After observing far-right white supremacist leaders migrating to newfound areas of the U.S., Daily Dot investigations editor Claire Goforth set out to understand the impact of far-right extremists on local communities, resulting in the groundbreaking “Naziland” series.
“Naziland,” released Jan 2024, is a four-part investigative series delving into the ideological migration of white supremacist groups across the U.S. “As a reporter covering extremism, I wanted to know how this was impacting these communities, how the locals were reacting to the far-right newcomers, and what, if anything, they were doing about it,” Goforth said.
Goforth’s research process was meticulous and thorough, with each article in the series focusing on areas where prominent white nationalists have moved in recent years: Maine, West Virginia, Idaho, and Florida. “For each installment, I researched the area and the extremists extensively. I also made connections with locals who were familiar with the situation to get a sense of their perspectives,” she explained.
‘Naziland is the biggest, most ambitious project that I have taken on in my career.’
The on-the-ground reporting was crucial for Goforth. “In each location, I spent several days interviewing a wide range of people, many of whom I met while out and about getting a sense of the area, its culture, and the citizenry,” she said. This included talking to experts in white nationalism; various politicians; local reporters like Crash Barry in Maine; business owners like Jen Drake in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; and various residents of these communities.
“Most people were more than happy to talk to me about the extremist newcomers,” Goforth added. “I also gave each of the extremists ample time to answer questions and provide comment, though the focus of the stories remained on the communities and residents in each area.”
With the Daily Dot’s commitment to reporting as thoroughly and diligently as possible, Goforth became heavily immersed within these communities during the reporting process. “Although I’ve reported on far-right extremism for years, as any other reporter on the beat will attest, it’s mentally taxing to immerse yourself in the beliefs of white nationalists. It can also be frightening, particularly given the violent rhetoric that is common in that space,” Goforth acknowledged.
As a result, Goforth executed the largest project of her career, resulting in a thorough analysis of how the internet has contributed to the evolving and ever-changing state of white supremacy throughout America. “Naziland is the biggest, most ambitious project that I have taken on in my career. I traveled from coast to coast, interviewed dozens of people, and did hundreds of hours of research. It was thrilling, terrifying, and incredibly fulfilling.”
Ramon Ramirez, managing editor at the Daily Dot, spoke about how Daily Dot’s unique perspective allowed for the execution of such an ambitious and thorough series. “Our newsroom is from the internet. We understand the issues happening online because we are from here and because of that our work isn’t voyeuristic.”
“Our reporting isn’t about anything other than understanding what is happening online, and how that impacts life and politics beyond the internet. And that’s exactly what Claire did with this ‘Naziland’ series,” Ramirez said.
Goforth also spoke on how the Daily Dot has uniquely provided her with the platform to execute this series. “Technology has enabled journalists to report from anywhere in the world,” said Goforth. “It’s made our jobs easier, faster, and mobile, but there’s only so much you can learn about people and a story from the other side of a phone or screen. Nothing replaces on-the-ground reporting. The Daily Dot is one of precious few outlets today that appreciate and value such reporting—and is willing to invest in it.”
It is that very investment in diligence that the Daily Dot and its parent company Fragment Media Group are so dedicated to, striving to thoroughly serve underserved audiences. “Fragment champions diversity of thought,” Ramirez added.
“We are very intentional about considering different values and ideas. The company’s mission of serving underserved audiences means that we take everything that comes across our desks with the utmost seriousness and care. It is that sympathy that has allowed us to diligently report on so many delicate issues, from white supremacy in Florida to policies impacting LGBTQ teenagers, and even fighting piracy movements in Pakistan.”
