Amy Goodman

On Tuesday, award-winning journalist Amy Goodman will discuss issues raised in her new book, The Exception to the Rulers: Exposing Oily Politicians, War Profiteers, and the Media That Love Them (Hyperion), co-written with her brother, David Goodman. Goodman says that Exception to the Rulers is not only the title of her book but the motto of the independent news program Democracy Now! which she co-hosts and which is broadcast on radio and TV (and here on DUTV). Democracy Now! receives no government or corporate funds but operates entirely from donations made by listeners, viewers and foundations. This system allows them to remain fully independent. Goodman says, "We provide a forum for voices not often heard. Not a fringe minority group but the silent majority. Silenced by the corporate media."

Goodman will also present a documentary on Tuesday called Independent Media in a Time of War. This film compares mainstream and independent media coverage of the war in Iraq. Goodman says, "I don't see the mainstream media as mainstream, I see it as extremist. It's a media that's beating the drums for war and it must be challenged. [It has] acted as a conveyer belt for the lies of the administration, and these lies take lives."

Amy Goodman, presented by Media Tank, Tue., May 11, 12:30 p.m., free, Free Library of Philadelphia-Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.

—Liz Harris

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