Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird s putting American journalism on notice. This is part of her job, apparently.
Bird led the charge along with 13 other Republican attorneys general who wrote a letter to The New York Times, the Associated Press, CNN and Reuters. They contend if news outlets pay for the services of freelancers who have ties to a terrorist organization such as Hamas, they’ll be providing “material support to terrorists.” That’s against the law.
The states insist they “support press freedom and never seek to chill speech.” And yet the letter’s conclusion sounds ominous.
“We will continue to follow your reporting to ensure that your organizations do not violate any federal or state laws by giving material support to terrorists abroad. Now your organizations are on notice. Follow the law,” the letter concludes.
The letter sites “credible” reporting alleging some freelance photographers used by the news outlets “have deep and troubling ties to Hamas — and may have participated in the Oct. 7 attack.”
The origin of these “credible” allegations is the website Honest Reporting, which alleged some of the photographers had advanced knowledge of the attack and were cogs in Hamas’ invasion plan.
The news organizations denied the allegations, providing evidence that photos taken by the freelancers were shot well after the invasion began. One photog who posted a very cozy photo with the top Hamas leader in Gaza on social media will no longer be used by American outlets.
Simon Plosker, Honest Reporting’s editorial director, asked by Voice of America about the lack of solid evidence for its allegations, said, "That's exactly why we raised various questions here, because we are seeking answers ourselves." Gil Hoffman, executive director of Honest Reporting, confirmed the lack of evidence to the AP and accepted explanations that the journalists had no advanced knowledge. He conceded “we don’t claim to be a news organization.”
But questions remain, as they always do. One big one is why is Bird even involved in this issue?
Because she just can’t resist political grandstanding. Bird, of course, announced the letter on Fox News.
That’s all this is. If a solid case can be made an American news outlet truly provided material support to terrorists, it would be a job for federal prosecutors. The New York Times isn’t going to be hauled into a Polk County courtroom.
Bird and her red state colleagues eagerly wrote a letter that connects terrorism to journalism. Smacking around the media, especially the coastal elite running The New York Times, is always good politics. It also allows them to pretend thet have some role in the war against Hamas terror.
Remember, Bird’s presidential pick says journalists are “enemies of the people.” One of his aides this week said a second Trump administration would “come after” the media.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, as of this week, 63 journalists have died covering the Gaza war. Three journalists are missing and 19 have been arrested. It’s the deadliest month for journalists since the CPJ started counting in 1992. And not a word from Bird lamenting the loss, even though she supports “press freedom.”
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Bird led the charge along with 13 other Republican attorneys general who wrote a letter to The New York Times, the Associated Press, CNN and Reuters. They contend if news outlets pay for the services of freelancers who have ties to a terrorist organization such as Hamas, they’ll be providing “material support to terrorists.” That’s against the law.
The states insist they “support press freedom and never seek to chill speech.” And yet the letter’s conclusion sounds ominous.
“We will continue to follow your reporting to ensure that your organizations do not violate any federal or state laws by giving material support to terrorists abroad. Now your organizations are on notice. Follow the law,” the letter concludes.
The letter sites “credible” reporting alleging some freelance photographers used by the news outlets “have deep and troubling ties to Hamas — and may have participated in the Oct. 7 attack.”
The origin of these “credible” allegations is the website Honest Reporting, which alleged some of the photographers had advanced knowledge of the attack and were cogs in Hamas’ invasion plan.
The news organizations denied the allegations, providing evidence that photos taken by the freelancers were shot well after the invasion began. One photog who posted a very cozy photo with the top Hamas leader in Gaza on social media will no longer be used by American outlets.
Simon Plosker, Honest Reporting’s editorial director, asked by Voice of America about the lack of solid evidence for its allegations, said, "That's exactly why we raised various questions here, because we are seeking answers ourselves." Gil Hoffman, executive director of Honest Reporting, confirmed the lack of evidence to the AP and accepted explanations that the journalists had no advanced knowledge. He conceded “we don’t claim to be a news organization.”
But questions remain, as they always do. One big one is why is Bird even involved in this issue?
Because she just can’t resist political grandstanding. Bird, of course, announced the letter on Fox News.
That’s all this is. If a solid case can be made an American news outlet truly provided material support to terrorists, it would be a job for federal prosecutors. The New York Times isn’t going to be hauled into a Polk County courtroom.
Bird and her red state colleagues eagerly wrote a letter that connects terrorism to journalism. Smacking around the media, especially the coastal elite running The New York Times, is always good politics. It also allows them to pretend thet have some role in the war against Hamas terror.
Remember, Bird’s presidential pick says journalists are “enemies of the people.” One of his aides this week said a second Trump administration would “come after” the media.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, as of this week, 63 journalists have died covering the Gaza war. Three journalists are missing and 19 have been arrested. It’s the deadliest month for journalists since the CPJ started counting in 1992. And not a word from Bird lamenting the loss, even though she supports “press freedom.”
Opinion: For Brenna Bird political grandstanding is a reflex
Former President Donald Trump talks with Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird during a commit to caucus rally, Monday, Oct. 16, …
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