Only You Can Prevent Propaganda

by Diane Farsetta — October 5, 2005 - 9:47am

The Government Accountability Office ruled last week that several aspects of the public relations firm Ketchum's contract with the Department of Education were illegal, constituting "covert propaganda" or "purely partisan activities." These include Karen Ryan-narrated video news releases and Armstrong Williams columns. The New York Times editorialized, "The White House order to close down the ersatz news coverage should have been unequivocal once the real news media uncovered the hired fakers. But administration apologists continued to insist only 'legitimate dissemination' of public information was at work." Since the GAO can't enforce its rulings, Free Press and the Center for Media and Democracy have launched a letter writing campaign to Congress and the Department of Justice, urging that these crimes be prosecuted "to the fullest extent of the law." To send a letter, just use this link.