Democracy Now! KSER Convention Specials

Amy Goodman and the staff of Democracy Now are gearing up for special coverage from the political conventions, starting next Monday at the Republican Convention in Tampa.

Next week you will be able to listen to a special 2-hour-long edition of Democracy Now every morning at 7 a.m. until 9 a.m. with extra coverage from the Republican convention.

Juan Gonzalez; Amy Goodman

You'll still be able to hear the normal 1-hour version of Democracy Now at both 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. on KSER.  But if you're looking for Amy and Juan's special take on politics in longer form set your alarm for 7 a.m. every morning next week (August 27 through August 31) for a 2-hour Democracy Now special.

Amy and Juan will also broadcast two-hour specials on KSER from the Democratic convention in Charlotte September 4 through September 7.

Here's another alert for Amy Goodman fans.  She's coming to Everett!

Amy and Denis Moynihan will do a special KSER event in Everett at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 27.  It's part of a national 100-city tour to promote "The Silenced Majority," a new book Amy has written with Denis.

We'll have details on location and ticket information later this week.  Listen to 90.7 FM for details.

News That Gives Voice to Struggles

Many KSER listeners tell us there is one host and one show that they try to absolutely never miss: Amy Goodman and Democracy Now!

Amy Goodman

Just like KSER, Amy Goodman and Democracy Now is a non-profit, proudly independent broadcast that relies heavily on the financial support of listeners.  As regular KSER listeners know, Amy asks questions many reporters won't ask; get's guests that many media organizations wouldn't touch; and even get's arrested for her efforts.

The New York Times published what some describe as the definitive Amy Goodman article late last year.

And while it would be rare to see the major network Sunday morning talk shows include Amy as a guest, she did appear last month on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher.  You can see the program here.

Juan Gonzalez

Amy and co-host Juan Gonzalez are supported by a great staff of leading progressive journalists, producers and volunteers.  You can read about the Democracy Now staff here.

And remember, Amy and Juan are working for a non-profit program that's being aired on non-profit community supported stations like KSER. Her model is dramatically different from the typical network television news reporter or anchor. You may remember the media buzz recently over the $25-million annual contract for NBC's Matt Lauer.

The Daily Beast recently did a report on the salaries of Lauer and others. Diane Sawyer makes $12-million annually; Anderson Cooper: $11-million.  You can read the Daily Best network salary story here.

That's not to suggest that those anchors aren't worth the money they are paid by the corporations that own the networks.  After all, they generate ratings that sells advertising that keeps the corporate networks profitable.

But think about that the next time you're listening to Amy Goodman and wondering why she's covering stories and asking questions you won't hear almost anywhere else.

Reminder: Time's running out if you want to make a nomination for KSER's annual Voice of the Community Award.  Nominations must be received by this Wednesday, August 15.  You can find out more and make a nomination here.

And of course, you can always help support KSER and independent public radio. It just takes a few clicks and a few minutes online. Thanks!