Front Burner
U.S. accuses Canadians in alleged Russian propaganda scheme
Sep 9, 2024
Freelance reporter Justin Ling dives into serious allegations against Tenet Media, accused of being financially tied to a Russian state-backed network. He discusses how the indictment reveals covert efforts to spread pro-Russian propaganda in North America. Ling also explores the implications for influencers misled about their financial backing and the ethical concerns of foreign funding in journalism. The impact of these revelations on upcoming U.S. elections and the growing paranoia among right-wing figures about their connections to Russia adds an intriguing layer to the story.
26:38
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The U.S. Department of Justice's indictment reveals how Russian state funding influenced content from right-wing influencers without their knowledge.
- The evolving tactic of using popular influencers to spread Russian propaganda signifies a significant shift in disinformation strategies, targeting pre-existing ideological divides.
Deep dives
Overview of Tenant Media's Role
Tenant Media served as a management entity for various popular right-wing streamers, functioning as both a production company and talent agency. The founders, Lauren Chen and Lee Donovan, aimed to create a financing network for influencers like Tim Poole and Benny Johnson. Although Tenant itself had a modest audience of around 300,000 YouTube subscribers, the influencers associated with it collectively reached millions. The company's structure was designed to capitalize on the growth of right-wing commentary while financially supporting its talent through significant backing, which has now come under scrutiny.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
