Calls on the rise for AT&T to abandon far-right disinformation network OANN

AAfter news of telecom giant AT&T’s alleged role in creating and sustaining the right-wing One America News (OAN) disinformation network, calls for accountability have been swift. Released earlier this week, a special Reuters report documented allegations that AT&T not only encouraged the creation of another conservative news network, but is its main source of revenue.

In a brief response to Reuters, an AT&T spokesperson said it does not directly fund OAN. While this may be technically true, information uncovered by Reuters asserts the financial benefit to OAN from its relationship with AT&T.

As political journalist Judd Legum documented, AT&T was among the companies financially supporting politicians who backed former President Trump’s “big lie”. Legum pointed out that the network was broadcasting a two-hour special from the CEO of MyPillow as an example of the blatant content being produced.

The chair of the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Sherrilyn Ifill, denounced the “complicity of those who know better.”

But Color of Change and Free Press went even further. Citing AT & T’s commitment to fairness, organizations insist that AT&T abandon the network because of the extensive damage caused by the spread of disinformation. OANN has been called a Trump-friendly media outlet, but has been a major source of misinformation fueling the rhetoric of a “stolen” election.

“More and more media companies nationwide are publicly recognizing the role they have played in inciting hatred and violence, in spreading conspiracy theories and in promoting stereotypes and tropes on blacks and other communities of color, ”said Jessica J. González, co-executive director of Free Press. Free Press is home to Media 2070, a media repair project exploring historical and ongoing damage caused by media.

“Like our Media 2070 As the project has clearly shown, this moment in our history requires a broader consideration of the way our media system is structured, as well as the federal policies and undue corporate influence that shaped it ”, González continued. “It’s time for AT&T to follow suit and keep its own PR promise to ‘stand up for fairness’. The immediate severing of all ties with One America News is a step in the right direction. “

“It’s a role model for AT&T – the company has also contributed to political action committees for right-wing politicians who tried to overturn the 2020 election results,” said Rashad Robinson, president of Color of Change . “No empty words in favor of black lives can save AT&T in the face of these actions – only a total and immediate rejection of further support for media platforms and racist politicians can do so. Facebook isn’t the only global media company that has always chosen to do anything for another dollar, even if that means supporting white nationalists and sacrificing the safety and security of millions of Americans. AT&T must immediately withdraw from business models built on racist and dangerous media content. ”

A November Forbes article, citing a Bloomberg report, said AT&T was paying OAN 15 cents per subscriber per month. Media Matters for America President Angelo Carusoe told Forbes it was high.

AT&T carrying OANN is part of the problem in trying to appease both sides when democracy is at stake. Congressional Black Caucus chairwoman representative Joyce Beatty called on AT&T to respond to the report in a separate statement. She explained that AT&T had partnered with the Black Caucus on several issues. Beatty seemed determined that the organization would not be used as a shield against criticism.

“AT & T’s support for the NAO is in direct opposition to its claims to embrace and value diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Beatty. “As members of the Congressional Black Caucus, we find these allegations appalling and call on AT&T to respond immediately. We will not give in to our commitment to fight any attempt to circumvent democratic principles, deny American voters the right to vote, and marginalize black communities. “

Back in May, AT&T issued a statement expressing support for racial justice reforms, including the George Floyd Justice In Policing Act.

“At AT&T, we are a strong advocate for equality and remain committed to doing our part to advance racial equity and justice for all,” the statement read in part. “Since the 1960s, our company has been at the forefront of the defense of civil rights and the fight for equality. And today, we continue to work with civil rights organizations, law enforcement, elected officials and businesses at the local, state and federal levels to fight injustices. “

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