While their donors may not shape coverage, perhaps the opinions and beliefs of the Center Square’s reporters do. At least, that’s what the Washington State Attorney General’s Office thinks. The Center Square and Attorney General Nick Brown’s office recently crossed swords over the non-work online activity of its reporter, TJ Martinell.
Martinell has written Center Square stories critical of the attorney general’s office, including how the office gave legal advice to the Democrats while they put together a millionaires tax; how publicly requested documents were distributed; and how many attorneys general, including Washington’s Nick Brown, coordinated lawsuits against President Trump before he was re-elected. Martinell also has a virulently racist and misogynic digital footprint that Brown’s office takes issue with.
On July 28, David Postman, Brown’s chief of staff, wrote a long letter to Center Square CEO Chris Krug complaining about Martinell. Postman acknowledged that the attorney general’s office is unhappy with some of Martinell’s coverage. But his letter focused on the reporter’s off-the-job activities, stating they weren’t a good fit with an office with a high number of women and people of color on staff.
“I am alarmed by the writings and comments by Washington State Center Square reporter TJ Martinell on multiple social media channels and blogs. … His stated views point to political biases, racial prejudices, misogyny, and conspiracy theories,” Postman wrote.
9 Comments
tidderuuf@lemmy.world · -1 pts · 4d
Who cares?
The Trace which is a news site that covers gun violence and many news sites use it as a resource is paid by Michael Bloombergs antigun slush fund Everytown For Gun Safety.
Don't even get me started on the news sites who are owned by corporations, fascist police states or religious groups.
velma@sh.itjust.works · 3 pts · 4d
I care about journalistic standards.
tidderuuf@lemmy.world · 0 pts · 4d
Then I think we can all agree Journalists should do a better job, including The Stranger because they fail to mention how common this practice is. Conveniently...
And honestly the obsession with Heywood by some notable talking heads in our state are getting a little weird. It's starting to sound like an old diner in the middle of rural WA where old farts sit around sipping coffee complaining about these "Rich Californian folk coming here changing our ways".
If people want to be outraged, get outraged about the money from these Epstein-class billionaires being used in our local politics and the politicians we keep electing that are fine with it.
velma@sh.itjust.works · 3 pts · 4d
The attorney general's office is taking issue with this despite how common you think it is.
tidderuuf@lemmy.world · -2 pts · 4d
Weird that they only take issue with one side doing it but not others. Politics much? Also sorry see my long edit up above. I think we can all agree this is all bullshit and money from these assholes needs to stay out of our politics, no matter which side they lean.
velma@sh.itjust.works · 5 pts · 4d
Are there other journalists participating in the Old Glory Club functions and saying shit like:
While claiming this doesn't influence their journalistic integrity?
specialseaweed@sh.itjust.works · 3 pts · 3d
you're workin way too hard here, velma. i appreciate you trying tho
velma@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 3d
It's a hobby of mine haha
velma@sh.itjust.works · 3 pts · 4d
Why do you think Heywood isn't also a part of these Epstein-class elites?
Edit: Re-wrote a sentence to make it more clear.