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Ben Shapiro Accuses The New York Times of Colluding with Media Matters
Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro has made allegations that The New York Times is collaborating with the far-left organization Media Matters for America to suppress dissenting voices on YouTube, particularly those who are critical of Vice President Kamala Harris. Shapiro shared a screenshot of a text exchange with New York Times reporter Nico Grant, revealing what he claims is an attempt to target him based on his political views.
Media Matters, established in 2004 by David Brock, a figure closely linked to the Clinton administration, has garnered attention as a media watchdog. The organization has a history of spearheading campaigns against conservative figures, often employing tactics such as boycotts. Shapiro’s remarks came as he expressed concerns about potentially being the next target on their list.
“If you were wondering what the legacy media would plan for its October surprise, wonder no longer: it’s here. Today, I received a text from a reporter at @NYTimes,” Shapiro posted on social media, referencing Grant’s message sent to him recently.
Media Matters’ Role and Political Context
In the text, Grant asked Shapiro for his comments on an upcoming article exploring how political commentators have discussed the approaching election on YouTube. The Times reporter emphasized that their analysis would be informed by research from Media Matters.
According to Shapiro, this inquiry is part of a strategy by the Times to use Media Matters’ findings to label conservative media personalities as purveyors of misinformation. He pointed out that Grant referenced “286 YouTube videos” held to contain misinformation surrounding the election, including statements he made. In his message, Grant asked Shapiro if he is part of the YouTube Partner Program and inquired about the monetization of his content.
Shapiro criticized the Times’ use of Media Matters’ research, which he described as a “radical left-wing organization” intent on dismantling conservative media. He asserted that the broader intent is to pressure platforms like YouTube into penalizing conservative content creators before the upcoming presidential election.
First Amendment Rights and Political Bias
In his response, Shapiro defended his views, stating, “I have always acknowledged that Joe Biden won the 2020 election.” He contended that if describing what he calls the “rigging” of voting rules constitutes misinformation, then outlets such as The New York Times and CBS News should also be scrutinized for their reports.
Shapiro further argued that holding a dissenting opinion about the election outcome does not amount to misinformation and highlighted the potential infringement on First Amendment rights, claiming that simply supporting former President Trump could make one a target.
He concluded his response by expressing his discontent with the press, accusing the Times of being complicit in media manipulation to shield specific narratives and support certain political outcomes.
Financing of Media Matters and Ongoing Controversies
Media Matters is known to receive considerable financial support from prominent Democratic donors, raising questions about its tax-exempt status since it operates in the political arena. In 2020, the organization faced criticism when it allegedly received a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan between “$1-2 million” from the Trump administration, despite being vocal about its critiques of Trump’s COVID-19 responses, including the administration’s handling of the PPP.
The unfolding confrontation between Shapiro and The New York Times underscores the contentious nature of media relations and the political landscape in the United States, especially in an election year when the stakes are particularly high.
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