- The Poynter Institute received at least $2.4 million in government funds from 2013 to 2025, primarily from the Biden administration's Small Business Administration.
- The allocation of taxpayer dollars to the IFCN raises concerns about government influence over media and the suppression of dissenting voices, particularly conservative viewpoints.
- The IFCN's involvement in content moderation programs, such as Meta's fact-checking initiative, highlights the potential for government-funded censorship of online speech.
- The Poynter Institute has been involved in controversial episodes, including an attempted blacklist of conservative news outlets and close ties with organizations known for anti-conservative stances.
- The revelation of government funding to the Poynter Institute and IFCN underscores the need for transparency and accountability in public spending, and calls for Congress to investigate and defund these entities.
In a shocking revelation that underscores the insidious reach of government over media and online speech, the Media Research Center (MRC) has uncovered that the Poynter Institute for Media Studies received at least 2.4 million in government funds from 2013 to 2025. The majority of this funding, totaling over 1.67 million, came from the Small Business Administration (SBA) during the Biden administration, with additional significant contributions from the U.S. Agency for Global Media and the State Department.
A historical context of concern
The Poynter Institute, home to the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), has long been a focal point of controversy, particularly among conservatives and those advocating for free speech. Since its inception in 2015, the IFCN has certified and supported over 170 fact-checking organizations worldwide, a network that has often been accused of bias and censorship. The allocation of taxpayer dollars to such an entity raises serious questions about government influence over the media and the suppression of dissenting voices.
Government-funded censorship: A dangerous precedent
The funding of the Poynter Institute is not merely a case of irresponsible spending; it is a potent example of the government's role in shaping online discourse. The IFCN, with its extensive network of fact-checkers, including Poynter's own PolitiFact, was integral to Meta’s (formerly Facebook) fact-checking program. This program, which flagged content and reduced its visibility by up to 95%, was a powerful tool for suppressing speech—particularly conservative viewpoints.
"The critical issue here is the extent to which the government is funding organizations that have a direct hand in moderating and censoring online content," said Tim Graham, a senior analyst at MRC. "This is a clear violation of the First Amendment and a dangerous precedent for free speech in America."
A checkered history of controversies
The Poynter Institute’s track record is marred by several contentious episodes that further highlight the potential for misuse of government funds. In 2019, the institute attempted to establish a blacklist of 29 conservative news outlets, including prominent sources like Breitbart, The Daily Wire and The Blaze. The backlash from the public was so intense that Poynter was forced to retract the list.
Moreover, Poynter’s then-associate director, Cristina Tardáguila, served on the advisory board of the Global Disinformation Index (GDI), an organization known for its anti-conservative stance. In 2023, the IFCN even wrote an open letter to YouTube, criticizing the platform for not censoring enough and demanding a financial partnership to enhance their "collaboration."
The Soros connection
Adding to the controversy is the fact that the IFCN received $492,000 from George Soros between 2016 and 2019. Soros, a billionaire known for his left-leaning political contributions and support for organizations that advocate for strict content moderation, has long been a target of criticism from conservatives. The confluence of government funding and private support from a controversial figure like Soros raises significant concerns about the independence and objectivity of the IFCN and the Poynter Institute.
A call to action
The revelation of government funding to the Poynter Institute and the IFCN is a stark reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in the allocation of public funds. It underscores the importance of protecting free speech and ensuring that the government does not unduly influence the media or online platforms.
"Taxpayers have a right to know how their money is being spent, and they certainly do not want it used to fund organizations that censor and silence dissenting voices," said Graham. "This is a wake-up call for Congress to investigate and defund these controversial entities."
As the debate over government funding for media organizations intensifies, the need for a robust and independent press has never been more critical. The American public deserves a media landscape that is free from government interference and dedicated to the principles of truth and transparency.
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