Saving Local News: A Conversation with 2-Time Oscar Nominee Rick Goldsmith
Rick Goldsmith
Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker
In an era of 30-second soundbites and polarized social media feeds, can a long-form documentary still change the world?
According to veteran filmmaker Rick Goldsmith, the answer is a resounding yes. With a career spanning nearly 50 years, Goldsmith has mastered the art of the "political lens," using cinema to challenge power and inspire democratic participation.
In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with the two-time Academy Award nominee to discuss his legendary career and his most urgent project yet: the fight to save American journalism.
From Architecture to Activism: The Making of a Documentarian
Goldsmith’s path to filmmaking wasn’t linear. Trained in architecture and music, his early interests in structure and rhythm now inform the pacing of his films. But it was his roots in community activism that truly defined his mission.
"Documentaries have stepped in to cover stories less addressed by the press," Goldsmith notes, highlighting how the decline in traditional newspaper circulation has left a void that only deep-dive storytelling can fill.
Speaking Truth to Power: The Trilogy of Journalism
Goldsmith’s work often focuses on individuals who risk everything to tell the truth. His acclaimed "Journalism Trilogy" includes:
Tell the Truth and Run: George Seldes and the American Press (Oscar nominee)
The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers (Oscar nominee & Peabody winner)
Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink (2023)
When asked about the common thread between George Seldes and Daniel Ellsberg, Goldsmith points to a fundamental human drive: the courage to question the machinery of war and corruption.
Stripped for Parts: The War on Local News
Goldsmith’s newest film, Stripped for Parts, explores a terrifying modern reality: the corporate "stripping" of local newsrooms by hedge funds like Alden Global Capital.
The film reveals how "vulture capital" models are dismantling the watchdogs of our democracy. "As I dug into the project," Rick shares, "the passion of the journalists I interviewed was the heartbeat of the story."
Despite the grim subject matter, Goldsmith discusses the pathways to hope—emphasizing how communities can reclaim their local news organizations and why supporting local journalism is a vital act of social justice.
The Future of Documentary Filmmaking
In the podcast, Rick pulls back the curtain on the creative process, discussing:
The "Recipe" for Truth: How he balances artistic flair with rigorous research.
The Oscar Experience: What it’s really like to be nominated for the film industry’s highest honor.
The Shift to Audio: Why this legendary filmmaker is now considering moving toward podcasting for his next chapter.
🎥 Event Alert: See "Stripped for Parts" in Cotati
A special screening of Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink will be followed by an expert panel discussion.
When: Sunday, January 11, 2026 | 1:30–4:30 PM
Where: Ner Shalom Synagogue, Cotati, CA
Panelists: Local journalists Carl Molesworth, Laura Hagar Rush, and Troy Niday.
Where to Watch Rick Goldsmith’s Films
Can’t make the screening? You can find Rick’s documentaries on various streaming platforms. Visit Rick Goldsmith’s Official Website for more information on distribution and how to support independent documentary filmmaking.
Listen to the full interview on This Must Be the Place to hear Rick’s take on why "war is murder" remains the central theme of human social protest.
🍺 Beer Review: Best Day Brewing Co. (Non-Alcoholic)
To wrap up the episode, the Craft Beer Concierge kicks off the new year with a tasting of Best Day Brewing Co.’s Non-Alcoholic West Coast IPA, reflecting on the rise of Dry January and the growing quality of alcohol-free beer. Brewed with Cascade hops, the NA IPA delivers familiar bitterness with a lighter body, offering an option for listeners looking to moderate without giving up the ritual of a good beer.
Featured Guest:
Resources Mentioned:
The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers
Tell the Truth and Run: George Seldes and the American Press
Featured Beer:
