1. New internal internal #TwitterFiles help explain why privileged reporter hate @elonmusk and Twitter 2.0.
Musk denied access to Twitter's formerly "trusted reporters" and allowed inside entree to more independent journalists.
Musk denied access to Twitter's formerly "trusted reporters" and allowed inside entree to more independent journalists.
2. During my trip to Twitter's HQ in San Francisco, I uncovered several documents that explain why reporters now hate Twitter 2.0
Musk fired their friends and cut off their privileged access.
Musk fired their friends and cut off their privileged access.
3. For years, Twitter provided favoured access to "disinformation" reporters, giving them access to new products and silencing accounts.
4. Musk ended this access and brought in new reporters to go through the company's documents--something no CEO has ever done before.
5. When Twitter rolled out Birdwatch to label "misinformation" they gave NBC News Ben Collins @oneunderscore__ a demo and exclusive access.
Collins was actually part of the feature's "product development."
Collins was actually part of the feature's "product development."
6. Collins was really loved inside Twitter, even suggesting him to moderate one of their panels. When they met w/ reporters in NYC, he admitted that Twitter helped propel his professional profile and helped him get on NPR and TV.
7. Musk has now unveiled "community notes" which allows more users to comment than Birdwatch. This hasn't worked out for "fact checkers" like Glenn Kessler at The Washington Post.
8. Reporters apparently also help Twitter by flipping them bills under consideration.
"Our DC-based tech reporters have gotten advance copies of at least five bills .... that would give more power to regulators."
"Our DC-based tech reporters have gotten advance copies of at least five bills .... that would give more power to regulators."
9. Twitter dealt with bills to moderate them from suspending conservatives by ducking behind trade associations "to do the heavy lifting ... as engaging or commenting ... would give them more attention."
10. Twitter met w/ NYC reporters to "solidify key relationships, encourage intel sharing ... reinforce comm's network of trusted reporters."
(I was not invited)
(I was not invited)
11. One "trusted reporter" was Makena Kelly of Vox
"She'll be reporting out of a deep red state--will mis disinformation resonate?"
This implied Twitter & Makena knew the "disinformation" paradigm doesn't translate outside liberal talking circle.
"She'll be reporting out of a deep red state--will mis disinformation resonate?"
This implied Twitter & Makena knew the "disinformation" paradigm doesn't translate outside liberal talking circle.
12. Kelly showed no interest in Democratic Party "misinformation"
"Looking into 'Republican Party Hype House' on TikTok--tied to Turning Point USA?"
"Looking into 'Republican Party Hype House' on TikTok--tied to Turning Point USA?"
13. CNN glad hander Brian Stelter: "Willing to come to San Francisco, wherever to meet 1:1 with spokespeople even for introductory conversations."
CNN's Oliver Darcy: "Would love to hear pitches from us."
CNN's Oliver Darcy: "Would love to hear pitches from us."
14. CNN also asked if Twitter could create a "read only mode" to protect their reporters from "harassment."
(How often to reporters ask a company they cover to modify company policies?)
(How often to reporters ask a company they cover to modify company policies?)
15. CNN's Donie O'Sullivan: "Always interested in account enforcement such as Rep Marjorie Taylor Green."
Other Twitter Files show "disinformation" reporters obsessed with this Congresswoman.
Other Twitter Files show "disinformation" reporters obsessed with this Congresswoman.
16. Fox News producer for Dana Perino: "Is really eager to get us on the show .... Dana would be fair and not any more tough than the nicest person to question us in Congress." (I laughed when I first read this)
17. Fox News tech reporter Brook Singman: "I think we have a good opportunity to influence this coverage and potentially the reputations of congressional newcomers."
18. Many thanks to @TexasLindsay_ for helping collect and organise these #TwitterFiles. We read and read until our eyes bled.
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