Media Matters and the White House

An investigation reveals that Media Matters and the Obama White House are colluding to manipulate mainstream news outlets.

Media Matters for America is a Web-based, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) progressive research and information center dedicated to comprehensively monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media.

So, Media Matters is a tax-exempt organization.

What requirements are necessary to receive this status?

Exemption Requirements - Section 501(c)(3) Organizations

To be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, an organization must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3), and none of its earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual. In addition, it may not be an action organization, i.e., it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates.

Organizations described in section 501(c)(3) are commonly referred to as charitable organizations. Organizations described in section 501(c)(3), other than testing for public safety organizations, are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions in accordance with Code section 170.

The organization must not be organized or operated for the benefit of private interests, and no part of a section 501(c)(3) organization's net earnings may inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. If the organization engages in an excess benefit transaction with a person having substantial influence over the organization, an excise tax may be imposed on the person and any organization managers agreeing to the transaction.

Section 501(c)(3) organizations are restricted in how much political and legislative (lobbying) activities they may conduct.

Even before the most recent revelations, it was clear that Media Matters should not have tax-exempt status.

Now, it's even clearer.

Daily Caller has exposed that Media Matters is working directly with the Obama White House to manipulate major news organizations.

From FOX News:

An investigation conducted by a group of reporters at the Daily Caller website claims that Media Matters for America, a controversial left-leaning group, is working hand-in-hand with the White House to manipulate some of America’s largest news outlets.

Vince Coglianese, senior online editor for the Daily Caller, joined America Live to discuss the investigation, during which he spoke to both current and former Media Matters employees and Democratic leaders familiar with the organization.

Coglianese alleged that Media Matters employees met with Valerie Jarrett, one of the president’s closest advisors. He said, “What we found out was that since the beginning of the Obama administration that Media Matters has been in regular contact with the White House. Media Matters insiders tell us that they actually share a weekly phone call with the Center for American Progress and the White House.”

He continued, saying, “In these meetings, they actually work on coordinating messaging to an extent. Now, as to what direction that flows, whether the White House is instructing those progressive organizations to do something, or vice versa, is still something we’re trying to figure out.”

Coglianese then touched upon Media Matters’ quest to destroy Fox News and the questions it raises about the organization’s tax exempt status. He said, “Can an organization that claims tax exempt status go after a media organization, a journalistic organization, like Fox News and try to destroy its business?”

Here's video:



How sleazy!

The White House, the government, uses Media Matters to get its Leftist talking points out to outlets like MSNBC and the Washington Post.

The coercive, bullying techniques of Media Matters and its close connection with the White House should disturb anyone who values freedom of speech.