A Tennessee-based media company with prominent MAGA personalities on its roster has been accused of receiving millions of dollars from two employees of Russian state-backed media company Russia Today (RT) in order to influence American viewers.

According to Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, the Russian employees created a $10 million scheme “to create and distribute content to U.S. audiences with hidden Russian government messaging.”

    • Optional@lemmy.world
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      4 months ago

      That, unusually, IS one of the protected speech rights of the first amendment.

      As opposed to twitter accusing meta of suppressing their speech or whatever private-entity arguments we normally see.

      Demented rapist “predisents” who plan shitty failed coups should absolutely be charged with non-wartime-treason, or sedition. But media outlets spewing garbage is, for better or for worse, our first amendment right.

      • TammyTobacco@lemmy.ml
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        4 months ago

        What normally happens when a foreign agent pays an American to act against the best interest of their country? Genuine question, I’m not being sarcastic I promise.

        If a foreign spy convinces a US citizen to give them information that strengthens the foreign power, even if done unwittingly, are they held responsible?

        This is a slightly different situation, but at its core it’s Russian spies paying off Americans to weaken their own country.