All articles tagged with #corporate influence
Joy Reid reflects on her abrupt departure from MSNBC, viewing it as a blessing that freed her from corporate media restrictions influenced by political and corporate interests, and discusses the challenges faced by journalists under such pressures, including issues of diversity and coverage of sensitive topics like Gaza.
The article argues that while online petitions and viral outrage create the illusion of influencing corporate decisions, real power remains with corporations and their PR strategies. It highlights how digital activism often results in temporary cosmetic changes rather than meaningful change, emphasizing that true influence is found in tangible actions like supporting local businesses or community involvement, rather than fleeting online protests.
The Free Press organization released the 'Media Capitulation Index,' ranking 35 major media and tech companies from vulnerable to propaganda, highlighting concerns over corporate and billionaire influence on media independence, with Bloomberg and Netflix earning the highest marks for independence.
Pam Bondi's potential appointment as head of the Justice Department raises ethical concerns due to her extensive lobbying background for major corporations like Amazon and Uber. Her ties to Ballard Partners, a top lobbying firm, and her past work for companies currently in legal battles with the DOJ, such as TikTok and UnitedHealth, suggest possible conflicts of interest. Critics worry her leadership could favor corporate interests, while supporters see her as a return to a more business-friendly administration. Bondi's history of avoiding actions against corporate interests as Florida's attorney general adds to the controversy.
Elizabeth Hanna, a registered dietitian, filed a lawsuit against the American Diabetes Association (ADA) alleging that the organization pressured her to endorse recipes containing Splenda, despite her belief that they were unhealthy for people with diabetes. The lawsuit paints a picture of an organization influenced by corporate sponsors, with allegations that the ADA prioritizes financial interests over the well-being of the 127 million Americans with diabetes or pre-diabetes. The lawsuit also highlights concerns about the ADA's nutritional advice and its ties to corporate entities, such as Splenda and the Idaho Potato Commission.
Joe Lieberman, the former long-serving Connecticut senator, passed away, leaving behind a controversial legacy as a right-wing mole within the Democratic Caucus, warmonger, and corporate marionette. Throughout his career, he supported foreign wars, undermined the Democratic Party, and worked closely with the Republican establishment. After leaving the Senate, he continued to advocate for war with Iran and capitalized on his political favors for corporations. Despite his divisive record, Lieberman received fawning praise from press outlets and continued to exert influence in Washington politics even after his political career.
Red Bull's rebranding of its second Formula 1 team, RB, has been met with criticism for prioritizing corporate interests over the team's identity and history. The unveiling of the VCARB 01 and the team's new branding has raised concerns about the eroding essence of the team, as it becomes a corporate extension of the Red Bull F1 empire. The focus on corporate priorities and perceived bottom line has overshadowed the team's potential for competitiveness, raising worries about the team's future direction and performance.
Lobbyists from the meat and dairy industry, as well as agribusiness companies and trade groups, have turned out in record numbers at Cop28, with three times as many delegates representing these sectors compared to last year. The presence of powerful and polluting firms has raised concerns about their influence on climate negotiations. Meat and dairy companies are facing increased scrutiny due to their significant greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane. The analysis also reveals a rise in the number of delegates representing pesticide and synthetic fertilizer industries. Small-scale farmers worry about being sidelined by the agribusiness lobby, while corporations aim to steer conversations away from dietary change. The presence of industry representatives as part of country delegations grants them privileged access to diplomatic negotiations.
Customers are expressing concern over Amazon's entrance into the healthcare space, drawing parallels to the dystopian world of the video game Cyberpunk. While some find humor and irony in the situation, others see it as a reflection of the growing influence of corporate entities in our daily lives. Amazon's move into healthcare raises questions about the state of America's healthcare system and the increasing role of mega corporations. The offering of healthcare services for as low as $9 a month may be seen as a tempting solution, but it also highlights the potential double payment for consumers and the avoidance of taxes by corporations. The discussion on TikTok highlights the platform's role as a forum for modern thought and debate.
Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell warned Republican senators not to support a bill introduced by Sen. Josh Hawley that aims to limit corporate money in campaigns, reminding them that many of them owe their seats to the powerful super PAC he controls. McConnell cautioned that they could face backlash from the "center-right" if they backed Hawley's bill, and even mentioned Hawley himself as a beneficiary of the Senate Leadership Fund. Hawley's bill, the Ending Corporate Influence on Elections Act, seeks to reverse the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision and restrict publicly traded corporations from making independent expenditures and political advertisements.
House Republicans who lead the Financial Services Committee are planning to hold hearings and vote on bills aimed at discouraging corporations, particularly big investment managers, from integrating climate and social goals into their business plans. The committee will target the process of pressuring public companies to adopt environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals through shareholder voting. While the bills have little chance of becoming law under President Biden, the messaging and industry response will contribute to the ongoing conflict between Republicans and "woke" capitalism. House Democrats, on the other hand, are supporting the ability of Wall Street and investors to choose how they address societal issues like climate change.