Right-Wing Influencer Network Tenet Media Allegedly Spread Russian Disinformation
WiredA Tennessee-based media network that produces shows for high-profile right-wing influencers such as Benny Johnson and Tim Pool was largely funded by Russian state-backed news network RT, according to a federal indictment against two RT employees that the US Department of Justice unsealed on Wednesday. With the tagline “Fearless voices live here,” Tenet Media’s network includes online creators known for their right-wing politics, including Johnson, Pool, Dave Rubin, and Lauren Southern. The nearly $10 million Tenet Media allegedly received from RT “represents nearly 90%” of funds deposited in the company’s accounts, the DOJ claims. The Justice Department identifies Tenet Media only as “US Company-1” but notes in the indictment that the company describes itself as a “network of heterodox commentators that focus on Western political and cultural issues.” That language is identical to the description on Tenet Media’s website. The Russian RT employees indicted by the US, Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva, allegedly worked with Tenet Media to produce hundreds of videos that support Russia’s aims.
History of this topic
What Right-Wing Influencers Actually Said in Those Tenet Media Videos
Wired
Conservative influencers 'duped' into working for Russia as media company indicted for sprawling $10 million 'covert project'
Daily Mail
DOJ Says 2 Russians Funded Big-Name Online Conservative Media Personalities
Huff Post
US accuses Russian state media of enlisting right-wing influencers to meddle in election
The Independent
Right-wing U.S. media company linked to Russian propaganda effort: Dept. of Justice
Raw Story
U.S. accuses Russia of sophisticated influence campaigns against U.S. voters
NPR
Tenet Media: DOJ alleges Russia funded US company linked to Tim Pool and Benny Johnson
CNN
Right-wing media group allegedly took $10 million in Russian financing: DOJ indictment
Salon
Meta, Twitter bust ‘deceptive’ pro-US influence campaign: report
Al JazeeraDiscover Related
)
)
)