HOLD AT&T RESPONSIBLE FOR FINANCING DANGEROUS PROPAGANDA

Daily Action
Written By Dick Thompson

The far-right network One America News (OAN) was inspired by AT&T executives in 2013 and financed almost exclusively by the telecom giant.

QUICK READ: The One America News network grew as it endorsed white nationalism, pro-Trump propaganda, and deadly misinformation about coronavirus. Viewership exploded when the network claimed falsely that “treasonous radical Democrats” stole the 2020 election and without a doubt, OAN played a significant role in provoking the January 6 insurrection. We demand that Congress hold hearings to investigate OAN/AT&T.

TAKE ACTION NOW:

BACKGROUND

News media plays a critical role in a healthy democracy. So, the almost singular creation and support for a propaganda network by the world’s largest telecom network AT&T is especially dangerous. 

In 2013, AT&T actively sought another rightwing network like Fox News. They saw the potential to generate revenue by encouraging extremists’ fantasies and AT&T played “the Roger Ailes role” in creating One America News (OAN.) 

AT&T supplied tens of millions of dollars to establish a channel to peddle pro-Trump propaganda, white nationalism, and conspiracy theories. 

Although AT&T claimed it merely hosted but did not build the network, testimony from OAN accountants maintains that 90% of OAN’s revenue comes from a contract with AT&T-owned television platforms. 

OAN’s founder and CEO stated under oath that without the backing of a behemoth like AT&T, the network’s financial value would be “zero.” 

Like Fox News, OAN’s dissemination of unfounded claims masked as news and information has become part of a larger problem threatening our democracy. 

Demand that Congress hold hearings to investigate just how the telecommunications giant played such a critical role in undermining democracy and pandemic health care while inciting violence at the Capitol and beyond.

ACTION One: Call the Senate.

Script for Oregon Senators

SEN. MERKLEY: Portland office: 503-326-3386 | D.C. office: 202-224-3753

My name is [--] and I'm a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

One America News spread misinformation about the 2020 election and coronavirus to make money at the expense of our democracy and public health. The consequences have been deadly. AT&T must be held responsible for almost single-handedly creating this destructive network. Congress must hold hearings to investigate.

SEN. WYDEN: Portland office: 503-326-7525 | D.C. office: 202-224-5244

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

One America News spread misinformation about the 2020 election and coronavirus to make money at the expense of our democracy and public health. The consequences have been deadly. AT&T must be held responsible for almost single-handedly creating this destructive network. Congress must hold hearings to investigate.

Script for Republican Senators

D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].

One America News spread misinformation about the 2020 election and coronavirus to make money at the expense of our democracy and public health. The consequences have been deadly. AT&T must be held responsible for almost single-handedly creating this destructive network. Congress must hold hearings to investigate.

ACTION TWO: Call the House.

Script for Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)

Oregon office: 503-469-6010 | DC office: 202-225-0855

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

One America News spread misinformation about the 2020 election and coronavirus to make money at the expense of our democracy and public health. The consequences have been deadly. AT&T must be held responsible for almost single-handedly creating this destructive network. Congress must hold hearings to investigate.

Script for Cliff Bentz (OR-02)

Medford office: 541-776-4646 | DC office: 202-225-6730

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

One America News spread misinformation about the 2020 election and coronavirus to make money at the expense of our democracy and public health. The consequences have been deadly. AT&T must be held responsible for almost single-handedly creating this destructive network. Congress must hold hearings to investigate.

Script for Earl Blumenauer (OR-03)

Oregon office: 503-231-2300 | DC office: 202-225-4811

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

One America News spread misinformation about the 2020 election and coronavirus to make money at the expense of our democracy and public health. The consequences have been deadly. AT&T must be held responsible for almost single-handedly creating this destructive network. Congress must hold hearings to investigate.

Script for Peter DeFazio (OR-04)

Eugene office: 541-465-6732 | DC office: 202-225-6416

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

COne America News spread misinformation about the 2020 election and coronavirus to make money at the expense of our democracy and public health. The consequences have been deadly. AT&T must be held responsible for almost single-handedly creating this destructive network. Congress must hold hearings to investigate.

Script for Kurt Schrader (OR-05)

Salem office: 503-588-9100 | DC office: 202-225-5711

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

One America News spread misinformation about the 2020 election and coronavirus to make money at the expense of our democracy and public health. The consequences have been deadly. AT&T must be held responsible for almost single-handedly creating this destructive network. Congress must hold hearings to investigate.

Action 3:

Other opportunities for action include:

  • WRITE LETTERS AND POSTCARDS IN GOOD COMPANY, 

        FRIDAY, OCT. 15, 4:00pm: https://www.mobilize.us/swingleft/event/274619/

  • PHONEBANK TO ENCOURAGE VIRGINIANS TO VOTE

        SATURDAY, OCT. 16, 12:00 noon-2:00pm: https://www.mobilize.us/swingleft/event/410893/

Dick Thompson
Previous

FRIDAY RECAP: Oct. 15, 2021

Next

WILL CONGRESS REIN IN PRESIDENTIAL ABUSES AND PREVENT FUTURE COUPS?