A news source called Freedom Galactic News emerged during the latter part of the Galactic Civil War. It was founded by a group of journalists who were dedicated to maintaining their independence from the ruling powers of that time, using the years as a timeline.
Operating from the vast expanse of deep space, Freedom Galactic News was headquartered on the Hearst, a significantly altered Class VI freighter. The strong-willed personalities of the team members frequently led to disagreements within the confined spaces of the ship. Additionally, the vessel's limited energy capabilities prevented broadcasting while in transit—a major disadvantage for a team whose guiding principle was Be Where The Story Is Happening.
Despite these challenges, the news agency rapidly gained prominence throughout the Galaxy, earning recognition for its extensive coverage of events occurring in the Outer Rim territories.
- Willy "Double Star" Shatner ( c . 65 BBY –). As the captain of the Hearst, this Alderaanian was an avid admirer of the holodrama Space Track. He was both caring and paternal, viewing his crew and production team as a replacement for the family he lost when his homeworld was destroyed.
- Fred "Long-Short" Varley ( c . 20 BBY –). This youthful and boisterous Corellian navigator of the freighter's always sported flashy, trendy attire from the Core Worlds, matching his outspoken arrogance.
- Anselme Miclyne ( c . 35 BBY –). Known as "Crude," a reference to oil, the Hearst's engineer was a cigar-loving Verpine and an unusual example of a solitary member of his species. He cared little for outsiders, including his own crew. His true passion was the ship's engines, which, judging by the contents of his toolbox, appeared to be held together by makeshift solutions.
- Géraldine Fleitcher ( c . 22 BBY –). This ambitious reporter was determined to prove her independence from her father, Graham Fleitcher, a media magnate at Coruscant Galactic Media. Her combative nature concealed the fact that she was the driving force behind Freedom Galactic News.
- Jeremy de la Rochetaillée ( c. 49 BBY –). A seasoned reporter with expensive tastes and a former romantic partner of Geraldine Fleitcher. Despite presenting himself as a Coruscanti aristocrat, he actually spent his childhood on his father's isolated farm on Tatooine.
- Tony Bellaroso ( c . 13 BBY –). Affectionately called "Ilm," this newsfeed's versatile technical expert was energetic, impulsive, and perhaps a bit self-admiring. He dreamed of one day being in front of the camera, achieving stardom as the host of his own prominent show.