Part 6/8:
Public reactions to the transparency around funding have ranged from skepticism to frustration. Journalists have expressed indignation at the idea of taxpayer money being used to fund outlets that they feel have often espoused divisive or partisan viewpoints. This backlash is compounded by the revelations of payments to various organizations for initiatives that many feel do not fit the core mission of journalism.
The hosts articulated their disbelief in a participant-driven democracy where citizens unknowingly financed media that critiques and undermines their viewpoints or communities. Their critique resonated with those who feel disillusioned by a media landscape increasingly perceived as biased or not representative of all American voices.