In the Washington Post, journalist James Kirchick explains why he took the extraordinary step of using an opportunity to zap Russia’s state-sponsored propaganda outlet.
Condemning Russian homophobia and supporting that country’s gay community were not my only purposes Wednesday. I also hoped to expose RT’s pernicious influence as an outlet that poses as a legitimate news organization, yet is anything but. For too long, journalists in democratic countries who take Western freedoms for granted have either accepted job offers or appeared on this network and others like it, lending these propaganda outlets undeserved credibility. They should instead treat RT with the contempt it merits.
More journalists should take opportunities like this to show up fake news outlets shilling for repressive regimes. All serious journalists should find ways to use – rather than be used by – organisations like RT and PressTV.
