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Watchdog Organizations Keep Media and Government in Check

By Michelle D. Matulac

Accuracy in Media (AIM) is a non-profit, citizen’s watchdog of the news media. Their mission statement (aim.org) identifies them as an organization that “critiques botched news stories and sets the record straight on important issues that have received slanted coverage.”

In one instance, The Washington Post printed a front page story on August 16th, 2007 claiming that the Bush White House was scheming to keep General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker from openly testifying about the war when they visit Capitol Hill. According to an AIM report by Roger Aronoff and Cliff Kincaid, “This was a coordinated effort by the Post and congressional Democrats to create the impression that the White House was being dishonest."

The authors also assert that, “The assault was designed to divert attention from what is likely to occur — that Petraeus would report significant military progress. A positive report could convince many of the 47 so-called Blue Dog Democrats in the House to abandon their party leadership and support the White House.” Therefore, the White House had to be discredited by liberal Democrats and media allies.

The involvement of Watchdog Organizations protects public interest and prevents governments from monitoring and controlling the information the public receives.