Natural Writer
America’s national parks are facing unprecedented political and environmental challenges. Over the past fourteen months, the Trump administration has systematically dismantled protections for protected lands, despite record-high visitation. Much of what we understand about those efforts is due to the excellent and rigorous reporting of Ashley Harrell, the national parks bureau chief for SFGate, and her team.
It appears their coverage has touched a nerve. Last week, Harrell reported that, according to internal communications she reviewed and interviews with a number of sources, the Department of the Interior has effectively blacklisted SFGate. “We have received direction to not respond in any way to any inquiries received no matter the topic from SFGate,” an employee shared with her. Another said they were told the publication isn’t “in line with the administration’s views.”
Related Knowledge Center: The White House vs. the press
Whether it’s the Des Moines Register’s publication of an unfavorable election poll, a routine edit of a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris, or the Associated Press’s decision in its authoritative stylebook to continue to use “Gulf of Mexico,” Donald Trump and the White House have used executive authority and legal reprisals in an effort to punish and suppress press coverage that runs contrary to the administration’s preferred narratives.
Democracy and politics | Signalgate | The CBS submission | Voiceless America
Related Knowledge Center: Free speech and public protest
The First Amendment is facing challenging times: Crackdowns on campus protests prompted both-sides claims of intolerance. Attempts to head off dangerous health misinformation have been characterized as violations of free speech. Donald Trump is publicly punishing news outlets that deviate from his administration’s version of events while privately suing some outlets into submission.
The White House vs. the press | Voiceless America
Related Knowledge Center: Democracy and politics
News organizations are scrambling to find a coverage approach that adequately informs the American public about the country’s slide from democracy to authoritarian rule.