Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich’s espionage trial starts in Russia
The espionage trial of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich is now underway in Russia, behind closed doors. Gershkovich appeared in a courtroom Wednesday morning, June 26, inside a glass cage before the proceedings began.
Wednesday’s hearing went on for over two hours. Afterwards, prosecutor Mikael Ozdoev made a brief statement. He said the case against Gershkovich had started and accused him of “performing illegal actions in secret.”
Falsely accused WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich appeared in a Russian court as proceedings started in a secret trial that will offer him few legal protectionshttps://t.co/CnygQ1pxLJhttps://t.co/CnygQ1pxLJ
He is the first western journalist to be arrested on espionage in post-Soviet Russia.
Gershkovich was arrested while reporting for the Wall Street Journal in March 2023, just weeks before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, accused of spying for the CIA.
The U.S. government, Wall Street Journal and Gershkovich himself all deny the allegations; the State Department has declared him “wrongfully detained.”
According to Russian state news agency TASS, Gershkovich’s next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 13.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the proceedings, telling TASS that it was necessary “to wait for the verdict that will be made.”
Why former GOP candidate Ramaswamy bought a big stake in BuzzFeed
Before he posited as a presidential candidate, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy was making his name as an anti-woke activist investor, targeting oil companies in a crusade against environmental policies. Now, the conservative commentator is putting his money in the mediascape, targeting BuzzFeed.
Some of his demands are typical of an activist investor: He wants three board seats and large-scale layoffs to minimize operating costs. He said BuzzFeed should get down to startup size and keep only the resources needed to create BuzzFeed’s highest-value content, like the “Hot Ones” series. That means dumping the legacy digitized print business.
However, he is also looking to sway editorial decisions. In his letter, Ramaswamy envisions pitching the likes of Tucker Carlson, Bill Maher and NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers to head creator-led content. He said BuzzFeed should “go for talent across the political and cultural spectrum. Be bold. Don’t be afraid to challenge your audiences.”
Lastly, Ramaswamy said BuzzFeed needs to apologize for prior reporting, like being the first to publish the so-called Steele Dossier, which linked former President Donald Trump and Russia, and was later discredited.
BuzzFeed responds
BuzzFeed CEO Jonah Peretti agreed with Ramaswamy that the media company is undervalued but that is where the similarities stop.
“Based on your letter, you have some fundamental misunderstandings about the drivers of our business, the values of our audience and the mission of the company,” Peretti wrote. “I’m very skeptical it makes business sense to turn BuzzFeed into a creator platform for inflammatory political pundits. And we’re definitely not going to issue an apology for our Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism.”
Yes, the website known for quizzes and listicles won journalism’s highest honor for its 2020 reporting on China’s mass detention of Muslims.
Still, Peretti said he welcomes outside perspectives from shareholders — especially from one of BuzzFeed’s largest — and offered to arrange a meeting.
It’s worth noting Peretti has 64% voting control of BuzzFeed — nearly eight times Ramaswamy’s holding. Peretti will have the final say no matter how much any investor snaps up. Public media companies often have dual share structures to maintain editorial independence from investors.
BuzzFeed has had a rough go of it since going public at the end of 2021. As of the morning of Wednesday, May 29, it is worth around $3 a share but is up more than 180% in 2024.
More Americans want journalists to hold their political views: Poll
Roughly 2 out of 5 Americans believe it’s important to receive news from journalists who share their political views, according to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center. Americans prioritize journalists’ alignment with political views over religious views, age, race, gender, and communication style.
Conservative Republicans (47%) and liberal Democrats (50%) emphasize the importance of news from politically aligned journalists. Meanwhile, moderate Republicans (29%) and moderate Democrats (33%) express similar sentiments.
Regarding religion, white evangelicals (33%) and Black Protestants (37%) are more likely to seek news from journalists who share their religious views. In contrast, only 10% of Jewish Americans feel the same way.
Black Americans (41%), more than any other racial or ethnic group, consider it important to receive news from journalists who share their race or ethnicity. Approximately 25% of Hispanic Americans, 20% of Asian Americans, and just 5% of white Americans share this perspective.
News consumption habits are evolving among Americans. Pew Research Center findings reveal a shift toward online sources rather than traditional TV or print media:
The percentage of adults closely following local news has declined since 2018, when 41% received local news via TV. By 2024, this figure dropped to 32%.
In 2018, slightly over a third of Americans obtained news online. Now, nearly half of Americans rely on online sources.
A significant majority of Americans (85%) believe that local journalism is crucial for their communities. Both Republicans and Democrats acknowledge that local media and journalists are performing their roles well.
However, less than half of Americans are satisfied with the coverage of various topics in their local news.
When asked about the financial state of local news outlets, 63% of Americans believe their local news stations are either “doing well” or “somewhat well.” Despite this, local news outlets have faced serious advertising challenges in recent years.
NPR editor resigns after suspension for essay accusing network of liberal bias
Uri Berliner, a long-serving senior editor at NPR, resigned after being suspended for publicly criticizing the network’s perceived liberal bias in an op-ed. Berliner’s critique claimed NPR catered exclusively to a narrow liberal perspective. The statement sparked internal controversy, leading to his suspension on Friday, April 12, for violating policies regarding external publications.
In a social media post on Wednesday, April 17, Berliner shared his resignation letter, commending NPR as a valuable institution but criticizing its current leadership for issues he raised in the op-ed.
The fallout from Berliner’s op-ed reignited debates within NPR about its editorial direction and drew attention from conservative critics. Some of the critics highlighted progressive-oriented social media posts by NPR CEO Katherine Maher from before she assumed the leadership position.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., is once again pursuing legislative measures to cut federal funding to NPR, arguing that the publicly funded broadcaster should not exhibit partisan bias.
Blackburn previously tried to reduce funding for the corporation by $50 million during her tenure as a House representative in 2011.
‘A journalistic rape’: Herridge testifies about CBS News document seizure
Veteran investigative journalist Catherine Herridge testified before Congress Thursday, April 11, and discussed her firing from CBS News. She explained that she was let go on a Zoom call and locked out of her emails and office. Herridge said CBS then seized hundreds of her reporting files including confidential source information.
“When the network of Walter Cronkite ceases your reporting files, including confidential source information, that is an attack on investigative journalism,” Herridge said in a House Judiciary Committee hearing.
Herridge said the files were eventually returned with the help of her union SAG-AFTRA.
“When my records were seized, I felt it was a journalistic rape,” Herridge said.
However, while Herridge’s termination and files have made headlines, the hearing was held to build support for a bill that could help all journalists be protected from government overreach, the PRESS Act.
If passed, the bill would shield journalists from government attempts to obtain the identities of their confidential sources.
“Confidential sources provide crucial information to reporters that helps them to share full and impactful stories with the public,” Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa., said. “Government attempts to undermine the confidentiality of those sources erodes the press’s ability to perform that function.”
The PRESS Act would prohibit the federal government from compelling journalists to disclose protected information including sources, records, communications, documents or anything obtained or created by the journalist in the course of their work. It would provide similar protections for telecommunications services, like phone and internet companies, and social media companies.
There are exceptions for specific circumstances like preventing terrorism or imminent violence.
The bill passed the House without objection but has not been taken up in the Senate.
“It is now the Senate’s turn to take up this legislation to continue Congress’s commitment to protecting our fundamental freedoms,” Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas said. “Our constitutional guarantee of a free press is under attack.”
Both Democratic and Republican administrations have been guilty of surreptitiously seizing source information from journalists.
The Trump administration secretly seized phone records from three Washington Post reporters and tried to obtain their emails in an attempt to identify confidential sources on Russia’s role in the 2016 election.
The Obama administration issued a secret search warrant for Fox reporter James Rosen’s emails after he reported that North Korea would respond to sanctions with more nuclear tests.
Herridge is facing a court ordered fine of $800 per day in a case involving her confidential sources. She said she’s making the right decision to protect their identity.
“I have not lost a night’s sleep about my decision to protect my confidential sources,” Herridge said. “That is the core of who I am as a journalist. I am facing contempt fines because I am upholding the most basic principle of journalism: if you cannot offer a source a promise of confidentiality, as a journalist, your toolbox is empty.”
Kansas newspaper sues city for police raid; damages could exceed $10M
In a lawsuit filed on Monday, April 1, the Marion County Record — a weekly newspaper in Kansas — and its publisher, Eric Meyer, said that raids by the local police department at the newspaper’s offices and the publisher’s home subjected its staff to unreasonable searches and seizures. The lawsuit also alleges that the raid of the publisher’s home led to the death of his mother, who lived with Meyer.
The police department reportedly seized the publication’s computers, cellphones from reporters and sensitive documents. In total, the plaintiffs estimate that they are looking at more than $10 million in damages.
Meyer claims in the lawsuit that the stress of the police department’s actions during the raids caused his mother’s deadly heart attack a day after the incident.
In a notice to local officials, the paper and its publisher said they believe they are owed more than $10 million. Marion’s city budget is only $8.7 million in total. Meyer said that he does not intend to “bankrupt” the city but cited a “duty to democracy and to countless news organizations nationwide to challenge such malicious and wanton violations.”
The former police chief who was part of the raids, Gideon Cody, claimed the police department’s actions were in response to the newspaper’s story about a local restaurant owner. The article in question uncovered the restaurateur’s past DUI conviction and reported proof of her driving in spite of a suspended license.
Cody, who resigned amid backlash from the raids, claimed he had probable cause to believe the newspaper and reporter engaged in identity theft and other crimes in covering the story.
However, the plaintiffs in the lawsuit contend that the reporter did nothing illegal and say the search warrants were motivated by long-held grudges by local officials.
The Marion County Record looked into allegations of misconduct by Cody before his hire in Marion while he worked for the Kansas City Police Department. When the newspaper reached out to Cody about the accusations, he reportedly threatened to sue the paper if it published the accusations. Meyer told NPR that Cody “has reason not to like us.”
The newspaper’s attorney said Meyer’s late mother, Joan Meyer, told police who raided her shared home with her son, “Boy, are you going to be in trouble.” The attorney said that he intends to “make sure Joan’s promise is kept.”
The defense attorney who represents the city as well as former and current city officials declined comment.
Meyer, whose father worked for the Marion County Record from 1948 until he retired, bought the paper in 1998. Meyer kept it locally owned following an attempt to buy the paper from a corporate newspaper chain.
Report: X looks to expand journalistic footprint, in talks with Catherine Herridge
Following her controversial firing at the hands of CBS News, Catherine Herridge may soon have a new job. The former CBS News senior investigative correspondent is reportedly in talks to join the social media giant X, formerly known as Twitter. X responded to the potential talks in a statement on Thursday, March 28.
“We are in discussions with many content creators who are interested in joining X in various way,” X told the New York Post. “Catherine Herridge is a great journalist who strongly supports free speech.”
However, the company did not have any further comment on the talks.
Herridge is an award-winning journalist, who gained a lot of attention while covering the “Hunter Biden laptop” controversy.
According to the New York Post, “Herridge was among the first to receive tips about the Hunter Biden investigation.” However, the Post said she allegedly ran into “internal roadblocks at CBS News.”
In February, Herridge was among hundreds of CBS staffers laid off, as part of cost cutting measures. However, there were reports she had conflicts with the CBS News president before she was let go. Afterwards, reports swirled that CBS News had seized her files in the wake of the firing, which CBS has denied.
Herridge also is involved in an ongoing First Amendment case over her refusal to unmask sources to a judge. She’s currently facing fines of $800 per day for refusing to disclose sources from a 2017 story she filed while with Fox News, regarding a Chinese American scientist who is suing the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The scientist claims the FBI improperly leaked information about her to Herridge.
Herridge’s potential hire comes as X has been trying to build its journalistic footprint. The platform recently signed a contract with Tucker Carlson after his departure from Fox News, and former CNN host Don Lemon said in March that X canceled a contract with him after a contentious interview with owner Elon Musk.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators interrupt President Biden’s celebrity-packed fundraising event at Radio City Music Hall. And, The Wall Street Journal marks one year of reporter Evan Gershkovich being held in a Russian prison. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, March 29, 2024.
High-profile attendees paid up to $500,000 for perks, including a photo op with the presidents by Annie Leibovitz. The event featured celebrities like Mindy Kaling, Stephen Colbert, Lizzo, and Queen Latifah, blending humor with the presidents wearing aviator sunglasses in homage to Biden’s style.
However, it also faced moments of tension as protesters voiced their opposition to Biden’s support for Israel in the Gaza conflict. Outside Radio City Music Hall, a significant number of protesters clashed with police. The three presidents addressed the Gaza war, advocating for a two-state solution and the protection of civilian lives.
To highlight his ongoing imprisonment, today’s Wall Street Journal front page features a significant blank space with the headline, “His story should be here – A year in Russian prison. A year of stolen stories, stolen joys, stolen memories. The crime: journalism.”
Emma Tucker, the Journal’s Editor in Chief, expressed admiration for Gershkovich’s resilience and humor in the face of wrongful detention in a letter published in today’s edition.
She emphasized the attack on free press rights and the crucial role of journalism in society. A Russian court recently extended Gershkovich’s detention until June 30, without setting a trial date or presenting evidence to support the espionage allegations.
Biden admin. approves $60 million in emergency aid after Baltimore bridge collapse
The emergency funds are designated for debris removal, detour arrangements, emergency repairs, and reconstruction.
45 killed in fiery bus crash in South Africa, 8-year-old survives
An 8-year-old child was the sole survivor of a bus crash in South Africa on Thursday that resulted in 45 fatalities. The bus, transporting worshippers to an Easter festival, veered off a bridge in a mountain pass, plunged into a ravine, and caught fire.
The child, who sustained serious injuries, is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
Authorities indicate that the crash occurred after the driver lost control of the bus. Search operations for the victims are still underway.
House to submit Mayorkas articles of impeachment to Senate
The U.S. House of Representatives plans to deliver two articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate on April 10.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and 11 GOP impeachment managers have requested Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to promptly schedule a trial. Impeached federal officials undergo Senate trials to determine their removal.
Mayorkas, impeached last month for allegedly not enforcing U.S. immigration laws and making false statements to Congress, contends he isn’t to blame for the border crisis, attributing it to Congress’ failure to fix a broken immigration system.
Schumer announced that senators will be sworn in as trial jurors after the impeachment articles are delivered. Currently, both the House and Senate are on a two-week recess.
NFL player buys $15k lawn mower after signing record contract
The Eagles, with Dickerson, will kick off their season on September 6 in Brazil, marking the NFL’s first regular season game in the country, where Dickerson is unlikely to bring his new mower.
Possible plea deal could help WikiLeaks’ Julian Assange avert espionage charges
Federal prosecutors are in talks to allow WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to avoid espionage charges by instead pleading guilty to a lesser offense of mishandling classified information, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. The possible agreement could lead to Assange being released from prison.
Assange, known for his WikiLeaks disclosures, faces extradition to the U.S. for publishing classified military documents and diplomatic communications. Right now, Assange is in a London prison, and he is fighting extradition efforts. While Assange is in prison, his legal team is looking at the potential plea deal.
The talks between the Justice Department and Assange’s lawyers come after years of legal fights. Under the possible plea deal, Assange could remotely plead guilty to mishandling classified documents, a misdemeanor crime. If a deal is reached, he could be released from prison after the agreement is finalized. The reason for the early release would be because he reportedly would be given credit for time served.
However, approval from the highest levels of the Justice Department is needed for any deal to progress.
Assange’s case presents complex legal and political obstacles. The Obama administration chose not to prosecute him, expressing concerns about the implications for journalistic practices.
With Assange again in the spotlight, there is renewed debate over the lines between journalism and national security. A plea deal would also allow the U.S. to avoid a controversial trial and debate over the Espionage Act.
Sports Illustrated and Minute Media partnership secures print future
In a strategic move designed to stabilize and expand its operations, Sports Illustrated is partnering with digital media company Minute Media. This collaboration marks a significant shift in the magazine’s publishing rights, now secured by Minute Media for the next 10 years, with an option to extend the agreement for up to three decades.
The decision comes on the heels of challenges with the Arena Group — the magazine’s previous operator — which failed to fulfill a $3.75 million payment obligation. The lapse prompted Authentic Brands Group (ABG), the holder of Sports Illustrated’s intellectual property rights, to terminate its existing publishing agreement with the Arena Group, leading to substantial job losses in January.
Asaf Peled, the founder and CEO of Minute Media, has emphasized the company’s commitment to uphold the high standards of journalism Sports Illustrated is known for.
“At Minute Media, our focus will be to take that legacy into new, emerging channels enhancing visibility, commercial viability and sustainable impact, all while ensuring that the SI team is inspired to flourish in this new era of media,” Peled said.
The acquisition not only aims to ensure the print edition’s continuation but also seeks to broaden Sports Illustrated’s global presence. Minute Media — which owns other sports and culture content brands such as The Players’ Tribune and FanSided — plans to reinstate some of the employees laid off under the previous management, signaling a new chapter for the sports journalism brand.