Thread by @SputnikInt

🚨 WIKILEAKS EXPOSES INTERNEWS: The USAID’s global media machine

Internews Network (IN), a "non-profit" shaping media got nearly HALF A BILLION DOLLARS from USAID.

Here’s what was uncovered: (1/8)🧵👇

(2/8) Founded in 1982, Internews claims to support "independent media" and promote "trustworthy information." Good thing its largest backer is USAID - the same agency famous for toppling governments and shaping media narratives worldwide.

(3/8) By 2023, Internews had worked with nearly 4,300 media outlets, trained thousands of journalists, and supported social media censorship initiatives — all under the guise of media development.

(4/8) USAID alone poured $472.6 million into Internews. But it’s not the only source of funding.
- Other notable donors include:
- AOL-Time Warner Foundation
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- Various private entities

(5/8) USAID grants to Internews include:
- $10.7M to support “high-quality responsible journalism” in Liberia
- $11M for “media enabling democracy” in Moldova (per ) datarepublican.com

(6/8) The US State Department also contributed $1.48M to establish “safe, accessible, and life-saving information services” in South Sudan.

Meanwhile, Jordan received $19.5M to “position society to advocate for citizen-driven interests.”

(7/8) Adding to the intrigue, Internews CEO Jeanne Bourgault and key staff recently had their bios scrubbed from the organization’s website.

(8/8) With billions in US funding, Internews continues shaping media narratives across the globe.
Is this truly independent journalism - or just another tool in Washington’s global influence playbook?