The New York Times and Media Matters for America are reportedly collaborating to suppress conservative commentators on YouTube as Election Day approaches. High-profile figures such as Tucker Carlson and Ben Shapiro claim this is an attempt to pressure YouTube into demonetizing their content, calling it a clear effort to stifle opposition to Vice President Kamala Harris.
Shapiro recently shared screenshots of messages from Times reporter Nico Grant, who asked for comments on a Media Matters report labeling certain conservative videos as “misinformation.” Shapiro was blunt in his response, describing the move as an organized strategy to “pressure YouTube to demonetize and penalize” conservative voices. Shapiro remarked, “That’s the entire game here.”
The New York Times is targeting @benshapiro & @TuckerCarlson for demonetization (& ultimately deplatforming) from YouTube at the request of the left wing organization Media Matters.
Let that sink in.
This is why @elonmusk purchasing Twitter was so important for free speech. pic.twitter.com/6t4bnh8HSX
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) October 29, 2024
Carlson also revealed a similar approach by Grant. In screenshots Carlson shared on X, he refused to cooperate, accusing the Times of collaborating with a “left-wing hate group” to censor critics of the Democratic Party. His response was clear, with Carlson telling the reporter, “Please quote me,” in what he saw as a bid to silence political opponents. Carlson’s exchange has since gone viral, drawing widespread attention.
Media Matters, founded by Democratic strategist David Brock, has a reputation for targeting conservative media. Funded by prominent Democrat donors, the organization has organized boycotts against conservative outlets and has been criticized for its role in labeling differing views as “misinformation.”
Conservatives are calling this collaboration an attempt at election interference, pointing to the timing of the campaign. Carlson and Shapiro argue that discussing changes in election rules is within their rights and warn that such pressure tactics could impact future free speech if left unchecked.
Critics question whether this partnership between the Times and Media Matters is part of a coordinated effort to stifle voices opposing Harris.
