Category: News Releases

For Immediate Release

August 18, 2026

Contact: Christine@imcamerica.com

 

South Carolina Becomes Latest State to Push Back on Media Censorship

New Law Protects Taxpayer Dollars from Funding Politically Biased Media Blacklists

COLUMBIA, SC — The Independent Media Council (IMC) today applauded South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster and state lawmakers for taking a strong stand against media censorship by including a provision in the 2026-27 budget that prohibits taxpayer-funded advertising from being filtered through politically biased media-monitoring systems. Gov. McMaster signed the budget into law on Monday.

As a result, state agencies cannot contract with firms that use media monitors such as NewsGuard, Ad Fontes Media, and the Global Disinformation Index (GDI) when placing state-funded advertising.

“South Carolina lawmakers deserve credit for recognizing the growing threat media blacklists pose to free speech and a free press,” said Christine Czernejewski, spokesperson for the IMC.

“Taxpayer-funded advertising should not be filtered through ideological gatekeepers masquerading as neutral watchdogs. South Carolina’s action sends a clear message that government should not subsidize private censorship schemes. We applaud Gov. McMaster for  signing this provision into law. ”

South Carolina joins a growing movement against media blacklists and censorship-by-proxy:

• Florida renewed similar protections through its state budget for a second consecutive year.
• West Virginia enacted comparable safeguards through its First Amendment Preservation Act earlier this year.
• Congress adopted related language in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), restricting the Pentagon from using advertising agencies that employ misinformation-monitoring systems when placing military recruitment ads.
• The Federal Trade Commission’s consent order involving the Omnicom-IPG merger prohibits the combined company from coordinating with third parties to steer advertising away from publishers based on ideological viewpoints.
• The FTC has also secured consent decrees from major global advertising agencies, including WPP, Publicis, and Dentsu, addressing concerns that coordinated “brand safety” and exclusion-list practices may have been used to discriminate against media outlets based on their political or ideological content.

Recent reporting found that NewsGuard continues to assign higher credibility scores to certain Chinese state-controlled media outlets than to several prominent American conservative and independent news organizations.

“When state-sponsored media operating under the authority of the Chinese Communist Party can receive more favorable treatment than legitimate U.S. news organizations, it exposes the fundamental flaws in these blacklisting systems,” Czernejewski added.

South Carolina’s action reflects a growing national movement to ensure taxpayer resources are not used to support censorship of independent and conservative media. As policymakers continue examining the influence of media blacklists on advertising markets, public communications, and artificial intelligence tools, the IMC expects additional states to pursue similar protections.

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The Independent Media Council (IMC) is a non-profit group of conservative and independent media outlets and aligned organizations that stand for free speech and a free press. Members regularly reach over 75 million Americans. The IMC believes the antidote to misinformation and disinformation is more speech, not censorship and works to protect the speech of all media outlets and content creators.

 

 

For Immediate Release

June 30, 2026

Contact: Christine@imcamerica.com

Gov. DeSantis Signs Anti-Media Blacklist Provision into Florida Budget for Second Consecutive Year
Florida Continues to Lead Nation in Protecting Taxpayer Dollars from Politically Biased Media Monitoring Systems

TALLAHASSEE, FL — The Independent Media Council (IMC) today applauded Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for signing into law a provision in the 2026-27 state budget that prohibits state agencies from contracting with advertising firms that use politically biased media monitors.

The provision, which was also in the previous budget, prevents taxpayer-funded ad campaigns from working with firms that use monitors such as NewsGuard, Ad Fontes Media, and the Global Disinformation Index (GDI).

“Gov. DeSantis has once again demonstrated Florida’s leadership in defending free speech and viewpoint diversity,” said Christine Czernejewski, spokesperson for the Independent Media Council.

“By signing this provision for a second year, Florida is sending a clear message that taxpayer-funded advertising should be focused on reaching the broadest possible audience, not filtered through politically motivated media blacklist systems.”

Florida first adopted the provision in 2025, becoming one of the first states in the nation to directly address the growing influence of biased media-monitoring organizations on advertising markets. The decision to include the language again this year reflects growing concerns about the role these rating systems play in steering advertising dollars away from disfavored news outlets and content creators.

Since Florida first acted, momentum has continued to build nationwide. Earlier this year, West Virginia enacted the First Amendment Preservation Act to protect against government-supported censorship and viewpoint discrimination. Congress also included anti-censorship protections in the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, restricting the Department of Defense from working with advertising firms that use biased media-monitors. Meanwhile, the Federal Trade Commission has increased scrutiny of viewpoint discrimination within the advertising industry through both enforcement actions and merger reviews.

“What began as a first-in-the-nation effort is increasingly becoming a national movement,” said Czernejewski. “Policymakers across the country are recognizing that government advertising dollars should not be used to subsidize censorship or reward organizations that discriminate based on viewpoint.”

The IMC said Florida’s continued leadership is especially important given the state’s growing creator economy, robust independent media sector, and tourism industry, all of which benefit from open and competitive advertising markets.

The organization expects additional states to consider similar measures in the coming year as awareness grows about the impact of media-monitoring systems on advertising placement and media competition.

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The Independent Media Council (IMC) is a non-profit group of conservative and independent media outlets and aligned organizations that stand for free speech and a free press. Members regularly reach over 75 million Americans. The IMC believes the antidote to misinformation and disinformation is more speech, not censorship and works to protect the speech of all media outlets and content creators.

 

For Immediate Release

June 2, 2026

Contact: Christine@imcamerica.com

Florida Legislature Again Takes Stand Against Media Blacklists
Budget Provision Blocks State Agencies from Using Ad Firms that Employ Biased Media Monitors

TALLAHASSEE, FL — The Independent Media Council (IMC) today applauded the Florida Legislature for once again taking a strong stand against media blacklists by including a key free speech protection in the 2026-2027 state budget. The budget now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it into law.

The provision prevents state agencies from contracting with advertising agencies or marketing firms that use politically biased media-monitoring and “brand safety” systems such as NewsGuard, Ad Fontes, and the Global Disinformation Index (GDI).

“Florida lawmakers deserve credit for continuing to stand up against politically driven media blacklist systems that distort advertising markets and suppress viewpoints,” said Christine Czernejewski, spokesperson for the IMC.

“Taxpayer-funded advertising should maximize public reach — not be filtered through ideological gatekeepers masquerading as neutral watchdogs. The IMC especially wants to thank Speaker Daniel Perez and State Sen. Ed Hooper for their leadership on this issue.”

Florida first enacted the provision in last year’s state budget, becoming one of the first states in the nation to directly confront the growing use of media blacklists in the advertising industry. Since then, momentum against these censorship systems has continued to grow nationwide.

West Virginia recently passed similar protections through its First Amendment Preservation Act, while Congress adopted comparable language in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), restricting the Pentagon from using advertising agencies that use misinformation-monitoring systems when placing military recruitment ads.

The Federal Trade Commission has also scrutinized coordinated “brand safety” practices among major advertising firms that use media monitors like NewsGuard and GDI.

“These media blacklist operations are not neutral watchdogs — they are political pressure campaigns designed to starve disfavored outlets of advertising revenue,” Czernejewski added.

“When governments and major corporations rely on ideological scoring systems to determine which voices deserve economic support, censorship inevitably follows.”

Florida’s continued leadership on the issue is especially important given the state’s growing creator economy and its significant tourism industry. Media blacklist systems distort advertising markets, limiting the reach of taxpayer-funded tourism and public awareness campaigns.

The IMC urged Gov. Ron DeSantis to sign the budget with the provision intact, noting that Florida has already established itself as a national leader on this issue.

The organization said it expects additional states to follow suit as concerns continue to grow over the use of ideological media-monitoring systems to influence advertising markets and suppress disfavored viewpoints.

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The Independent Media Council (IMC) is a non-profit group of conservative and independent media outlets and aligned organizations that stand for free speech and a free press. Members regularly reach over 75 million Americans. The IMC believes the antidote to misinformation and disinformation is more speech, not censorship and works to protect the speech of all media outlets and content creators.

 

 

For Immediate Release

April 2, 2026

Contact: Christine@imcamerica.com

New West Virginia Law Strikes Censorship Groups Targeting Conservatives
Governor Morrisey Signs First Amendment Preservation Act Into Law

CHARLESTON, WV — The Independent Media Council (IMC) today commended Governor Patrick Morrisey for signing the First Amendment Preservation Act (SB 531) into law, ensuring that taxpayer-funded advertising in West Virginia cannot be filtered through politically biased media monitors.

The legislation, sponsored by State Senator Mike Azinger and passed by the West Virginia Legislature with overwhelming support on March 13, prohibits state agencies from contracting with advertising firms or marketing companies that use so-called “media reliability” or “misinformation” monitors.

The bill specifically targets agencies using groups like leftwing organizations like NewsGuard and GDI.

“Governor Morrisey deserves tremendous credit for standing up for free speech and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are never used to enforce ideological media blacklists,” said Christine Czernejewski, spokesperson for the Independent Media Council.

“We also want to thank Sen. Azinger and Delegate Holstein for their commitment to getting this bill passed. By signing SB 531 into law, West Virginia is making clear that diverse voices should be heard and that public funds are used to ensure that all citizens are informed, not a narrow political group.”

Media monitoring organizations such as NewsGuard and the Global Disinformation Index employ rating systems that function as biased ideological filters in the advertising marketplace.

In three separate studies, the Media Research Center found that NewsGuard consistently rated conservative media outlets significantly lower than left-leaning outlets and in some cases assigned higher ratings to Chinese and Russian state-run media than to American conservative outlets.

NewsGuard was founded in 2018 by longtime Democratic party activist and donor Steven Brill.

When state agencies use advertising intermediaries that employ ideological rating systems, public information campaigns are prevented from reaching large segments of the public.

In West Virginia, this restricts outreach to outdoor enthusiasts, rural communities, and other groups essential to West Virginia’s tourism economy and public outreach campaigns.

“West Virginia has now established a model for other states,” Czernejewski added.

West Virginia’s action comes amid a growing national effort to address media blacklists and viewpoint discrimination in advertising.

• Florida enacted similar restrictions, preventing state agencies from contracting with advertising firms that use “media reliability or bias monitors.”
• Congress made into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) a provision that prohibits the Pentagon from using advertising agencies that use misinformation monitors when placing military recruitment advertising.
• The Federal Trade Commission has emphasized safeguards against viewpoint discrimination in advertising markets.
• President Trump issued an executive order prohibiting federal coordination to suppress lawful speech.

The IMC expects other states will join West Virginia and states like Florida that already have laws to protect free speech.

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The Independent Media Council (IMC) is a non-profit group of conservative and independent media outlets and aligned organizations that stand for free speech and a free press. Members regularly reach over 75 million Americans. The IMC believes the antidote to misinformation and disinformation is more speech, not censorship and works to protect the speech of all media outlets and content creators.

 

 

For Immediate Release

March 16, 2026

Contact: Christine@imcamerica.com

West Virginia House Passes Bill to Ban Media Blacklists

First Amendment Preservation Act Stops Media Monitors Blocking Ads to Citizens

CHARLESTON, WV — The Independent Media Council (IMC) is applauding the West Virginia House of Delegates for passing the First Amendment Preservation Act (SB 531), legislation ensuring taxpayer dollars are used to protect free speech and stop ideological media blacklists. The measure has already been approved by the West Virginia Senate with overwhelming support and is now moving to the desk of Gov. Patrick Morrissey for signing.

SB 531 prohibits state agencies from using advertising agencies and marketing firms that use so-called “Media Monitors” or “Misinformation Monitors” to block advertising based on politically biased ratings. Leftwing organizations like NewsGuard and GDI have been using politically-skewed ratings to block conservative media from receiving advertising revenues.

“By approving the First Amendment Preservation Act, the West Virginia House has taken an important step to protect free speech and ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” said IMC spokesperson Christine Czernejewski.

 

“Lawmakers in the Mountain State are making it clear that when taxpayer dollars are used for public outreach, they should inform all citizens—not just a narrow political audience.”

The IMC represents more than a dozen media organizations reaching over 75 million Americans regularly.

Czernejewski said she expects other states will join West Virginia and states like Florida that already have laws to protect free speech.

Restricting state advertising through ideological blacklists limits outreach to key audiences — including outdoor enthusiasts and rural communities — which are critical demographics for tourism campaigns and the local businesses that depend on them.

“This legislation helps ensure West Virginia’s tourism promotions and public outreach campaigns reach the audiences they are intended to serve,” Czernejewski added.

The IMC thanks State Senator Mike Azinger for taking the lead by sponsoring SB 531 and urges Governor Patrick Morrisey to sign it into law.

By advancing the First Amendment Preservation Act, West Virginia joins a growing national effort to stop taxpayer-funded censorship.

Florida has enacted similar restrictions, while Congress approved a provision prohibiting the Pentagon from contracting with advertising agencies that use media monitors. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission has emphasized safeguards against viewpoint discrimination in advertising markets and President Trump issued an executive order prohibiting federal coordination to suppress lawful speech.

***

The Independent Media Council (IMC) is a non-profit group of conservative and independent media outlets and aligned organizations that stand for free speech and a free press. Members regularly reach over 75 million Americans. The IMC believes the antidote to misinformation and disinformation is more speech, not censorship and works to protect the speech of all media outlets and content creators.

 

 

 

For Immediate Release

February 16, 2026

Contact: Christine@imcamerica.com

 

West Virginia Senate Passes Bill to Block Biased Media Monitors with Overwhelming Support
Measure Protects Free Speech, Safeguards Taxpayer Dollars from Ideological Gatekeeping

 

CHARLESTON, WV — The Independent Media Council (IMC) today applauded the West Virginia Senate for passing the First Amendment Preservation Act (SB 531), a significant measure to protect free speech and ensure taxpayer dollars are not used to enforce ideological discrimination in media and advertising. The bill received overwhelming support, passing the upper chamber with a vote of 30-2.

 

“This is an important step towards strengthening the First Amendment and ensuring good stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” said IMC spokesperson Christine Czernejewski. “West Virginia lawmakers are standing up for a free and independent press while also being good stewards of taxpayer funds. We especially want to thank Sen. Mike Azinger for his leadership in spearheading this bill.”

The legislation prevents state agencies and contractors from relying on politically biased media rating and monitoring services that function as de facto blacklists, steering advertising and public resources away from media outlets based on viewpoint rather than performance.

The IMC noted that similar measures are being examined in other states as concerns grow about the influence of ideologically driven media rating firms affecting advertising markets and public policy.

“We urge the West Virginia House of Delegates to swiftly take up SB 531 and help the Mountain State set a national example,” Czernejewski added. “A healthy media ecosystem and vibrant local economies depend on free expression and the ability to reach a wide audience, not political gatekeeping.”

By advancing the First Amendment Preservation Act, West Virginia would join a growing national effort to stop taxpayer-funded censorship. Florida has enacted similar restrictions, Congress strengthened protections in the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, the Federal Trade Commission has emphasized safeguards against viewpoint discrimination in ad markets, and President Trump issued an executive order prohibiting federal coordination to suppress lawful speech.

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The Independent Media Council (IMC) is a non-profit group of conservative and independent media outlets and aligned organizations that stand for free speech and a free press. The IMC believes the antidote to misinformation and disinformation is more speech, not censorship and works to protect the speech of all media outlets and content creators.

 

 

 

For Immediate Release

December 17, 2025

Contact: Christine@imcamerica.com

 

IMC Commends Congress for Ending Pentagon Use of Media Monitors, Protecting Free Speech

WASHINGTON, DC — The Independent Media Council (IMC) today commended both chambers of Congress for passing the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with a critical provision that prevents the Department of Defense from contracting with advertising agencies that rely on biased media monitoring services in military recruitment campaigns.

For years, so-called “fact-checking” and “misinformation monitoring” firms have steered taxpayer-funded advertising away from conservative and independent outlets, weaponizing ad dollars to suppress their voices. With this action, Congress has ensured that ideologically slanted gatekeepers will have no role in military recruitment campaigns.

“Major advertising agencies have been effectively censoring conservative media by blocking ads and their revenues,” Christine Czernejewski, IMC spokesperson said.  “We applaud Congress for taking the stand to oppose such censorship when it comes to military recruitment advertising. The Congress acted to make sure all Americans see these ads – and stopping leftwing ratings groups like NewsGuard from targeting conservative media.”

This year’s NDAA provision is even stronger than the one Congress adopted in 2023, as it includes an enforcement mechanism that ensures compliance and prevents workarounds by advertising firms

“Special thanks to Senators Tommy Tuberville and Eric Schmitt in the Senate and Rep. Rich McCormick, as well as Armed Services Chairmen Sen. Roger Wicker and Rep. Mike Rogers,” added Czernejewski. “Their leadership ensured that protections for free speech remain firmly in the NDAA. We hope Congress continues to deny federal funds to ad agencies that engage in censorship.”

This measure builds on a similar reform adopted in Florida earlier this year, which blocked state agencies from contracting with advertising firms that rely on biased media monitors such as NewsGuard, Ad Fontes, or the Global Disinformation Index.

Recently, the Federal Trade Commission issued a final consent order in the Omnicom–Interpublic Group merger, which expressly prohibits the combined company from discriminating against media outlets based on political or ideological viewpoints. It will be enforced by an independent compliance monitor.

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About The IMC 

The Independent Media Council (IMC) is a non-profit group of conservative and independent media outlets and aligned organizations that stand for free speech and a free press. The IMC believes the antidote to misinformation and disinformation is more speech, not censorship and works to protect the speech of all media outlets and content creators.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2025

Independent Media Council, CPAC Foundation Applaud FTC Action Preventing Viewpoint Discrimination in Omnicom–IPG Merger

Washington, D.C. – The Independent Media Council (IMC) and the CPAC Foundation Center for Regulatory Freedom (CRF) today praised the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) final consent order in the Omnicom–Interpublic Group (IPG) merger, which expressly prohibits the combined company from discriminating against media outlets based on political or ideological viewpoints.

The FTC announced that its decision was shaped by public comments received during the review period, which raised concerns about free speech, brand safety tools, and the dangers of ideological gatekeeping in advertising.

In response, the Commission included safeguards to prevent viewpoint discrimination and strengthened the order by requiring the appointment of an independent compliance monitor. The IMC, alongside CRF, filed formal comments in July strongly urging the FTC to block the merger unless protections for free speech were included.

“This is a major victory for a free press and free speech,” said Christine Czernejewski, an IMC spokesperson. “The FTC has recognized that allowing global advertising conglomerates to blacklist outlets based on viewpoint would undermine competition and the First Amendment principles that sustain media freedom. By prohibiting ideological gatekeeping and requiring a compliance monitor, the Commission has taken an important step to ensure fairness in the advertising marketplace.”

The filing by the IMC and CRF specifically warned about third-party “brand safety” tools like NewsGuard and the Global Disinformation Index, which disproportionately downgrade conservative media.

“When we filed our comments in July, we made it clear that the merger could not proceed without ironclad protections for free expression,” said Andrew Langer, CRF’s Director. “The FTC’s final order demonstrates that our concerns were heard. By prohibiting viewpoint discrimination and requiring an independent compliance monitor, the Commission has taken concrete steps to ensure that advertising giants cannot quietly blacklist conservative or independent media. This is not just a victory for CRF and our coalition partners—it’s a victory for every American who values free speech and open debate in the marketplace of ideas, and it goes to show the importance of being active in the regulatory process.”

The IMC and CPAC emphasized that while this order is a strong step forward, continued vigilance will be necessary to ensure advertising equity and prevent future attempts to sideline dissenting voices.

They also noted that the FTC’s decision adds to the growing support to prevent biased media monitors from censoring independent and conservative media. Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Rep. Rich McCormick’s (R-GA) amendment to the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which prevents the Department of Defense from contracting with advertising firms that rely on biased media monitoring services, such as NewsGuard.

In 2023 Congress passed and the Senate signed the NDAA which directly banned the use of any ad agency from using third-party rating agencies like NewsGuard for the purposes of military recruitment.  The new provision for the upcoming NDAA further strengthens this original NDAA provision by enhancing enforcement of it.

Earlier this year, Florida enacted a budget provision championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that blocks state agencies from contracting with advertising firms that rely on NewsGuard, Ad Fontes, or the Global Disinformation Index.

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Media Contacts:
Independent Media Council
Christine Czernejewski, Director
info@imcmedia.org

CPAC Foundation Center for Regulatory Freedom
Andrew Langer, Director
press@cpac.org

 

For Immediate Release

September 15, 2025

Contact: Christine@imcamerica.com

 

Independent Media Council Commends House Passage of Rep. McCormick’s Amendment to Block Biased Media Monitors

WASHINGTON, DC — The Independent Media Council (IMC) applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing Rep. Rich McCormick’s (R-GA) amendment to the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which prevents the Department of Defense from contracting with advertising firms that rely on biased media monitoring services, such as NewsGuard.

In 2023 Congress passed and the Senate signed the NDAA which directly banned the use of any ad agency from using third-party rating agencies like NewsGuard for the purposes of military recruitment.  The new provision for the upcoming NDAA further strengthens this original NDAA provision by enhancing enforcement of it.

For years, so-called “fact-checking” and “misinformation monitoring” firms have quietly steered taxpayer-funded advertising away from conservative and independent outlets, weaponizing ad dollars to suppress their voices. The House action ensures that military recruitment campaigns will no longer be filtered through ideologically slanted rating systems.

“This is a win for the First Amendment and for common sense,” said Christine Czernejewski, spokesperson for the IMC. “America’s young men and women deserve to see recruitment messages unfiltered by politically biased gatekeepers. By advancing Rep. McCormick’s amendment, the House has taken a strong stand against outsourcing censorship to private firms.”

The House action builds on a free speech victory coming out of the Senate Armed Services Committee, whose version of the NDAA passed last summer with a similar provision sponsored by Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL).

“The passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 is a testament to our unwavering commitment to America’s national security. I am proud to have worked alongside my House colleagues to review and pass this critical legislation, which authorizes $882.6 billion for our military. I’m thankful for the opportunity to lead over 40 provisions of this bill, including the anticensorship amendment that prevents the Department of War from contracting with organizations that promote censorship based on political views, funding for Georgia military installations, and the Georgia defense industrial base,” said Congressman Rich McCormick.

The Senate is expected to vote on the NDAA soon. The Senate and House bills must be reconciled in Conference Committee for final passage and enactment.

“The US House has sent a clear message: taxpayer dollars should be used to defend America, not to silence independent media,” added Czernejewski. “We urge the Senate to preserve this critical language in the NDAA.”

Earlier this year, Florida adopted a provision blocking state agencies from contracting with firms that use NewsGuard, Ad Fontes, or the Global Disinformation Index. Together, these measures mark a turning point in the growing national movement to dismantle the censorship-industrial complex.

 

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About The IMC 

The Independent Media Council (IMC) is a group of conservative and independent media outlets and aligned organizations that stand for free speech and a free press. The IMC believes the antidote to misinformation and disinformation is more speech, not censorship and works to protect the speech of all media outlets and content creators.

 

Gov. DeSantis Expected to Sign New Budget Law that Prevents State Agencies from Using Biased Advertising Agencies 

 

TALLAHASSEE, FL — In a major victory for free speech, the Florida legislature this week passed the state’s 2025–2026 budget, which includes a provision that prohibits state agencies from using taxpayer dollars to contract with advertising firms that use biased media monitoring services.

Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to sign the law in the coming days.

The measure would apply to the use of entities such as NewsGuard, GDI and Ad Fontes, which have come under fire for applying subjective metrics to assess news sources, often targeting conservative media outlets.

Advertising agencies, in turn, have used these ratings to block their advertisements from appearing in conservative media.

This action by Florida lawmakers affirms the First Amendment and helps protect media organizations from discrimination based on ideological leanings. The move also ensures that ads by government agencies reach all citizens without discrimination based on their politics.

“The Independent Media Council applauds this measure as a meaningful step toward preserving free speech, viewpoint diversity, and a truly free press,” said Christine Czernejewski, spokesperson for the group.

“We especially want to thank Gov. DeSantis, Speaker Danny Perez and Senate President Albritton for their leadership in making this happen.”

The Independent Media Council noted that by eliminating partisan media scoring systems, Florida is setting a national example for other states in protecting editorial independence and rejecting censorship disguised as ‘media quality ratings.’”

The new policy ensures that state resources will not support efforts to marginalize dissenting voices in journalism and commentary.

“All content creators should have the freedom to express their views and the right to earn a living,” said John Tillman, Chair of MediaPedia and IMC Board Member, who recently published an op-ed about this issue in Florida Politics.

In 2023 the US Congress passed the FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Bill, which includes a section that prevents the Pentagon from using advertising agencies that use so-called misinformation monitors in the placement of military recruitment ads.

 

About The IMC 

The Independent Media Council (IMC) is a group of conservative and independent media outlets and aligned organizations that stand for free speech and a free press. The IMC believes the antidote to misinformation and disinformation is more speech, not censorship and works to protect the speech of all media outlets and content creators.