alden Global Capital (AGC) has bought out countless struggling newspapers. 

To cut costs, AGC has laid off reporters and newsroom staff across the country and sold buildings, stripping newspapers of their resources and limiting reports. As a result, communities are less informed, allowing those in power to avoid accountability and misinformation to grow prevalent. As a whole, Goldsmith illustrates how essential it is to work against large profit-driven corporations to strengthen democracy in the U.S.

After the movie, the panelists shared advice for the audience. 

With the decline in local reporting, Peele told people how to combat misinformation: “I tell young journalists a couple of things. One of them is your most important reporting tool is your common sense.”

Finally, Burrell imparted inspiring words to all young journalists who build the future of journalism. “It’s one thing to just show up and start, and it’s another to know the history—not to give a bad story—but to let them know how super super important it is, and how important their work is. So, I will do my part in making sure I share my work with the young journalists I work with.” 

Even people who aren’t journalists can contribute to journalism. “Everyone has a story; everyone sitting here has a story. Become your own journalist. Become your own blogger. If you’re off social media, elevate your own voice. I’d say the sexiest thing ever is writing. It doesn’t matter what profession you’re in—attorney, engineer, astrologist, ophthalmologist or what you are,” Burrell emphasized.