MEDIA CONTROLLED
THE EVIDENCE
The State's Grip on Media: Unveiling the Evidence
In an era where information is power, the control of media by state actors has become a significant concern. The manipulation of media by governments is not a new phenomenon, but recent evidence highlights the extent and sophistication of these efforts. This evidence of state control over media and its implications for democracy and freedom of speech is laid bare.
The Rise of State-Controlled Media
According to the State Media Monitor 2024 report, the number of government-controlled media outlets is on the rise globally. The report reveals that the portion of editorially independent media among all state-controlled and public media has dropped from 20% in 2021 to 16% in 2024. This decline is alarming, as it indicates a growing trend of state influence over media content.
Social Media Manipulation
The Oxford Internet Institute's 2020 media manipulation survey found evidence of organized social media manipulation campaigns in every one of the 81 countries surveyed. Governments, public relations firms, and political parties are producing misinformation on an industrial scale. This manipulation of public opinion poses a growing threat to democracies around the world.
The Role of Private Firms
Private 'strategic communications' firms are playing an increasing role in spreading computational propaganda. Researchers identified state actors working with such firms in 48 countries, with almost $60 million spent on firms using bots and other amplification strategies to create the impression of trending political messaging. This professionalisation of disinformation campaigns makes it even more challenging to discern truth from propaganda.
Implications for Democracy
The control of media by state actors undermines the principles of democracy and freedom of speech. When governments control the narrative, they can suppress dissenting voices and manipulate public opinion to maintain power. This erosion of independent media threatens the very foundation of democratic societies.
Conclusion
The evidence of state control over media is clear and concerning. As citizens, it is crucial to remain vigilant and demand transparency and accountability from both governments and media organizations. Only by safeguarding the independence of the media can we ensure the free flow of information and the health of our democracies.
The documents, which encompass all government correspondence with the media, provide evidence that the UK media is under state control.
Busted Media Crimes Exposed Video
Jonathan Greenblatt is an American entrepreneur, corporate executive, and the sixth national director and CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). He has a diverse background, having served in the White House as Special Assistant to President Barack Obama and Director of the Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation.
Leaked conference call
Marianna Spring Interview
She lied on her CV and she is the BBC misinformation expert
Marianna Spring of the BBC has a tendency to label ordinary individuals as conspiracy theorists and potential terrorists when they challenge official narratives. When confronted about misrepresenting her professional background to further her goals, she remarked that she believed her dishonesty "wouldn't be a significant issue."
On September 6th 2023, The New European reported that Marianna Spring, the BBC's "specialist disinformation correspondent," misrepresented her qualifications in an unsuccessful bid for a position at Coda Story in 2018.
When the BBC's disinformation correspondent lied on her CV - The New European
Coda Story, which presents itself as an independent media outlet, receives funding from the National Endowment for Democracy, a U.S. government entity involved in regime change, as well as from the European Union.
In her application to Coda Story's editor-in-chief, Natalia Antelava, Spring included a CV that falsely stated she had collaborated with BBC correspondent Sarah Rainsford on the network's coverage of the World Cup held in Russia that year.
An entry noted: “June 2018: Covered International News during the World Cup, focusing on the global perception of Russia, alongside BBC correspondent Sarah Rainsford.”
In reality, Spring had encountered Rainsford on a few social occasions, but they had never collaborated professionally. Antelava quickly recognized that Spring was being dishonest and reprimanded her for the falsehood. The aspiring BBC official offered a submissive apology, expressing regret for her “terrible error in judgment,” while, rather astonishingly, still claiming to be a “brilliant reporter.”
My interactions with Sarah have been limited and we have exchanged a few words, but nothing beyond that. I take full responsibility for my actions and sincerely apologise once more. The only rationale I can offer is my overwhelming desire to report from Moscow. This was an incredibly naïve and foolish assumption on my part, and I deeply regret this significant error in judgment.
Antelava did not take this well, outright rejecting Spring’s application and stating, “It was a grave mistake to claim you are a brilliant reporter who values integrity and honesty when your actions have shown the contrary.”
Spring's credentials may be unlawful, as falsifying résumé information is a serious crime in Britain under the 2006 Fraud Act, potentially leading to hefty fines and up to 10 years in prison.
The Risks of Lying on Your CV | Jobseeker
The reasons for the delay in revealing Spring's deception are unclear. Since her attempt to secure a top reporting position through fabrication, her career has flourished, making her a prominent figure in British media.
Shortly after falsifying her CV, Spring joined the BBC's Newsnight and became the "specialist disinformation correspondent" in March 2020, coinciding with the UK's Coronavirus Act and nationwide lockdown. She played a key role in portraying opponents of lockdowns and pandemic measures as a dangerous faction, advocating for a strong state response, often referencing the NATO-funded Institute for Strategic Dialogue to support her controversial reporting.
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