MEDIA & ETHICS / VIOLATIONS
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VIOLATIONS
Silence as Policy: How the Columbia Journalism Review Protects Its Own and Abandons the Public
When conflicts of interest in major news coverage were exposed, CJR refused to respond, eroding public trust in media oversight.
VIOLATIONS
WSJ’s Kevin Dugan Lies to Everyone Again—While Broadcasting His Own Misconduct
Freedom exposes Dugan’s ties to an anti-Scientology hate group as he mocks media watchdogs, blocks critics and calls his own posts “BS.”
VIOLATIONS
Gallup Data Shows Media Trust at Record Low as WSJ Reporter Kevin Dugan’s Hidden Bias Emerges
Dugan’s undisclosed ties to an anti-Scientology hate group reveal lapses in Wall Street Journal oversight—and explain why Americans’ trust in newspapers, TV and radio has plummeted to 28 percent.
VIOLATIONS
WSJ Bigot Kevin Dugan’s Hidden Ties to Secret Group Calling to “Destroy Scientology” Revealed
Dugan’s undisclosed collaboration with a clandestine hate group shows his allegiance lies not with journalism, but with bigotry.
VIOLATIONS
From Editorial Byline to Professional Flatline—Dan Wakeford Is the Grim Reaper of the Tabloids
From celebrity gossip to anti-religious propaganda, Wakeford’s brand of “journalism” leaves only wreckage behind.
VIOLATIONS
San Francisco Standard Shamelessly Abandons Ethics to Serve Bigotry and Clicks
How a reporter’s reliance on a discredited hate blogger cast a shadow over a story—and a website—masquerading as journalism.
VIOLATIONS
The Death of the Byline: How AI Avatars Are Replacing Real Reporters in a Crisis of Credibility
From fabricated personas and stock-photo journalists to full-blown local “news” sites run by bots, the rise of AI-generated reporting is upending trust in the press—revealing just how easy it is to fake the Fourth Estate.
VIOLATIONS
Carly Sitzer Disavows Distractify Role Amid Fake Byline Fallout
Carly Sitzer is now claiming she left Distractify in 2023—despite still being listed as the site’s editor as of April 20 this year. The only thing disappearing faster than digital attribution is journalistic accountability.
VIOLATIONS
Carly Sitzer’s Distractify Under Fire After “Fake Reporter” Byline Scandal
After a bigoted article written by Jennifer Farrington was met with public criticism, Farrington’s name disappeared and was replaced by a fake “reporter.”
VIOLATIONS
Alex Barnes-Ross Accidentally Reveals He and Reporter Shanti Das Colluded for Months to Smear the Church
Barnes-Ross’ brain-dead video admission he and Das planned an attack for months kills Das’ reputation—even as she admits in print she can’t prove anything she claims.
VIOLATIONS
Trust in News Collapses as Algorithms Govern Information Access
A trust deficit is affecting almost every mainstream news source. Low-quality, biased reporting means smaller audiences and a less informed populace. It’s a vicious circle.
VIOLATIONS
Reports of Hector Becerra’s Bullying Emerge as Yet More LA Times Staff Flee
Managing editor Hector Becerra, who boasts a history of celebrating misogynists and abusers, accelerates his publication’s 15-year trend toward utter collapse.
FROM THE MAGAZINE
VIOLATIONS
The Media’s Sacred Cows
Don’t take a free cup of coffee, reporters are warned—even as their bosses cover for friendly politicians and rake in cash from those who despoil society.
