Writers for a D.C.-based media operation run by prominent Democratic operatives are behind a sprawling network of ostensible local media outlets churning out Democrat-aligned news content in midterm battleground states, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: Behind the patina of independent local news, these sites are pumping out content designed to put a sheen of original reporting on partisan messaging.
It's an increasingly common tactic among political outfits looking to give their team a steady stream of positive content they can then use to boost their own electoral communications.
What's happening: A network of at least 51 locally branded news sites has popped up since last year under names like the Milwaukee Metro Times, the Mecklenburg Herald and the Tri-City Record.
The sites are focused on key swing states with elections in 2021 and 2022: Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Michigan, New Hampshire, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.Each follows a similar template: aggregated local news content and short write-ups about local sports teams and attractions — interspersed with heavily slanted political news aimed at boosting Democratic midterm candidates and attacking Republican opponents.
The intrigue: "About Us" pages for each of the sites say they're run by a company called Local Report Inc., which was formed in Florida last year.
Their mastheads indicate involvement by another entity: the American Independent, a Washington-based progressive news outfit.Six American Independent writers have each contributed to most or all of the sites in the network, according to an Axios review of bylines on the sites.While all of the sites aggregate content from other sources, all six of those authors regularly write stories directly for the Local Report network, with numerous articles appearing exclusively on those sites.
The American Independent was launched by Democratic operative and fundraiser David Brock — also known for founding the left-leaning media watchdog Media Matters for America.-- excerpt, rest at link above --
"I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."
Democrats running fake local news sites in swing states ahead of midterms: report https://justthenews.com/government/court...m_campaign=twjs "Six American Independent writers have each contributed to most or all of the sites in the network." By Ben Whedon
Updated: October 7, 2022 - 9:29pm
ArticleDig In
The Democratic Party is running a string of questionable local news sites to spread messages in favor of their platform ahead of the November midterm elections.
According to a report from Axios, the network consists of at least 51 sites across 10 battleground states, including Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Michigan, New Hampshire, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
These sites follow a pattern: "aggregated local news content and short write-ups about local sports teams and attractions — interspersed with heavily slanted political news aimed at boosting Democratic midterm candidates and attacking Republican opponents," the report insists.
The outlet identified the relatively nascent firm Local Report as responsible for operating many of the cites, referencing the "about us" section available on each. Another organization, The American Independent, was identified as a major contributor to the effort.
"Six American Independent writers have each contributed to most or all of the sites in the network," the outlet wrote in its report. The American Independent is a left-wing organization owned by True Blue Media, which maintains close ties with former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, per the Epoch Times. Axios also noted TAI's funding of left-wing watchdog Media Matters for America.-- excerpt, rest at link above --
"I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."
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