Media Trackers

But much of the dirty work of intimidation is carried out by a network of right-wing groups that operate with a wink and nod from the administration, allied with unscrupulous legislators, Koch-funded lobbyists, and new right-wing media outlets set up by out-of-state billionaires. The most obvious of these intimidation efforts is a digitized, <a href="http://www.iverifytherecall.com/" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">searchable online database</a> of the one million people who signed a petition demanding Walker’s recall. The barely unstated purpose of this list is to keep petition signers from being hired by pro-Walker businesses. <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/scott-walker-withdraws-appointment-of-student-regent-who-signed-recall-b9933118z1-211395241.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">Walker himself withdrew the student</a> representative nominee for the Board of Regents because his name appeared on the list.People who do not limit their dissent to petition signing can expect harsher treatment. Opponents of Walker’s mine deregulation legislation, crafted specifically to allow Florida billionaire Chris Cline to open an iron mine in northern Wisconsin (and Walker’s one and only “jobs initiative”) have been attacked openly in right-wing outlets like the Bradley-funded “Media Trackers,” and behind the scenes by state legislators. Mine opponents have had their jobs threatened, sometimes with success. Many <a href="http://www.wkow.com/story/22844795/2013/07/15/mining-supporter" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">have received death threats</a>.

...

<h2>What is Media Trackers?</h2>

Media Trackers' <a href="http://mediatrackers.org/about/" target="_blank">website</a> says it is "dedicated to media accountability, government transparency, and quality fact-based journalism." [perverse] Media Trackers does not disclose its funders on its website, but some information is known.

<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/American_Majority" target="blank">American Majority</a>, the right-wing Tea Party group established in 2008, founded Media Trackers in Wisconsin as an "experiment" in January 2011. This was the height of the winter 2011 protests against Wisconsin Governor <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Scott_Walker" target="blank">Scott Walker</a>'s union-busting and budget cutting proposals. The group quickly established its reputation as an attack dog organization with scant regard for the facts. The Center for Media and Democracy (CMD) has long tracked their <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers" target="blank">spin and distortions.</a> Media Trackers responded recently by attacking CMD for screening Bill Moyers' documentary on the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) with Mark Pocan, who is featured in the film. Media Trackers "exposed" that this writer gave a campaign contribution to Pocan who is also my neighbor and State Rep. CMD invited all the Wisconsin stars of the film to the movie, including the many professors and pundits who contributed to our <a href="http://www.alecexposed.org" target="blank">"ALEC Exposed" investigation</a>, which just received its fifth award for public interest research and excellence in journalism.

<a href="http://www.alternet.org/story/149197/are_right-wing_libertarian_internet_trolls_getting_paid_to_dumb_down_online_conversations" target="blank">According to a 2010 article in AlterNet</a>, over 75 percent of the funding for <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/American_Majority" target="blank">American Majority</a> comes from the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Sam_Adams_Alliance" target="blank">Sam Adams Alliance</a>, headed by Eric O'Keefe, (who also helps <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2011/02/18/145274/business-teaparty-wisconsin/" target="blank">lead</a> American Majority). O'Keefe is a long-time Koch operative who sits on dozens of right-wing boards and organizations. SAM gets <a href="http://www.prwatch.org/node/10971" target="blank">funding</a> from the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/State_Policy_Network" target="blank">State Policy Network</a> (SPN) which itself is partially funded by The <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Claude_R.Lambe_Foundation" target="blank">Claude R. Lambe Foundation</a>, a project of Charles Koch.

According to <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/05/media-trackers-opposition-research-wisconsin-dark-money" target="_blank">Mother Jones</a>, Media Trackers was founded to be a "nimble attack blog ... that could quickly capitalize on the latest missteps by big-government politicians or the 'liberal' media -- essentially hard-hitting, opposition-research-style shops that prize scoops, speed, and scandal over policy briefs and press conferences." This turns out to be too charitable of a description.

<h2>Gutter Politics</h2>

Media Trackers has shown itself to engage in gutter politics of a kind that used to be rare in Wisconsin politics before the Koch brothers and Eric O'Keefe moved in. Media Trackers has thrown Wood under the bus stating, "Wood owes the public, Rep. Mark Pocan and his spouse Philip Frank, and law enforcement officials an apology," but has failed to apologize for its role in the hateful smear. Similarly, Charlie Sykes has criticized Wood and Media Trackers, but fails to <a href="http://www.620wtmj.com/blogs/charliesykes/176415571.html" target="_blank">take responsibility</a> for amplifying the claims on one of the largest radio stations in the state. Sykes has long been a megaphone for Media Trackers spin and disinformation and is working with them on promoting a new hashtag -- #wiright -- to peddle information in the last week of the campaign.

Even though Madison police have made it perfectly clear that there is no validity to the text message claims, Sikma and Media Trackers have not taken down a photo of Frank on its front page, nor its Facebook post, nor its libelous tweets as other media outlets -- including WIBA's Vicki McKenna -- have done to their credit.

On Wednesday, Media Trackers was peddling more disinformation on U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Baldwin at the same time Sikma was taken apart in the <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/claim-that-baldwin-voted-against-body-armor-for-troops-far-from-truth-sh7cna7-176322621.html" target="blank">Milwaukee Journal Sentinel</a> by the state's top reporter for falsely claiming that Baldwin had voted against body armor for U.S. troops, a lie that has now been picked up and peddled by the <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/claim-that-baldwin-voted-against-body-armor-for-troops-far-from-truth-sh7cna7-176322621.html" target="blank">Tommy Thompson</a> campaign.

Sikma slams Wood's lies as "despicable." The same adjective applies to the misnamed Media Trackers.

<a href="http://www.prwatch.org/news/2012/10/11831/anatomy-lie-right-wing-media-trackers-strikes-again-libelous-smear">http://www.prwatch.org/news/2012/10/11831/anatomy-lie-right-wing-media-trackers-strikes-again-libelous-smear</a>

===

<h1 class="title">The Anatomy of a Lie: Right-Wing "Media Trackers" Strikes Again with Libelous Smear</h1>

<div class="meta">by <a href="http://www.prwatch.org/users/35270/mary-bottari" title="View user profile.">Mary Bottari</a> — October 31, 2012 - 9:13am</div>

<ul>

<li class="vocabulary-2">Topics: <a href="http://www.prwatch.org/topics/politics/right-wing">Right Wing</a>, <a href="http://www.prwatch.org/topics/propaganda">Propaganda</a></li></ul></div></div>

The Wisconsin-based, right-wing website <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers" title="reference on Media Trackers" target="_blank">Media Trackers</a> reached a new low on Monday when it printed a libelous story against the partner of State Rep. Mark Pocan, accusing him of sending bizarre text threats to a volunteer for Chad Lee, Pocan's opponent in his race for Congress. Although Media Trackers took down the story late in the day, the damage had been done. It was picked up by right-wing sources in Wisconsin and across the nation. The organization's "mea culpa" fails to apologize or take responsibility for its role in the smear and the outlet still has a picture of Pocan and his partner Phil Frank on the front page of its website with a note that it would "continue to follow developments in this story" -- as if there were a story to follow.

<h2>Bizarre Tale of an Attack</h2>

Kyle Wood, described as a "full-time volunteer" for the Republican congressional candidate Chad Lee, last week told the right-wing website the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Daily_Caller" title="reference on Daily Caller" target="self">Daily Caller</a>, that <a href="http://dailycaller.com/2012/10/25/wisconsin-gop-campaign-worker-hospitalized-after-apparent-gay-bashing-assault/" title="reference on he had been physically attacked" target="blank">he had been physically attacked</a> and choked in his Madison apartment by an unknown assailant for being gay but supporting a Republican running against a gay Democrat. The odd tale, accompanied by staged-looking photos, was picked up by the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Franklin_Center_for_Government_and_Public_Integrity" title="reference on Franklin Center" target="blank">Franklin Center</a> site <a href="http://wisconsinreporter.com/exclusive-political-attack-an-interview-with-kyle-wood" title="reference on Wisconsin Reporter" target="blank">Wisconsin Reporter</a> [= franklin]and <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/10/25/Another-WI-Beating-This-Time-a-Gay-GOP-Worker-Hospitalized-in-Brutal-Attack" title="reference on Breitbart blog" target="_blank">Breitbart blog</a>. The Dane County GOP weighed in, issuing a statement backing Wood and his bona fides: "Wood is a full-time volunteer working with GOP 2nd District Congressional candidate, Chad Lee. He is brilliant, liked and respected by all who have worked alongside him on Lee's campaign."

But the story went mainstream when a legitimate new source, the <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/purple-wisconsin/176169841.html" title="reference on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel" target="blank">Milwaukee Journal Sentinel</a>, took the bait. Christian Schneider, a columnist that believes that <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/early-voting-is-bad-for-democracy-1b7b0i2-175509821.html" title="reference on " for="" target="blank">"early voting is bad for democracy,"</a> detailed Wood's allegations in an online column on October 28. Schneider, a fellow at the right-wing Wisconsin Policy Research Institute, later retracted the story while fatuously patting himself on the back for having doubts about it in the first place.

<h2>Media Trackers Smears Phil Frank</h2>

On Monday, October 29, the issue went nuclear when Media Trackers printed a list of "text messages" alleged to have been sent from Phil Frank to Kyle Wood. The messages were bizarre, racist, and threatening. The article and related tweets were meant to create the impression that Frank was not only responsible for the messages, but also for the attack on Wood. Media Trackers tweeted out: "EVIDENCE: @Mark Pocan's husband threatened gay Rep. vol. before brutal beating."

But Media Trackers had only Wood's word that the text came from Frank. Media Trackers' Brian Sikma explained to <a href="http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/govt-and-politics/politiscope/alleged-beating-victim-recants-conservative-website-removes-bizarre-allegations-against/article_6c1a6f08-2215-11e2-bdb5-001a4bcf887a.html" title="reference on The Capital Times" target="_blank">The Capital Times</a> that they did not see the phone, or the text messages and could not confirm if Wood even knew Phil Frank's phone number. "He sent us the transcript of the exchange," Sikma said. But Sikma did talk to unnamed people who told him Wood was a great guy, raising serious questions about the role of Chad Lee's campaign in the matter.

WTMJ's radio host Charlie Sykes quickly picked up the story (audio attached below). Sykes not only interviewed Sikma on Monday morning, but actually read the lurid text messages over the air. Later WTMJ cameras arrived at Pocan's campaign headquarters. The story and the Media Trackers' emails which linked Frank to the beating were repeated and retweeted by the usual suspects including right-wing talker WIBA's Vicki McKenna, the Wisconsin Reporter, Breitbart apparatchiks, Red State, a Heartland fellow, and more.

<h2>Victim Recants, "No Validity" to Text Message Claims Says Police</h2>

On Monday at 5:00 p.m., news broke that Wood <a href="http://www.cityofmadison.com/incidentReports/incidentDetail.cfm?id=13821" title="reference on had recanted" target="blank">had recanted</a> his statements about being assaulted and choked at his home, according to Madison Police Captain Joe Balles, who also told the <a href="http://www.thedailypage.com/daily/article.php?article=38133" title="reference on Isthmus" target="blank">Isthmus</a> that the text messages "did not occur." Because the police are referring the matter to the Madison District Attorney's office they would not elaborate other than to tell CMD that there was "no validity" to the reports on the text messages.

Wood could now face criminal charges that include obstructing police or filing a false police report, and a libel suit by Phil Frank. But the role of Media Trackers in printing the unproven and libelous allegations bears closer examination, especially since days after the story exploded in its face, the organization has failed to take down its libelous tweets or a photo of Pocan and Frank on the front page of their website.

<h2>"No Decent News Organization Would Print These Types of Messages"</h2>

The text messages so eagerly embraced by Media Trackers seemed bizarre, a little like a poorly written high-school drama. "Remember your station in life and remember not to cross the husband of a powerful man," Frank allegedly wrote. Anyone who has ever met the modest and soft-spoken Frank, who spends all of his waking hours running a profitable business and worrying more about the pair's fluffy dog than politics, would have laughed out loud had the allegations not been so serious. Sikma's tweets repeatedly used the word "husband" and left the impression that Frank was behind the attack on Wood -- "I will be on @Charlie Sykes talking about @Mark Pocan's husband threatening beaten gay GOP vol," Sikma tweeted, coming to the defense of Wood as if he worked for the Human Rights Campaign.

Sikma did not bother to call Frank or Pocan who would have told them that the text messages were fabricated. By Monday, Frank had hired lawyers who are investigating a libel suit. Currently the Media Trackers website <a href="http://mediatrackers.org/2012/10/29/gop-volunteer-lied-about-beating-threats/" title="reference on has a story on Wood's recant" target="_blank">has a story on Wood's recant</a>, which acknowledges that the claims against Frank "appear to be false" but lays all the blame at the feet of Wood and casts Media Trackers as the victim. Sikma fails to take any responsibility for his role in the matter and fails to apologize to Frank or Pocan for printing unfounded dreck that other reporters in Madison had looked at and refused to print.

<a href="http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/govt-and-politics/politiscope/alleged-beating-victim-recants-conservative-website-removes-bizarre-allegations-against/article_6c1a6f08-2215-11e2-bdb5-001a4bcf887a.html" title="reference on The Capital Times" target="_blank">The Capital Times</a> points out the obvious problem: "from the beginning, neither Wood nor Media Trackers provided any evidence that the texts actually came from Frank's phone -- or that the texts were even sent from a phone at all."

Professor Stephen Ward, of the University of Wisconsin School of Journalism's Center for Journalism Ethics, commented on Media Trackers' unfounded attack on the spouse of a Congressional candidate. "This is incredibly bad practice. No decent news organization would print these types of messages without verification. It doesn't matter if you are a Republican or Democrat, it is unethical, especially when you are dealing with potentially harmful material. This is journalism 101."

But journalism is not what Media Trackers does. Although it says it is "nonpartisan" on its masthead, it was created to peddle lies and disinformation to advance a far-right agenda that only the Tea Party could love.

<h2>What is Media Trackers?</h2>

Media Trackers' <a href="http://mediatrackers.org/about/" title="reference on website" target="_blank">website</a> says it is "dedicated to media accountability, government transparency, and quality fact-based journalism." Media Trackers does not disclose its funders on its website, but some information is known.

<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=American_Majority" title="reference on American Majority" target="self">American Majority</a>, the right-wing Tea Party group established in 2008, founded Media Trackers in Wisconsin as an "experiment" in January 2011. This was the height of the winter 2011 protests against Wisconsin Governor <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Scott_Walker" title="reference on Scott Walker" target="self">Scott Walker</a>'s union-busting and budget cutting proposals. The group quickly established its reputation as an attack dog organization with scant regard for the facts. The Center for Media and Democracy (CMD) has long tracked their <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers" title="reference on spin and distortions." target="blank">spin and distortions.</a> Media Trackers responded recently by attacking CMD for screening Bill Moyers' documentary on the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) with Mark Pocan, who is featured in the film. Media Trackers "exposed" that this writer gave a campaign contribution to Pocan who is also my neighbor and State Rep. CMD invited all the Wisconsin stars of the film to the movie, including the many professors and pundits who contributed to our <a href="http://www.alecexposed.org" title="reference on " target="blank">"ALEC Exposed" investigation</a>, which just received its fifth award for public interest research and excellence in journalism.

<a href="http://www.alternet.org/story/149197/are_right-wing_libertarian_internet_trolls_getting_paid_to_dumb_down_online_conversations" title="reference on According to a 2010 article in AlterNet" target="blank">According to a 2010 article in AlterNet</a>, over 75 percent of the funding for <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=American_Majority" title="reference on American Majority" target="self">American Majority</a> comes from the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Sam_Adams_Alliance" title="reference on Sam Adams Alliance" target="self">Sam Adams Alliance</a>, headed by Eric O'Keefe, (who also helps <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2011/02/18/145274/business-teaparty-wisconsin/" title="reference on lead" target="blank">lead</a> American Majority). O'Keefe is a long-time Koch operative who sits on dozens of right-wing boards and organizations. SAM gets <a href="http://www.prwatch.org/node/10971" title="reference on funding" target="blank">funding</a> from the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=State_Policy_Network" title="reference on State Policy Network" target="self">State Policy Network</a> (SPN) which itself is partially funded by The <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Claude_R.Lambe_Foundation" title="reference on Claude R. Lambe Foundation" target="self">Claude R. Lambe Foundation</a>, a project of Charles Koch.

According to <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/05/media-trackers-opposition-research-wisconsin-dark-money" title="reference on Mother Jones" target="_blank">Mother Jones</a>, Media Trackers was founded to be a "nimble attack blog ... that could quickly capitalize on the latest missteps by big-government politicians or the 'liberal' media -- essentially hard-hitting, opposition-research-style shops that prize scoops, speed, and scandal over policy briefs and press conferences." This turns out to be too charitable of a description.

<h2>Gutter Politics</h2>

Media Trackers has shown itself to engage in gutter politics of a kind that used to be rare in Wisconsin politics before the Koch brothers and Eric O'Keefe moved in. Media Trackers has thrown Wood under the bus stating, "Wood owes the public, Rep. Mark Pocan and his spouse Philip Frank, and law enforcement officials an apology," but has failed to apologize for its role in the hateful smear. Similarly, Charlie Sykes has criticized Wood and Media Trackers, but fails to <a href="http://www.620wtmj.com/blogs/charliesykes/176415571.html" title="reference on take responsibility" target="_blank">take responsibility</a> for amplifying the claims on one of the largest radio stations in the state. Sykes has long been a megaphone for Media Trackers spin and disinformation and is working with them on promoting a new hashtag -- #wiright -- to peddle information in the last week of the campaign.

On Wednesday, Media Trackers was peddling more disinformation on U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Baldwin at the same time Sikma was taken apart in the <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/claim-that-baldwin-voted-against-body-armor-for-troops-far-from-truth-sh7cna7-176322621.html" title="reference on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel" target="blank">Milwaukee Journal Sentinel</a> by the state's top reporter for falsely claiming that Baldwin had voted against body armor for U.S. troops, a lie that has now been picked up and peddled by the <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/claim-that-baldwin-voted-against-body-armor-for-troops-far-from-truth-sh7cna7-176322621.html" title="reference on Tommy Thompson" target="blank">Tommy Thompson</a> campaign.

Sikma slams Wood's lies as "despicable." The same adjective applies to the misnamed Media Trackers.

==
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers

Media Trackers is an investigative non-profit launched in 2011 in Wisconsin, sponsored by <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/American_Majority" title="American Majority">American Majority</a>, to "dig up dirt on the left" rather than continuing to be "on the receiving end of damaging stories developed by liberal groups such as <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Media_Matters" title="Media Matters" class="mw-redirect">Media Matters</a> and the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Center_for_American_Progress" title="Center for American Progress">Center for American Progress</a>."<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-Politico-0">[1]</a> <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/American_Majority" title="American Majority">American Majority</a>'s <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Drew_Ryun" title="Drew Ryun">Drew Ryun</a> "envisions a state-based network of similar non-profits."<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-Politico-0">[1]</a> So far, Media Trackers "has gotten considerable in-state pick-up on quick-hit videos and pieces aimed at what it says are errors, hypocrisy or offensive behavior by labor unions and their Democratic allies."<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-Politico-0">[1]</a> <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Drew_Ryun" title="Drew Ryun">Drew Ryun</a>, co-founder of American Majority, toldPolitico in April that he could foresee setting up similar groups around the country if the Wisconsin experiment works. <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-MJStilt-1">[2]</a> The Media Trackers website claims that the organization is "dedicated to media accountability, government transparency, and quality fact-based journalism. Our site examines stories published in the mainstream media, explores claims made by some of the more partisan Wisconsin political groups, and provides the facts on the issues, people and elections that matter in the state."<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-2">[3]</a>

According to Mother Jones, Ryun formed Media Trackers as a "nimble attack blog . . . that could quickly capitalize on the latest missteps by big-government politicians or the "liberal" media -- essentially hard-hitting, opposition-research-style shops that prize scoops, speed, and scandal over policy briefs and press conferences."<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-MoJo-3">[4]</a>

<h2>Contents</h2>

[<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#" class="internal" id="togglelink">hide</a>] </div>

<ul>

<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-1"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#Media_Trackers_.22Mangle.5Bs.5D_the_Truth.22">1 Media Trackers "Mangle[s] the Truth"</a>

<ul>

<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-2"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#Origin_of_Claim_that_Baldwin_Voted_Against_Body_Armor">1.1 Origin of Claim that Baldwin Voted Against Body Armor</a></li>

<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-3"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#Underage_Girls_Signing_Recall_Petition">1.2 Underage Girls Signing Recall Petition</a></li>

<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-4"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#Accusing_Sen._Lena_Taylor_and_Her_Mother_of_Facilitating_Voter_Fraud">1.3 Accusing Sen. Lena Taylor and Her Mother of Facilitating Voter Fraud</a></li>

<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-5"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#BBQ_for_Votes">1.4 BBQ for Votes</a></li>

<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-6"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#Privacy_of_Recall_Signatures">1.5 Privacy of Recall Signatures</a></li>

<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-7"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#Efforts_to_Undermine_Walker_Recall">1.6 Efforts to Undermine Walker Recall</a></li>

<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-8"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#Smear_Campaign_against_Wisconsin_Jobs_Now">1.7 Smear Campaign against Wisconsin Jobs Now</a></li>

</ul>

</li>

<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-9"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#Started_in_Wisconsin.2C_Expanded_to_Colorado.2C_Florida.2C_Montana.2C_and_Ohio">2 Started in Wisconsin, Expanded to Colorado, Florida, Montana, and Ohio</a></li>

<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-10"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#Personnel">3 Personnel</a></li>

<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-11"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#Funding">4 Funding</a></li>

<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-12"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#Support">5 Support</a></li>

<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-13"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#Contacts">6 Contacts</a></li>

<li class="toclevel-1 tocsection-14"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#Articles_and_Resources">7 Articles and Resources</a>

<ul>

<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-15"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#Related_PRWatch_Articles">7.1 Related PRWatch Articles</a></li>

<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-16"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#Related_SourceWatch_articles">7.2 Related SourceWatch articles</a></li>

<li class="toclevel-2 tocsection-17"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#References">7.3 References</a></li>

</ul>

</li>

</ul>

</td></tr></tbody></table>

<h2>Media Trackers "Mangle[s] the Truth"</h2>

Media Trackers has a history of "mangl[ing] the truth," according to Mother Jones and such media outlets as PolitiFact and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

<h4>Origin of Claim that Baldwin Voted Against Body Armor</h4>

Dan Bice of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that "Media Trackers was the first to suggest that Baldwin's support for this measure meant she favored 'denying body armor and medical supplies to U.S. military personnel' fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan." This claim was extrapolated from Baldwin's support of a bill that would allow individuals to seek conscientious objector status from the IRS to prevent their tax dollars from going to fund wars.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-bice2-4">[5]</a>

Kenneth Mayer, a professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel"the notion that, if this bill would pass, it means that Tammy Baldwin would be denying body armor to troops, is ludicrous.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-bice2-4">[5]</a>

This claim has been repeated by many people, including New York mayor Rudy Giuliani. Recently, Tommy Thompson's campaign ran ads attacking Baldwin, saying "she fought to block funding that provides body armor for our troops just to make a political point." Brian Sikma, the communications director for Media Trackers has also been spreading this claim, going so far as to say "she voted against body armor and medical supplies" in a radio interview.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-bice2-4">[5]</a>

<h4>Underage Girls Signing Recall Petition</h4>

In November of 2011 Media Trackers released a video that showed two young women signing the recall petition. They suggested that one of the young women did not appear to be 18 years old, and the video was reposted on conservative outlets around the country. When the age of the young women came under question, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin released information proving that the young women were over 18 years old.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-5">[6]</a>

<h4>Accusing Sen. Lena Taylor and Her Mother of Facilitating Voter Fraud</h4>

Dan Bice reported in December 2011 that "Media Trackers had suggested Taylor and her mother might have been "accessories" to voter fraud for their role in helping a felon named Russell Collins vote illegally in the April election."<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-bice-6">[7]</a> This accusation was based on the fact that Taylor's mother runs a religious shelter, and many of the shelter's patrons listed the address as their residence for voting purposes. The most shocking claim made by Media Trackers was that one of those voting from the address, Russell Collins, voted illegally. This accusation was quickly debunked when the Assistant District Attorney ascertained that Collins was in fact "off papers" and eligible to vote.

Brian Sikma, the communications director at Media Trackers was active in spreading these false claims. He told the Journal Sentinel "Last week, we saw Sen. Taylor introduce legislation that would allow felons the moment they leave jail to vote... But looking at what we found, it looks like she didn't even wait for the law to change. She was, in fact, an accessory to one felon voting on April 5 when that individual was ineligible to vote under Wisconsin statutes."<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-bice-6">[7]</a>

When it was demonstrated that Collins had not in fact voted illegally the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel "asked if Media Trackers should offer an apology to Taylor or her mother, Sikma said he didn't think so. 'We stand by the information we were given,' he said."<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-bice-6">[7]</a>

<h4>BBQ for Votes</h4>

An August 2011 "exclusive" that "a labor-backed progressive group [but OK for ALEC to wine and dine legislators?] had violated Wisconsin state law by handing out free BBQ to Milwaukee residents in exchange for pledges to vote early in a closely fought state Senate recall election . . . turned out to be dead wrong; the DA found no evidence of wrongdoing."

<h4>Privacy of Recall Signatures</h4>

In November 2011, "in another splashy post that was quickly amplified by the right-wing blogosphere, Media Trackers' Wisconsin outlet claimed there were 'no privacy protections' for people who signed a recall petition to recall Walker, leaving them open to harassment and abuse. PolitiFact rated the claim 'Mostly False,' and noted that Media Trackers had given no evidence that harassment was taking place.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-7">[8]</a>" In March 2012, "soon after the Wisconsin Judicial Commission filed an ethics complaint against conservative state Supreme Court Justice David Prosser, Media Trackers published a story claiming four of the commission's nine members had signed Walker recall petitions. In fact, none had.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-MJSjudcom-8">[9]</a>"<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-MoJo-3">[4]</a>

<h4>Efforts to Undermine Walker Recall</h4>

Media Trackers blogger Brian Sikma has claimed that signing a recall petition poses a threat to the safety of women, arguing that personal information and political preferences should not be available to "just anyone." Sikma allegedly heavily paraphrased a quote in his post from Mary Jo Baas of <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Liberty_House_Consultants&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Liberty House Consultants (page does not exist)">Liberty House Consultants</a>. It turns out that contrary to Baas's comments that she has willingly made her personal information and political preferences available to the public by making campaign contributions to Governor <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Scott_Walker" title="Scott Walker">Scott Walker</a>. Her consulting firm was also paid $9,000 for work that it did on behalf of the Republican Party in 2008. <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-9">[10]</a>

Two days after the launch of the Recall <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Scott_Walker" title="Scott Walker">Scott Walker</a> campaign, Media Trackers claimed it uncovered dangers in the signature gathering process. Due to "a flaw in the security of the system (that) has been discovered," Media Trackers said in their <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://mediatrackers.org/2011/11/exclusive-gab-admits-to-major-privacy-flaw-in-recall-system/">online article</a> that "there are no privacy protections for those who sign a recall petition." They also make the claim that people circulating recall petitions don’t have to be certified by a government agency and don’t have to register with the state and argue this is a new phenomenon. Despite Media Trackers claim, PolitiFact found that it is not new that state law does not require credentialing of people who circulate recall petitions. PolitiFact also found the group Meida Trackers to be misleading when it says it is newly discovered that there are "no privacy protections" for the limited information recall signers provide, as there never have been. <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-10">[11]</a>

<h4>Smear Campaign against Wisconsin Jobs Now</h4>

In August, 2011 Media Trackers filed a <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.mediatrackers.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/MediaTrackersFilesComplaintswithGAB.pdf">complaint</a> with the Government Accountability Board and the Milwaukee County District Attorney's office alleging illegal election and electioneering activities on the part of Wisconsin Jobs Now! Shortly after issuing a press release detailing the allegations, Media Trackers refused to cooperate with the DA in conducting an investigation. It was subsequently revealed by Bill Omulski, a representative of the right-wing <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/MacIver_Institute" title="MacIver Institute">MacIver Institute</a>, that the "witness" of Wisconsin Jobs Now's illegal activity was Media Trackers operative Colin Roth. Roth was then interviewed by the DA, and revealed that he had not witnessed any illegal activity. The absence of any evidence of wrongdoing on the part of Wisconsin Jobs Now suggests that the allegations of electioneering activities were a calculated smear campaign designed to help Republican senators facing recall campaigns. The ploy was successful, with headlines lasting for days in major publications like the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. [[Both Media Trackers and MacIver Institute receive funding from the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Bradley_Foundation" title="Bradley Foundation" class="mw-redirect">Bradley Foundation</a>. <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-11">[12]</a>

<h2>Started in Wisconsin, Expanded to Colorado, Florida, Montana, and Ohio</h2>

According to Mother Jones, "After seeing Media Trackers in action, its anonymous donors shelled out enough fresh cash for Ryun to expand into Colorado, Florida, Montana, and Ohio."<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-MoJo-3">[4]</a> Indeed, Media Trackers announced its expansion into Colorado and Montana with two similar press releases on May 9, 2012.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-12">[13]</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-13">[14]</a> Media Trackers Florida and Ohio seem to have been started in a slightly earlier wave, with organizational "about" pages on each of their websites dated March 16, 2012.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-14">[15]</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-15">[16]</a>

<h2>Personnel</h2>

There is no personnel or staff listing on the <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://mediatrackers.org/">Media Trackers</a> websites, but the following staff are listed as blog/news authors on the organization's websites':

<ul>

<li>Brian Sikma, Communications Director for Media Trackers in Wisconsin<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-16">[17]</a> - Sikma has also authored numerous blog articles on the Media Trackers site.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-17">[18]</a></li>

<li>Collin Roth, Researcher (formerly Assistant Volunteer Coordinator at Justin Amash for Congress & Campaign Staff Assistant at Bill Cooper For Congress<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-18">[19]</a>) - Roth has authored numerous blog articles on the Media Trackers site.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-19">[20]</a></li>

<li>Dena - Although no last name is listed, Dena has also authored numerous blog articles on the Media Trackers site, the most recent on June 16, 2011.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-20">[21]</a></li>

<li>Jason Hart - Hart has authored 13 articles on Media Trackers Ohio's blog website as of May 2012.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-21">[22]</a></li>

<li>Chris Leggatt - Leggatt has authored nine articles on Media Trackers Florida's website as of May 2012.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-22">[23]</a></li>

<li>Tom Lauder - Lauder has authored five articles on Media Trackers Florida's website as of May 2012.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-23">[24]</a></li>

<li>Garrett Lenderman - Lenderman has authored four articles on Media Trackers Montana's website as of May 2012.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-24">[25]</a></li>

<li>Phil Rolen - Rolen has authored one article on Media Trackers Montana's website as of May 2012.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-25">[26]</a></li>

<li>Aaron Gardner - Gardner has authored ten articles on Media Trackers Colorado's website as of May 2012.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-26">[27]</a></li>

<li>Kyle Forti - Forti has authored six articles on Media Trackers Colorado's website as of May 2012.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-27">[28]</a></li>

</ul>

The Media Trackers website "welcomes your feedback as citizen journalists" and is asking people to "register and start writing your article."<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-28">[29]</a>

<h2>Funding</h2>

Media Trackers is primarily sponsored by <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/American_Majority" title="American Majority">American Majority</a>, which is funded for the most part by the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Sam_Adams_Alliance" title="Sam Adams Alliance">Sam Adams Alliance</a>. In 2010, American Majority received $328,720 from the right-wing and Milwaukee-based <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Bradley_Foundation" title="Bradley Foundation" class="mw-redirect">Bradley Foundation</a>. Media Trackers is also closely affiliated with the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/MacIver_Institute" title="MacIver Institute">MacIver Institute</a>, which promoted many of its stories during the recall campaigns of Republic senators in Wisconsin. The Bradley Foundation has also provided substantial funds to the MacIver institute, totalling $310,000 in the past two years.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-29">[30]</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-30">[31]</a>

<h2>Support</h2>

Radio personality <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Charlie_Sykes&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Charlie Sykes (page does not exist)">Charlie Sykes</a> publicly supports Media Trackers and the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/MacIver_News_Service" title="MacIver News Service" class="mw-redirect">MacIver News Service</a>. Sykes serves as senior fellow and magazine editor for the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Wisconsin_Policy_Research_Institute" title="Wisconsin Policy Research Institute">Wisconsin Policy Research Institute</a>. Records show the institute receives $400,000 per year from the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Bradley_Foundation" title="Bradley Foundation" class="mw-redirect">Bradley Foundation</a>, representing about half - and sometimes more - of its annual budget. "I like to encourage any alternative media outlets - blogs, websites, think tanks, oppo research groups - that can come up with interesting, important stories," the conservative talker said. "And I make no secret of the fact that I really like a lot of the stuff that MacIver and Media Trackers have been doing; hopefully, they'll keep all of us in the media honest," said Sykes. <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_note-31">[32]</a>

<h2>Contacts</h2>

No address, phone number or email address are listed on the website.

Web contact form: <a rel="nofollow" class="external free" href="http://mediatrackers.org/contact/">http://mediatrackers.org/contact/</a>

<h2>Articles and Resources</h2>

<h3>Related PRWatch Articles</h3>

<ul>

<li>Erica Pelzek, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.prwatch.org/news/2011/03/10421/debate-over-swing-vote-high-court-labor-battle-sparks-discussion-judicial-agenda-">Debate Over Swing Vote on High Court in Labor Battle Sparks Discussion of Judicial Agenda and Demeanor</a>, PRWatch.org, March 22, 2011</li>

</ul>

<h3>Related SourceWatch articles</h3>

<ul>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/American_Majority" title="American Majority">American Majority</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Sam_Adams_Alliance" title="Sam Adams Alliance">Sam Adams Alliance</a></li>

</ul>

<h3>References</h3>

<li id="cite_note-Politico-0">↑ <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-Politico_0-0">1.0</a> <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-Politico_0-1">1.1</a> <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-Politico_0-2">1.2</a> Kenneth P. Vogel <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0411/52428.html">Right seeks edge in opposition wars</a>, Politico.com, April 3, 2011</li>

<li id="cite_note-MJStilt-1"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-MJStilt_1-0">↑</a> Daniel Bice, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.jsonline.mobi/more/news/watchdog/127152603.htm">Conservative outlets write all the news that fits their tilt</a>, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, August 7, 2011</li>

<li id="cite_note-2"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-2">↑</a> Media Trackers, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://mediatrackers.org/about/">About</a>, organizational website, accessed May 5, 2011</li>

<li id="cite_note-MoJo-3">↑ <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-MoJo_3-0">4.0</a> <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-MoJo_3-1">4.1</a> <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-MoJo_3-2">4.2</a> Andy Kroll, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/05/media-trackers-opposition-research-wisconsin-dark-money">Media Trackers, the Right's New Oppo-Research Attack Dog</a>, Mother Jones, May 21, 2012</li>

<li id="cite_note-bice2-4">↑ <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-bice2_4-0">5.0</a> <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-bice2_4-1">5.1</a> <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-bice2_4-2">5.2</a> Daniel Bice, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/claim-that-baldwin-voted-against-body-armor-for-troops-far-from-truth-sh7cna7-176322621.html">Claim that Baldwin voted against body armor for troops far from truth</a>, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, October 30, 2012.</li>

<li id="cite_note-5"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-5">↑</a> Patrick Marley, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/134251858.html">Group questions age of petition signers; Dems release details to show they are over 18</a>, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, November 21, 2011.</li>

<li id="cite_note-bice-6">↑ <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-bice_6-0">7.0</a> <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-bice_6-1">7.1</a> <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-bice_6-2">7.2</a> Daniel Bice, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/excon-eligible-to-vote-conservative-outlet-didnt-check-kt39tu3-135004073.html">Ex-con eligible to vote; conservative outlet didn't check</a>, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel", December 5, 2011.</li>

<li id="cite_note-7"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-7">↑</a> <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/statements/2011/dec/01/media-trackers/conservative-group-media-trackers-says-wisconsin-r/">Conservative group says signers of petitions to recall Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker are at risk</a>, PolitiFact, November 17, 2011</li>

<li id="cite_note-MJSjudcom-8"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-MJSjudcom_8-0">↑</a> Daniel Bice, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://m.jsonline.com/newswatch/144048626.htm">Charges against Judicial Commission fall apart</a>, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, March 24, 2012</li>

<li id="cite_note-9"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-9">↑</a> Jesse Russell <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.dane101.com/current/2011/12/09/media_trackers_suggests_signing_recall_petitions_could_be_perilous_for_women">Media Trackers suggests signing recall petitions could be perilous for women</a>, Dane101.com, December 9, 2011</li>

<li id="cite_note-10"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-10">↑</a> <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/statements/2011/dec/01/media-trackers/conservative-group-media-trackers-says-wisconsin-r/">Conservative group says signers of petitions to recall Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker are at risk</a>, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.politifact.com">Politifact</a>, accessed December 1, 2011</li>

<li id="cite_note-11"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-11">↑</a> Cody Oliphant, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.onewisconsinnow.org/blog/2011/12/anatomy-of-a-right-wing-smear-campaign-media-trackers-maciver-institute-and-charlie-sykes.html">Anatomy of a right-wing smear campaign; Media Trackers, MacIver Institute, and Charlie Sykes</a> One Wisconsin Now Blog, December 7, 2011</li>

<li id="cite_note-12"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-12">↑</a> Media Trackers Colorado, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://colorado.mediatrackers.org/2012/05/09/media-trackers-co-senate-dems-shilling-for-obamacare-with-union-bill/">MEDIA TRACKERS: CO SENATE DEMS SHILLING FOR OBAMACARE WITH UNION BILL</a>, organizational press release, May 9, 2012</li>

<li id="cite_note-13"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-13">↑</a> Media Trackers Montana, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://montana.mediatrackers.org/2012/05/09/826/">Media Trackers: Taxpayers take $3 Million Loss in Sale of Story Mansion to Org Led by Former City Planner Epple</a>, organizational press release, May 9, 2012</li>

<li id="cite_note-14"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-14">↑</a> Media Trackers Florida, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://florida.mediatrackers.org/about/">About</a>, organizational website, March 16, 2012, accessed May 2012</li>

<li id="cite_note-15"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-15">↑</a> Media Trackers Ohio, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://ohio.mediatrackers.org/about/">About</a>, organizational website, March 16, 2012, accessed May 2012</li>

<li id="cite_note-16"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-16">↑</a> <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Drew_Ryun" title="Drew Ryun">Drew Ryun</a>, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://mediatrackers.org/2012/04/13/correcting-the-record/">Correcting the Record</a>, Media Trackers, organizational blog article, April 13, 2012</li>

<li id="cite_note-17"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-17">↑</a> Media Trackers, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://mediatrackers.org/author/brian-sikma/">Author: Brian Sikma</a>, organizational blog website, accessed May 22, 2012</li>

<li id="cite_note-18"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-18">↑</a> Collin Roth, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/collin-roth/24/64a/212">Collin Roth</a>, LinkedIn.com online profile, accessed May 22, 2012</li>

<li id="cite_note-19"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-19">↑</a> Media Trackers, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://mediatrackers.org/author/collin/">Author: Collin</a>, organizational blog website, accessed May 22, 2012</li>

<li id="cite_note-20"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-20">↑</a> Media Trackers, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://mediatrackers.org/author/dena/">Author: Dena</a>, organizational blog website, accessed May 22, 2012</li>

<li id="cite_note-21"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-21">↑</a> Media Trackers Ohio, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://ohio.mediatrackers.org/author/jhart/">Author: J. Hart</a>, organizational blog website, accessed May 22, 2012</li>

<li id="cite_note-22"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-22">↑</a> Media Trackers Florida, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://florida.mediatrackers.org/author/chris/">Author: Chris</a>, organizational website, accessed May 22, 2012</li>

<li id="cite_note-23"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-23">↑</a> Media Trackers Florida, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://florida.mediatrackers.org/author/toml/">Author: Tom L.</a>, organizational website, accessed May 22, 2012</li>

<li id="cite_note-24"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-24">↑</a> Media Trackers Montana, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://montana.mediatrackers.org/author/garrettlenderman/">Author: Garrett Lenderman</a>, organizational website, accessed May 22, 2012</li>

<li id="cite_note-25"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-25">↑</a> Media Trackers Montana, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://montana.mediatrackers.org/author/philrolen/">Author: Phil Rolen</a>, organizational website, accessed May 22, 2012</li>

<li id="cite_note-26"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-26">↑</a> Media Trackers Colorado, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://colorado.mediatrackers.org/author/aarongardner/">Author: Aaron Gardner</a>, organizational website, accessed May 22, 2012</li>

<li id="cite_note-27"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-27">↑</a> Media Trackers Colorado, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://colorado.mediatrackers.org/author/kyleforti/">Author: Kyle Forti</a>, organizational website, accessed May 22, 2012</li>

<li id="cite_note-28"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-28">↑</a> Media Trackers <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://mediatrackers.org/write-for-us/">Write for us</a>, organization website, accessed May 5, 2011</li>

<li id="cite_note-29"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-29">↑</a> Daniel Bice, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.jsonline.mobi/more/news/watchdog/127152603.htm">Conservative outlets write all the news that fits their tilt</a>, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, August 7, 2011</li>

<li id="cite_note-30"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-30">↑</a> Kenneth P. Vogel, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0411/52428.html">Right seeks edge in opposition wars</a>, Politico.com, April 3, 2011</li>

<li id="cite_note-31"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers#cite_ref-31">↑</a> Daniel Bice [<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.jsonline.mobi/more/news/watchdog/127152603.htm%20and%20conduct%20additional%20research%20as%20necessary.">Conservative outlets write all the news that fits their tilt</a>, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www,jsonline.com">JS Online</a>, December 14, 2011</li>

</ol>

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</ul><div></div><div>http://cognidissidence.blogspot.com/2012/10/brian-sikma-and-media-trackers-natural.html</div><div><h2 class="date-header" style="margin: 1.5em 0px 0.5em; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.4em; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.2em;">TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012</h2><div class="date-posts"><div class="post-outer"><div class="post hentry" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 1.5em; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(111, 168, 220); padding-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="2235196045538950510" /><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="margin: 0.25em 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 4px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em;"><a href="http://cognidissidence.blogspot.com/2012/10/brian-sikma-and-media-trackers-natural.html" style="text-decoration: none; display: block;">Brian Sikma and Media Trackers: Natural Born Liars</a></h3><div class="post-header-line-1" /><div class="post-body entry-content" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; line-height: 1.6em;">Last week, Tommy Thompson had an attack on his opponent, Tammy Baldwin, only to have it <a href="http://cognidissidence.blogspot.com/2012/10/thompsons-desperate-deceptive-dishonest.html" style="text-decoration: none;">completely backfire</a>. Thompson, who tried to falsely portray Baldwin as not supporting the memories of 9-11 survivors, is still feeling the repercussions of not only lying, but also having his own ethical issues arise from it.

Undaunted, Thompson did it again this week when he again tried to smear Baldwin, this time complaining that Baldwin allegedly did not support providing body armor for the troops fighting in the Middle East. If possible, this attack was even more false and more disgusting than his previous one. <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/claim-that-baldwin-voted-against-body-armor-for-troops-far-from-truth-sh7cna7-176322621.html" style="text-decoration: none;">From Dan Bice</a> of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
<blockquote style="line-height: 1.3em; margin: 1em 20px;">"Who the heck would vote against armor-piercing protection for our troops, except for someone who's hanging so far out on the left that she can't even think straight?" Giuliani asked.

Now a variation on that theme is the centerpiece of a new Thompson ad ripping Baldwin.

"She fought to block funding that provides body armor for our troops just to make a political point," the TV spot says.

But experts say the measure coming under scrutiny is a feel-good bill that wouldn't lead to federal defense cuts, much less slice federal funding for body armor.

That's just political spin.

"The notion that, if this bill would pass, it means that Tammy Baldwin would be denying body armor to troops, is ludicrous," said Kenneth Mayer, professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Four times in the past, Baldwin was listed as a co-sponsor for legislation that would allow peace-loving taxpayers to get a conscientious objector exemption from the Internal Revenue Service to stipulate that their income taxes wouldn't be used for war. Their taxes would go into a "peace tax fund," with the money being divvied out for non-military items.

Every two years, Democratic U.S. Rep. John Lewis of Georgia introduces the bill, and then it sits in the House Ways and Means Committee without a vote. Baldwin most recently backed the bill three years ago.</blockquote>So where would Thompson get such a false notion? Bice explains that as well:
<blockquote style="line-height: 1.3em; margin: 1em 20px;">Earlier this month, Media Trackers - a conservative group that digs up dirt on Democrats - was the first to suggest that Baldwin's support for this measure meant she favored "denying body armor and medical supplies to U.S. military personnel" fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

From there, the story took off. It was picked up by Breitbart, a conservative online news site, and plugged by talk show hosts Jerry Bader and Charlie Sykes.

Brian Sikma, who wrote the Media Trackers' piece, has defended his original post, saying he never contended the peace fund bill would "cut" funding for anything in the military. He said his point was that under the bill, anyone would be able to "block" their taxes from being used to support the U.S. Department of Defense.

But even Sikma went beyond that in a television appearance over the weekend.

"Tammy Baldwin clearly has a credibility problem when it comes to national security issues," Sikma said on Sykes' "Sunday Insight" show on Sunday. Among other things, he said, "She voted against body armor and medical supplies."

Except there was no vote.

The measure has not come up for a vote in committee or on the House floor during Baldwin's 14 years in Congress. The last time anything happened on the proposal was July 1995 when a House committee held hearings on it.</blockquote>But where Sikma claims that he did not write the bill would cut funding,<a href="http://mediatrackers.org/2012/10/18/shock-baldwin-wanted-to-block-funding-for-body-armor-for-troops-in-combat/" style="text-decoration: none;">he actually did write that</a>:
<blockquote style="line-height: 1.3em; margin: 1em 20px;">Despite the fact that some believed the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were controversial, many on both sides of the political aisle thought that the troops deployed should at least receive the supplies and protection they needed. Baldwin’s work on the so-called Peace Tax Fund actively sought to block funding for needed protection and life-saving equipment for these deployed military personnel.</blockquote>As a note to Sikma, I did screencap the post, so there's no use for you trying to delete it or change it like you usually do.

NOTHING NEW

The fact that Sikma, who is the communications director for Media Trackers, is confabulating things is neither new or shocking, although it remains very offensive and disgusting.

Media Trackers, and Sikma, <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Media_Trackers" style="text-decoration: none;">is sponsored by</a> the Bradley Foundation, the Koch Brothers and the Sam Adams Alliance, much like its sister propagandist agencies, MacIver Institute, Wisconsin Reporter and WPRI.

Sikma and his propagandist agency has a lengthy history of having credibility problems. Perhaps their <a href="http://cognidissidence.blogspot.com/2011/11/media-trackers-or-miserable-hacks.html" style="text-decoration: none;">most famous example</a> is where they tried to accuse recall petition signature collectors of bribing underage women to sign the petitions. This was utterly and completely proven to be false.

<a href="http://mediatrackers.org/2011/11/22/exclusive-lena-taylor-property-accessory-to-voter-fraud/" style="text-decoration: none;">They then accused</a> Senator Lena Taylor and her mother of housing a felon who had allegedly voted fraudulently. It turned out that <a href="http://eye-on-wisconsin.blogspot.com/2011/12/smear-machine-mission-accomplished.html" style="text-decoration: none;">this too was a lie</a> and that the alleged felon was actually an ex-felon and was legally allowed to vote.

Sikma and his group has <a href="http://cognidissidence.blogspot.com/2012/04/fracturing-media-trackers-manufactured.html" style="text-decoration: none;">regularly tried to discredit</a> the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office and its investigation into the illegal campaigning that was done by Scott Walker and his staff. They have gone as far as scouring the Facebook pages of the employees of the DA's office and stalking their houses. To this day, they have not been able to prove one act of impropriety, but that does not keep them from making the innuendos.

Perhaps the most classic example is when Sikma and company accused a lefty group of providing ribs for votes. Even though they knew their allegations were false, they still made them. But when they were called into the DA's office to testify on their allegations, <a href="http://www.onewisconsinnow.org/blog/2011/12/anatomy-of-a-right-wing-smear-campaign-media-trackers-maciver-institute-and-charlie-sykes.html" style="text-decoration: none;">their story changed completely</a>:
<blockquote style="line-height: 1.3em; margin: 1em 20px;">Then came the bombshell:
<blockquote style="line-height: 1.3em; margin: 1em 20px;">Q: All right. Did anyone tell you that in order to get a ticket for food you had to sign up to vote?

[Roth] A: No, not explicity. [sic]

...

Q: Do you have any other information that you could offer that would shed some light on this...?

A: ...I can't say if that was a necessary or that was explicit that one had to sign in and get in the van to take the food or the ticket</blockquote>
In other words, Media Trackers's anonymous source knew the pro-union Wisconsin Jobs Now group did not engage in illegal activity. But that didn't stop Media Trackers from "reporting" otherwise.

So this begs the question: if Media Trackers wasn't going to cooperate with investigators (perhaps because they knew the facts weren't on their side), why did they ever bother issuing a press release making such serious allegations. Simple. They only needed to smear Wisconsin Jobs Now for the short period before the recall election. They didn't need to win a court case, they just needed to win a media war. And win they did.</blockquote>To put the icing on the issue, they also ended up with <a href="http://cognidissidence.blogspot.com/2011/12/pot-demands-kettle-to-apologize.html" style="text-decoration: none;">a little spat</a> with their sister agency, MacIver Institute, who got dragged into the mess.

ONE LIBEL TOO FAR

Despite the long history that Sikma and his agency has of distorting the truth, if not flat out lying, and not taking any responsibility for their behaviors, Sikma might have finally outdone himself now.

Sikma recently reported that Kyle Wood - a Republican volunteer for Chad Lee, the political opponent to Mark Pocan to fill Tammy Baldwin's seat - was brutally assaulted. He further reported that he had copies of text messages which had been allegedly sent by Phillip Frank, Pocan's husband.

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="padding: 4px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; border: 1px solid rgb(111, 168, 220); float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M1-HpKqauxI/UI95kAJcISI/AAAAAAAAJ3Q/8Ugvjp_01Xc/s1600/pants_on_fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-decoration: none; clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M1-HpKqauxI/UI95kAJcISI/AAAAAAAAJ3Q/8Ugvjp_01Xc/s200/pants_on_fire.jpg" width="200" style="border: none; padding: 0px;" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suggested  new logo for
Media Trackers</td></tr></tbody></table>Although Sikma has since deleted the post and put up <a href="http://mediatrackers.org/2012/10/29/mark-pocans-husband-told-beaten-gop-operative-youre-a-marked-man-threatened-and-harassed-via-text-message/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MediaTrackers+%28Media+Trackers%29" style="text-decoration: none;">a different one</a>in its place, here is a flavor of what he wrote, thanks to Google Reader and another right wing blogger who was one of the many that fed into the story, but like Sikma, deleted their post:
<blockquote style="line-height: 1.3em; margin: 1em 20px;">A series of shocking text messages purportedly from Philip Frank, the partner of Democratic State Representative and Madison-area Congressional candidate Mark Pocan, threatened a volunteer for Pocan’s Republican opponent days before the volunteer was found beaten. 

Last Wednesday, Kyle Wood, a full-time volunteer with Republican Chad Lee’s Congressional campaign, was beaten inside his home in Madison by an unidentified attacker who claimed that as a gay man Wood should be supporting the gay candidate for Congress. 

The text messages obtained by Media Trackers allegedly show Philip Frank, Pocan’s partner, making sexually-charged comments to Wood before threatening him and making racist statements about the spouse of Chad Lee. The messages were apparently sent two or three days before the Wednesday beating, according to Wood, who is alleging to investigators that the messages came from Frank. 

After mocking Wood for supporting the Republican candidate, Frank is accused of writing, “Remember your station in life and remember not to cross the husband of a powerful man. You are on shaky footing as it is, push much farther and you won’t have a future in this town, or any other.”</blockquote>The news was so big that Sikma was breathless on Monday morning as <a href="http://media2.620wtmj.com/SykesFullShow/102912_Sykesshow_part2.mp3" style="text-decoration: none;">he shared his story</a> with Charlie Sykes on Sykes' squawk radio show.

But guess what. Even though Sikma claimed that he had verified the story, and the thing had taken off nationally, it turned out to be another lie. This time, Jason Stein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported on Sikma's reporting skills, <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/176338211.html" style="text-decoration: none;">or lack thereof</a>:
<blockquote style="line-height: 1.3em; margin: 1em 20px;">Wood claimed the attack occured [sic] on Wednesday morning when an unidentified man knocked on his door and then brutally attacked him as soon as Wood answered it. 

Following that news, Media Trackers printed damaging allegations about "a series of shocking text messages purportedly from Philip Frank," Pocan's husband. Media Trackers printed the whole series of text messages, which were laced with threats, sexual innuendo and racist language and which were supposedly sent to Wood just days before the alleged attack on him. 

“Remember your station in life and remember not to cross the husband of a powerful man. You are on shaky footing as it is, push much farther and you won’t have a future in this town, or any other," one of the supposed messages reads. 

Brian Sikma, the Media Trackers blogger who wrote the item and who regularly accuses mainstream journalists of sloppy and biased reporting, said his story was based on information from Wood. Sikma said Wood's "conduct is unacceptable and such actions have no place as a part of our public debate," but Sikma made no mention of his own role in the allegation against Frank getting onto the Internet.

Sikma said that Media Trackers had also talked with workers in Lee's campaign and other unnamed individuals who knew Wood "in an attempt to verify his personal integrity." Sikma refused to say whether Media Trackers had reached out to Pocan's campaign before running the story. 

But Dan McNally, Pocan's campaign manager, said Media Trackers never contacted the campaign. He had no other comment.</blockquote>Keep in mind now that Sikma claims to have verified the text messages, but didn't even know the phone numbers. He said that he had verified the veracity of the texts and the statements, but couldn't name the people that verified them. And he utterly lied about contacting the Pocan campaign or Mr. Frank.

If you go back to Sikma's interview on Sykes' show, Sykes even expresses concern about the veracity of the story. Sikma <a href="http://media2.620wtmj.com/SykesFullShow/102912_Sykesshow_part2.mp3" style="text-decoration: none;">again guaranteed that the story was absolutely true</a> and that it was checked and double checked.

Now that the story has been proven to be a hoax, Sikma has gone into<a href="http://mediatrackers.org/2012/10/29/gop-volunteer-lied-about-beating-threats/#comment-6973" style="text-decoration: none;">damage control mode</a> and has thrown Wood under the bus:
<blockquote style="line-height: 1.3em; margin: 1em 20px;">Wood had shared information with Media Trackers subsequent to the beating purporting to show harassing text messages sent to him by Philip Frank, the spouse of Democratic Congressional candidate Mark Pocan. Individuals who know Wood verified the accuracy of his claims to Media Trackers but those claims now appear to be false. Media Trackers believes Wood misled us and lied when questioned about the accuracy of the information he claimed to have.

Harassment and violence should never be tolerated regardless of the motives behind it. Nor should fabricated claims of harassment and tolerance be allowed to stand without condemnation. Wood lied to law enforcement and the public about his beating and previous instances of harassment. His conduct is despicable.

The extent of the fraud perpetrated by Wood’s claims spreads far beyond Wisconsin as media outlets across the country picked up his story and repeated his allegations. Wood owes the public, Rep. Mark Pocan and his spouse Philip Frank, and law enforcement officials an apology.

Media Trackers regrets that we were repeatedly lied to and misled. We regret that our readers were subject to the dishonest claims of a dishonest individual. Despite the best efforts to verify the accuracy and integrity of certain claims, a cover-up sometimes works. Those who create and maintain such fabrications deserve to be ruthlessly exposed for they hold the power to destroy the credibility of innocent people.</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Even if one wanted to believe Sikma's story that Wood simply lied to him, Sikma has a lot of explaining to do himself.

For instance, he will have to detail what he did and with whom he spoke to verify the texts' veracity and Wood's integrity. Sikma should also explain how the police figured out that the story was false and whether he played a role in that matter.

He should, but he won't.

He'll be too busy preparing his defense for the libel lawsuit that Mr. Frank should file against him.

As a last note, I wanted to point out that a lot of right wingers were duped into this story. Most of them, like Sikma, resolved their dissonance by throwing Wood under the bus. Others just deleted it. And like Sikma, their credibility has been hurt. But it's their own fault. After getting proven to be a liar so many times, there is no reason for anyone to believe him. 

My question is, given how often so many of them have been proven to be dishonest - whether on their own volition or by feeding off of stories from people like Sikma - how can anyone believe what any one of the right wing propagandists, bloggers and squawkers?<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; clear: both;" /></div><div class="post-footer" style="font-size: 10.1400003433228px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; margin: 0.75em 0px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.1em; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.4em;"><div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-1">POSTED BY CAPPER AT <a class="timestamp-link" href="http://cognidissidence.blogspot.com/2012/10/brian-sikma-and-media-trackers-natural.html" rel="bookmark" title="permanent link" style="text-decoration: none;"><abbr class="published" title="2012-10-30T01:58:00-05:00" style="border: none;">1:58 AM</abbr></a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/email-post.g?blogID=5888314760091661875&postID=2235196045538950510" title="Email Post" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="icon-action" height="13" src="http://www.blogger.com/img/icon18_email.gif" width="18" style="border: 1px solid rgb(111, 168, 220); vertical-align: middle; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.5em !important; padding: 4px;" /></a></div><div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-2">LABELS: <a href="http://cognidissidence.blogspot.com/search/label/Brian%20Sikma" rel="tag" style="text-decoration: none;">BRIAN SIKMA</a>, <a href="http://cognidissidence.blogspot.com/search/label/Corporate%20Media" rel="tag" style="text-decoration: none;">CORPORATE MEDIA</a>, <a href="http://cognidissidence.blogspot.com/search/label/Libel" rel="tag" style="text-decoration: none;">LIBEL</a>, <a href="http://cognidissidence.blogspot.com/search/label/Lies" rel="tag" style="text-decoration: none;">LIES</a>, <a href="http://cognidissidence.blogspot.com/search/label/Media%20Trackers" rel="tag" style="text-decoration: none;">MEDIA TRACKERS</a>,<a href="http://cognidissidence.blogspot.com/search/label/Propaganda" rel="tag" style="text-decoration: none;">PROPAGANDA</a></div></div></div></div></div></div><div>===</div>

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