From Free Press:
We're seeing the first cracks in the White House's scheme to spread pro-war propaganda via corporate media. One more push will break this story wide open.
Senator Boxer sits on an influential committee that could hold hearings and investigate whether this “selling of the war” violates federal law. It is crucial that your senator hears from you now.
Last week, the New York Times exposed a shady Pentagon program to embed up to 75 "propaganda pundits" on every major news network. These so-called experts went on the air to cover up bad news about Iraq with White House spin. Many of these pundits work for private military contractors as consultants, board members and lobbyists.
Since the story broke, nearly 25,000 Free Press activists have sent letters to Congress. Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Carl Levin (D-Mich.), and Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) have already responded, calling for a full investigation.
We need your senator to take the next step by urging Congress to act:
By sending this letter to your senator, you're helping end years of media distortion by the White House targeted at the American public.
But the blame doesn't end with the Bush administration. Despite the Times' front-page treatment, nearly every mainstream news outlet has ignored this explosive story -- opting to sweep under the carpet a scandal that reaches deep into their own newsrooms. Fox News Channel has even continued to include the Penatagon's propaganda pundits on its newscasts.
The news blackout on the Pentagon propaganda highlights the failure of a consolidated media system.
The Pentagon propaganda wouldn't have spread far if not for the administration's cozy relationship with corporate media outlets like Fox, ABC, NBC, CBS and CNN. Their failure to properly question the case for war -- to counter the official version with dissenting views -- poses a fundamental threat to our democracy.
Spreading "covert propaganda" is illegal under U.S. law. Senator Boxer should now join colleagues on the Hill and investigate whether the Pentagon and corporate media crossed the line.
Big media and the Pentagon have a lot to answer for. It's time we learned the truth about war propaganda.
Thank you,
Josh SilverExecutive Director
Free Press Action Fund
http://www.freepress.net
Wrap...
No comments:
Post a Comment