Missing in the Amazon: the journalist and the president – episode two

In this episode, we explore the life of journalist Dom Phillips and his journey from leading music journalism at Mixmag to becoming an impactful correspondent in Brazil, particularly focusing on the Amazon rainforest. Following a tumultuous personal period after leaving Mixmag, including the passing of loved ones, Dom found a new calling by moving to Brazil where he immersed himself in music, culture, and a new language. As he transitioned to hard news, he became a vital figure in the foreign correspondent community in Rio de Janeiro, creating spaces for journalists to gather and share stories.

Dom's reporting took a critical turn when he witnessed the destructive impact of mining in the Amazon. His experiences led him to realize the broader environmental issues the region faced, especially under Jair Bolsonaro's presidency, which marked a significant shift in Brazil's environmental policies. Bolsonaro's government emboldened environmental criminals, contributing to the rampant deforestation of the Amazon, a concern that deeply troubled Dom.

The episode illustrates a pivotal moment when Dom confronted Bolsonaro directly about environmental damages during a press event. This interaction unexpectedly thrust him into the limelight, with reactions split across political lines. Following this, Dom intensified his efforts to bring awareness to the Amazon's degradation and planned an ambitious book project. His last reporting trip aimed to gather crucial information for this book, which underscored the urgency of the environmental crisis. Dom’s story reflects the intersection of personal passion and professional responsibility in journalism, especially in dangerous contexts where the stakes are incredibly high for both the journalist and the environment they report on.