NY Times And Media Matters Team Up To Silence Conservative Voices Ahead Of Election
Just days before the election, The New York Times and progressive group Media Matters for America are accused of pressuring YouTube to demonetize conservative voices, including Tucker Carlson and Ben Shapiro. The move comes as part of what critics see as an organized attempt by left-leaning groups to stifle dissent against Vice President Kamala Harris.
Shapiro revealed that he was approached by Nico Grant, a Times reporter, who informed him that Media Matters’ “research” would serve as a basis for a piece highlighting conservative “misinformation” on YouTube. The goal appears to be targeting those who oppose Harris. Shapiro shared screenshots of the messages, showing Grant asking questions about YouTube’s monetization policies and past messages concerning misinformation on his videos.
Media Matters, founded by Clinton ally David Brock, has spent years attacking conservative voices by organizing boycotts and pressure campaigns. Known for labeling differing opinions as “misinformation,” the group appears to be focusing on high-profile conservatives on platforms like YouTube. In his social media post, Shapiro stated, “That’s the entire game here. Run an article in America’s ‘most trusted newspaper’ that declares conservatives purveyors of ‘misinformation’ on YouTube.”
Carlson, another target of this campaign, posted screenshots of his own conversation with Grant on X. Carlson’s response to the Times reporter was blunt, calling the inquiry “shameful” and accusing the Times of collaborating with “a left-wing hate group to silence critics of the Democratic Party.” Carlson then shared his exact response to the reporter, asking, “Please quote me.”
Both Shapiro and Carlson argue that discussing changes in voting rules is protected speech, highlighting that the Times itself had reported on controversial election issues in 2020. Media Matters’ ongoing efforts to label conservative discussions as misinformation have drawn criticism for being politically motivated, especially so close to Election Day.
The involvement of Media Matters, backed by major Democrat donors, has sparked concern over whether this coordinated effort is a form of election interference aimed at silencing critics before votes are cast.
