TSN joins military journalists, legal experts at veterans symposium

From left to right: Dan Clare, Kelly Kennedy, Sarah Gamard, Mary Inman and Joanna Trachtenberg. Photo courtesy of Randy Picht.

A big thanks to our friends at the Reynolds Journalism Institute and the University of Missouri School of Law Veterans Clinic for including us in the clinic’s 2024 symposium, “Searching for Truth: When Media and Military Come Together” at the University of Missouri.

The Signals Network’s Sarah Gamard spoke on a panel titled “The Important Role of Whistleblowers” alongside Mary Inman, partner at Whistleblower Partners; Kelly Kennedy, who reported on military burn pits for the news publication War Horse; and Marine Corps veteran Dan Clare, who was Kennedy’s whistleblower source and is now chief communications officer for the nonprofit Disabled American Veterans.

Missouri attorney Joanna Trachtenberg of TGH Litigation LLC moderated the 90-minute discussion, which can be watched on Mizzou Law’s Facebook page here.

The panelists talked about public perceptions of whistleblowers versus leakers, a person’s motivation to blow the whistle, and the obstacles they can face when exposing wrongdoing in any sector. They also talked about how journalists can work with outside organizations who specialize in whistleblower support without compromising the story.

The symposium also featured war journalists, legal experts and those who work with veterans, who reminded us that trauma can affect whistleblowers, military members and journalists covering conflict, and all those parties need continued and robust support for their public service.

About TSN

TSN is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to supporting whistleblowers who risk their livelihoods to share public interest information with the press. Founded in 2017 by journalists, whistleblowers and lawyers, TSN operates internationally to hold powerful interests accountable. TSN provides customized support to a selected group of whistleblowers who have contributed to published reports of significant wrongdoing. This support may include legal, psychological, physical safety, temporary safe-housing, online safety, career support and communication support.

For journalist inquiries, email sarah@thesignalsnetwork.org.

For whistleblowing support, email protect@thesignalsnetwork.org.