The Knight Foundation and The Signals Network are changing the future of whistleblowing
See video clips from The Signals Network’s panel on whistleblowing at the Knight Media Forum in Miami.
The pivotal moment when I decided to blow the whistle on the unethical practices of the health insurance industry was a culmination of years of witnessing the harm inflicted upon everyday Americans. It wasn't an easy decision by any means; I had climbed the ranks at two big insurers, believing in their stated missions to provide health care coverage to those in need. But as I delved deeper into the inner workings of the industry, I couldn't ignore the blatant prioritization of profit over people's well-being.
The tipping point came when I met patients who were denied coverage for life-saving treatments solely because it wasn't financially lucrative to provide access to care and pay claims. That's when I knew I had to speak out, to shed light on the injustices and manipulations perpetuated by the industry I had been a part of for many years.
Last month I had the pleasure of joining two fellow whistleblowers – Anika Collier Navaroli and Mark MacGann – on The Signals Network’s panel at the Knight Media Forum in Miami moderated by Kathy Kiely, from the Missouri School of Journalism. The Signals Network, which the Knight Foundation supports financially, exists to support whistleblowers and help coordinate international media investigations that speak out against corporate misconduct and human rights abuses. I couldn’t be more excited to work with The Signals Network. I wish it had been around when I decided to pull the curtains back on the corrupt health insurance business.
Navaroli was on the U.S. safety policy team at Twitter (Now X). She testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability in February 2023 about Twitter’s role in the January 6, 2021 attacks on the Capitol. She warned that such attacks will happen again unless Congress regulates social media platforms more effectively.
MacGann led Uber’s work to cozy up to governments across Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Like Navaroli and me, MacGann also had a crisis of conscience; in 2022 he released more than 124,000 Uber files to the Guardian. MacGann believes the ride-share company duped governments, law enforcement and drivers during the company’s global expansion.
Below are some clips of Navaroli, MacGann and me from The Signal Network’s panel.
On my decision to blow the whistle on my former industry:
I couldn’t believe what was happening. I led a life that enabled me to keep my distance from so many real people and the people I grew up with. And I realized that I was part of the problem.
Navaroli on navigating personal safety while working with the media:
Having to navigate with a journalist and say “I know you are trying to do your job really, really well but doing your job really, really well comes in conflict with my safety.” That’s a strong tension.
On my fears of blowing the whistle on the health insurance industry:
It’s scary. The life you knew is entirely gone. And I think for most of us our jobs and ego are kind of intertwined. And you just don’t know what to do with yourself or what comes next.
MacGann on how the media and whistleblowers need to work together:
We have to find a way to make this [whistleblowing] count for more. And if we do, then we will encourage more whistleblowers to come out and speak about corporate and public sector wrongdoing.
Throughout history, especially the history of The United States, whistleblowing has been an essential act of courage and integrity, serving as a vital mechanism for accountability and transparency. It's about challenging the status quo, confronting wrongdoing, and ultimately, safeguarding the public interest. Whether it's exposing corporate malfeasance, government corruption or institutional injustices, whistleblowers play a crucial role in holding those in power accountable for their actions.
Without individuals willing to speak out against injustice, systemic abuses will continue unchecked, leaving millions of people vulnerable to harm. Whistleblowing isn't just about revealing the truth; it's about catalyzing change and ensuring that ethical standards prevail over self-interest and greed. It's a testament to the power of one voice to make a difference and inspire others to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
My decision to blow the whistle wasn't just about exposing the wrongdoings of individual companies; it was a call to action to reform an entire system built on greed and exploitation. I couldn't bear to witness any longer the suffering endured by countless individuals who were denied access to necessary medical care, all for the sake of corporate profit margins. I felt a moral imperative to stand up and speak truth to power, despite the personal risks involved. By stepping forward, I hoped to spark a broader conversation about the need for comprehensive health care reform and to hold accountable those who put profits before people's lives. Though the journey has been fraught with challenges and resistance, I remain steadfast in my commitment to advocate for a health care system that prioritizes the well-being of all individuals, not just the bottom line of corporations.
Wendell, your willingness to sacrifice your career to stand by your principles is admirable, but it's your dedication to providing ongoing analysis of an industry shrouded in secrecy and misinformation that is truly invaluable to those of us fighting for change. Your insights provide confirmation of many of the abuses that those of us on the outside of the industry, fighting for reform, have suspected the existence of for years. Don't ever stop writing, and don't ever think that what you're doing doesn't make a difference. It does.