First They Seek to Control the Media

History teaches a clear lesson about the power of Government and the dangers of one-party-rule.

First, political leaders seek influence over the media. They do not always begin by censoring articles or ordering reporters to remain silent. Control can start more subtly, through reducing funding, board appointments, regulatory pressure, and the power to reward favorable coverage or punish and defund criticism.

That is why Montgomery County residents should be alarmed by Councilmember Kate Stewart’s Bill 33-26.

Stewart’s bill would require community media organizations receiving County funding, currently Montgomery Community Media (MyMCM), to place a County Council and County Executive nominee on their governing board. That board has the power to hire and fire MCM’s CEO.

Stewart says the proposal is merely intended to improve governance. In my opinion, Government should never govern the news organization responsible for covering it. The more likely story is that Stewart is upset by MCM’s lack of coverage of her and the independent nature of their reporting. 

Independent journalists must decide which stories deserve attention, which officials should be questioned, and which government claims require scrutiny.

The danger is especially troubling if Councilmembers’ egos believe they are not receiving enough positive video coverage. Elected officials do not have the right to favorable publicity paid for by the taxpayers.

If politicians are dissatisfied with their coverage, the answer is not to gain influence over the organization providing it. Stewart should hire a professional publicist if she is that torqued to reframe the policies that she championed like the bag tax.

Stewart served as Council president in 2025 and used County communications resources to promote the Council’s accomplishments under her leadership, at taxpayer expense, on government-controlled channels, clearly identified as government (taxpayer) produced content.

I believe that taxpayer-funded organizations absolutely should be accountable. Financial audits, public meetings, ethics rules, and performance requirements are legitimate safeguards, however, political appointments to the board of a news organization are not acceptable.

The threat is not limited to direct censorship. It includes the chilling effect created when journalists know that the officials they investigate have influence within their organization.

Montgomery County’s leaders frequently condemn attempts by politicians elsewhere to pressure or intimidate the press. They should apply that same standard to themselves.

A free society requires a press that can challenge those in power without fear of repercussions for unfavorable coverage.

Once government gains influence over the watchdog, the watchdog is no longer fully independent. Bill 33-26 crosses that dangerous line and must  be rejected.