Whistleblowers Are Playing A Critical Role in the Coronavirus Crisis
Politics and Society Blog
According to Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF) (directed by the likes of Edward Snowden, Daniel Ellsberg, John Cusack and Glenn Greenwald) whistleblowers have played a key role in shaping the public's understanding of the coronavirus crisis, but they've been punished for their service. From the first documented cases in China to the front lines of government response and medical care, FPF has followed important developments through a combination of brave sources and fierce, independent journalism. This week, FPF documented how those whistleblowers have faced backlash and punishment for shining a light.
For example: in New York City, which has become the global center of the disease, every major private hospital has issued memos warning employees not to speak with the media about the issues they encounter, such as shortages of personal protective equipment. In that city and elsewhere, medical workers have already reported being fired or disciplined for taking such actions.
Trump continues an online crusade against the free press, crossing his 2000th tweeted attack on the media since he declared his candidacy in 2015. On Saturday evening, the president went after at least five outlets for recent reporting on coronavirus transmission patterns.
On U.S. Press Freedom Tracker, reporter Stephanie Sugars meticulously documents Trump’s Twitter attacks on the press in a searchable database. To mark the dubious milestone, she and Tracker managing editor Kirstin McCudden present new analysis of how Trump has shifted his attention back to the press as the U.S. began to lead the world in confirmed cases of coronavirus. During the week of March 23, he spent nearly one in five tweets criticizing the news media.
Government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels have fallen short of their transparency duties while responding to the pandemic — a time when sunlight is most essential. The state of Hawaii suspended its public records law altogether, for example, and the FBI has stopped processing electronic records requests.
The role of journalism in our democracy matters now more than ever. Supporting independent news aggregators such as Kodoom.com (by sharing our news links) or watchdog groups such as Public Citizen or Freedom of the Press Foundation will help protect press freedom.
Related:
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