1. Use regulatory powers of the government to investigate and fine media outlets critical of the leader. Use state resources [taxpayer money] to boost media outlets that are friendly.
2. When critical media outlets face financial troubles, which they do because of gov’t interference, loyal investors buy the distressed companies.
3. The gov’t thumb is lifted, the value of the media outlet increases, the loyal investor makes a profit.
4. The loyal owners purge critical journalists and the outlet becomes a regime cheerleader.
5. Other opposition outlets now see a sword of Damocles and begin to self-censor.
6. The dictator consolidates power with radically anti-democracy measures. The cheerleading media overwhelms the public with support of these measures.
The nasty guy has been following step 1 since the day he took office. He appears to be starting step 2. Paul Singer, a major backer of the nasty guy, just bought a big stake in AT&T, parent company to CNN.
I’ve written many times now that there are a lot of media outlets that were cheerleaders for the nasty guy since he announced his candidacy. Already, even before step 2, progressive media has been struggling.
In response to the news that the nasty guy is banning giving shelter to Bahama residents whose homes were destroyed by hurricane Dorian, Elad Nehorai tweeted:
Don’t let yourself become numb to this.
Don’t let them bombard you with inhumanity that you just tune it out.
Don’t give up on the dream of living in a humane world, where people in need are cherished and lifted up rather than turned away.
They want you to give in. Don’t.
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