Real Patriot News 1779: The Independent Voice That Broke Through the Silence

In an era dominated by corporate media and algorithm-driven narratives, the origins of Real Patriot News 1779 tell a different story—one rooted in independent journalism, personal risk, and an insistence on covering stories others would not.

The podcast was founded by Troy Smocks-Perez, a Black American journalist and former January 6 defendant who was later pardoned by President Trump. Long before his pardon, Smocks had already carved out a place in conservative media history. Real Patriot News 1779 is widely regarded by its audience as the first conservative podcast to emerge directly from the January 6 aftermath, giving voice to individuals and families largely ignored—or caricatured—by mainstream outlets.

Smocks gained national attention on March 23, 2022, when he became the first journalist to interview the family of Ashli Babbitt, the United States Air Force veteran fatally shot inside the U.S. Capitol. At a time when much of the press avoided the family or reduced Babbitt to a political symbol, Smocks treated them as grieving Americans. Beyond the interview, he helped organize and render community burial honors for Babbitt—an act supporters describe as a restoration of dignity to a fallen service member. See Full Interview - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yvcntn9lpJn2eHaP1WaIn3N3_qijbzBV/view?usp=sharing

That effort gained renewed relevance on September 2, 2025, when Air Force Undersecretary Matt Lohmeier publicly stated that providing military funeral honors for Babbitt was “long overdue.” For followers of Real Patriot News 1779, the remark underscored what independent journalists had been saying for years: that official recognition often trails far behind grassroots truth-telling.

The rise of Real Patriot News 1779 highlights a broader issue in modern media—the marginalization of small, independent journalists. Without corporate backing, institutional access, or advertiser protection, such reporters often operate at personal and financial risk. Their work is frequently overlooked by major outlets not because it lacks merit, but because it challenges prevailing narratives or originates outside approved media ecosystems.

Independent journalists like Smocks fill gaps left by legacy media, particularly in politically sensitive cases where reputational or ideological costs discourage coverage. They document stories in real time, preserve firsthand accounts, and maintain proximity to the communities most affected. Yet their contributions are rarely cited, amplified, or credited once those stories eventually enter mainstream discourse.

Real Patriot News 1779 stands as a case study in why independent media still matters. It reminds audiences that some of the most consequential journalism does not come from studios or newsrooms, but from individuals willing to report when silence is safer—and to keep records when history is still being contested.