NBC has delayed airing a new documentary about Trump’s child-separation policy, described by MSNBC’s Chris Hayes as “absolutely urgent,” until December, despite its importance for public interest. The reason behind the delay appears to be concerns that airing it earlier could hurt Trump’s feelings, thereby making him unlikely to do an MSNBC debate. This decision has been criticized as prioritizing Trump’s sensitivities over informing the public on a significant and painful policy issue.
I generally agree with your PS, though, I’m not sure I’m thrilled with the idea that independent news organizations should be making decisions based on fears of election interference. Unlike the possible accusations of conflict of interests for government agencies or institutions, the role of the media (ostensibly and historically) has been, and continues to be, to ensure transparency, accountability, and public participation in governance.
“Interfering” with elections through informational reporting seems to be a primary role of the news. Though, perhaps the fact that’s it’s a documentary changes the calculus. In some sense, this seems to be more fundamentally about the interests of the ownership of MSNBC and fears of retribution if it’s released prior to the election, but I don’t think Trump is going to be particularly discerning in his retribution one way or the other.
Oh, yeah, definitely, and if it were simply a matter of transparency, I’d agree.
The problem is Trump brands news agencies “the enemy” and when he does that, his fanbase starts issuing death threats.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/437610-trump-calls-press-the-enemy-of-the-people/
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/04/trump-interview-nabj-abc-host
Yeah, he really does have a sort of stochastic-terror network at his disposal, which is terrifying. Someone I know in my red/blue-split city – smart and wise, kind, experience leading organizations, experience working with the city, and with good ideas for how to improve things like education and parks – told me they won’t run for any office, which they originally had considered, because, and I quote, “I have kids. I can’t risk being killed for trying to improve this city.”
That was one of the most depressing conversations I’ve had in a while.