Ep 1. Blow the Whistle, Change the World

Whistleblower is a riveting new docuseries that follows the stories of individuals who have made the difficult, and often dangerous, decision to blow the whistle on corporate and governmental wrongdoing. In season 1, episode 1, entitled "Blow the Whistle, Change the World," we are introduced to Michael DeKort, a former project manager at Lockheed Martin who became a whistleblower on a major government project.

DeKort was hired by Lockheed Martin to oversee a project to upgrade the communication systems on the U.S. Coast Guard's fleet of cutters. However, as he dug deeper into the project, he discovered that the software being used was flawed, the testing had not been properly conducted, and the system was not reliable. DeKort raised his concerns with his superiors but was brushed off and even threatened.

Frustrated and convinced that the faulty system put the lives of Coast Guard personnel at risk, DeKort took matters into his own hands. He created a video documenting the flaws in the system and posted it online, hoping to draw attention to the issue and force a change in policy. The video went viral and soon caught the attention of members of Congress and the media.

The response from Lockheed Martin and the Coast Guard was swift and severe. DeKort was terminated from his job and labeled a disgruntled employee. He received threatening messages and found that his personal life was being scrutinized. However, he refused to back down and continued to speak out about the dangers of the faulty communication system.

Through interviews with DeKort, as well as his family members, colleagues, and supporters, "Blow the Whistle, Change the World" paints a compelling portrait of a man who risked everything to pursue what he believed was right. The episode also shows the impact of whistleblowing on both the individuals involved and the larger system, highlighting the intricate political and legal challenges whistleblowers face.

Overall, the first episode of Whistleblower sets the stage for a series that promises to shed light on the courageous and often overlooked efforts of those who expose corruption and wrongdoing. "Blow the Whistle, Change the World" is a powerful and thought-provoking reminder of the importance of holding powerful institutions accountable and standing up for what is right.