The program combines news reporting, interviews, investigative journalism and political commentary, with a focus on peace activism linked to environmental justice and social justice, guided by the ethics of ecofeminism as a philosophy. It documents social movements, struggles for justice, activism challenging corporate power and operates as a watchdog outfit regarding the effects of American foreign policy. "Democracy Now!" views as its aim to give activists and the citizenry a platform to debate people from "The Establishment." The show is described as progressive by fans as well as critics, but Goodman rejects that label, calling the program a global newscast that has "people speaking for themselves." "Democracy Now!" describes its staff as "includ some of this country's leading progressive journalists."