Four Ways to Unbend the Media’s Knee

Source: Washington Monthly
by Jonathan Alter

“You’ve no doubt heard by now about ABC News capitulating to Donald Trump. With the possible exception of FBI director Christopher Wray resigning before his term was up, this is the most depressing news since the election. ABC News’ act of cowardice reinforces why American democracy is in peril: anticipatory obedience. Strongmen win by getting the press to pull its punches and protect the powerful without being directly ordered to do so. … We’re not Viktor Orban’s Hungary yet, though Trumpsters say they plan to openly emulate Orban, including his efforts to co-opt (rather than crudely muzzle) the press. It’s up to the rest of us to fight back. Here are four ways to do so.” (12/18/24)

https://washingtonmonthly.com/2024/12/18/four-ways-to-unbend-the-medias-knee/