Episode 135: Protecting Free Speech in Journalism with Susan Rinkunas, Sammie Smylie, Nitish Pahwa and Matt Shuham
Thu Jan 08 2026
In the final part of OnWriting's series on protecting free speech, journalists Sammie Smylie, Nitish Pahwa, Matt Shuham and join moderator and journalist Susan Rinkunas to discuss the escalating threats faced by journalists in the US, why it's so critical to fight back to protect journalism that informs the public and holds power accountable, and more.
Sammie Smylie is a state education reporter for Chalkbeat Chicago, a leader in the Civic News Guild with the WGAE, and a WGAE Council Member for Online Media.
Nitish Pahwa is a business and technology journalist at Slate, and a member of the WGAE Council representing Online Media.
Matt Shuham is a senior reporter at the HuffPost National Desk, helped organize the Talking Points Memo staff union with the WGAE, and currently a member of the HuffPost Union's bargaining committee.
Susan Rinkunas is co-founder of Autonomy News, a contributing writer at Jezebel, and an independent journalist covering politics, reproductive health, and abortion access. She is also a member of the WGAE Council, representing Online Media.
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Read shownotes, transcripts, and other member interviews: wgaeast.org/onwriting
Follow the Guild on social media: @WGAEast
OnWriting is a production of the Writers Guild of America East. The show is produced by WGA East staff members Jason Gordon, Tiana Timmerberg, and Molly Beer. Production, editing, and mix by Giulia Hjort. Original music is by Taylor Bradshaw. Artwork is designed by Molly Beer.
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In the final part of OnWriting's series on protecting free speech, journalists Sammie Smylie, Nitish Pahwa, Matt Shuham and join moderator and journalist Susan Rinkunas to discuss the escalating threats faced by journalists in the US, why it's so critical to fight back to protect journalism that informs the public and holds power accountable, and more. Sammie Smylie is a state education reporter for Chalkbeat Chicago, a leader in the Civic News Guild with the WGAE, and a WGAE Council Member for Online Media. Nitish Pahwa is a business and technology journalist at Slate, and a member of the WGAE Council representing Online Media. Matt Shuham is a senior reporter at the HuffPost National Desk, helped organize the Talking Points Memo staff union with the WGAE, and currently a member of the HuffPost Union's bargaining committee. Susan Rinkunas is co-founder of Autonomy News, a contributing writer at Jezebel, and an independent journalist covering politics, reproductive health, and abortion access. She is also a member of the WGAE Council, representing Online Media. --- Read shownotes, transcripts, and other member interviews: wgaeast.org/onwriting Follow the Guild on social media: @WGAEast OnWriting is a production of the Writers Guild of America East. The show is produced by WGA East staff members Jason Gordon, Tiana Timmerberg, and Molly Beer. Production, editing, and mix by Giulia Hjort. Original music is by Taylor Bradshaw. Artwork is designed by Molly Beer.