Stuff They Don't Want You To Know CLASSIC: Your News Agency or the CIA: The Story of Operation Mockingbird
Sep 2, 2025
Delve into the secretive world of propaganda and media manipulation. Discover how Operation Mockingbird used journalists to shape public perception during the Cold War. Explore the blurred lines between intelligence agencies and the press, and examine the lasting impact on journalistic integrity. The conversation also tackles the challenges of modern propaganda in today's social media landscape, revealing how much has changed—and how much has stayed the same. Brace for a thought-provoking look at truth and trust in the media.
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What Propaganda Really Is
- Propaganda is information with an agenda that can be true, misleading, or biased.
- It aims to steer audiences toward a specific conclusion rather than present full truth.
Spot Spin By Headline Verbs
- Watch for charged verbs in headlines like "slams" or "blasts" as signs of spin.
- Use verb choice to spot opinion masquerading as fact and read critically.
Smith‑Mundt's Original Purpose
- Smith-Mundt authorized US-funded media aimed at foreign audiences while forbidding domestic targeting.
- The law distinguished public diplomacy abroad from propaganda at home to protect American audiences.
