Russian State Media's Tie to a U.S. TV Producer

[Nemra]

AP News: Right-wing influencers hyped anti-Ukraine videos made by a TV producer also funded by Russian media

Summary by Claude AI.

The article details an extensive investigation into Ben Swann's "Zelenskyy Unmasked" video series and its connections to Russian state media, revealing a complex web of disinformation, political influence, and undisclosed financial relationships.

Here's a more in-depth summary:

1. Content and Timing:

• Ben Swann, known for promoting conspiracy theories, released a 12-part video series titled "Zelenskyy Unmasked" in April 2024.
• The series was highly critical of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and aligned with Russian narratives about the war in Ukraine.
• Its release coincided with Congressional debates over increasing military assistance to Ukraine, suggesting potential political motivation.

2. Promotion and Reach:

• The series gained significant traction among conservative social media influencers, including Donald Trump Jr.
• It was heavily promoted on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), with posts garnering tens of millions of views.
• A core group of influencers played a crucial role in promoting the series, with their posts shared by at least 9,300 other accounts reaching a combined 33 million followers.

3. Russian Connections:

• Swann has worked for Russia's state-owned media for years, including RT (formerly Russia Today).
• His company, Rebel Media Productions, registered with the U.S. Department of Justice in 2022 as working for Russian state media.
• Rebel Media Productions received over $6 million in less than two years from RT-related entities.

4. Claimed Separation of Work:

• Swann asserts he keeps his work for Russian interests separate from content produced for U.S. audiences through two different companies: Rebel Media Productions and Truth in Media.
• However, the investigation found overlap in themes, guests, and operational aspects between the two entities.

5. Funding and Transparency Issues:

• Swann claims Truth in Media, which produced "Zelenskyy Unmasked," is funded by wealthy U.S. individuals whom he refused to name.
• The series' promotion involved paid marketing, including payments to some social media influencers for promotion.
• These financial relationships were not disclosed to viewers, raising transparency concerns.

6. Guest Appearances and Connections:

• Many guests featured in "Zelenskyy Unmasked" have previously appeared on RT or have connections to Russian state media.
• Some guests, like Andrii Telizhenko, have been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury for alleged ties to Russian influence networks.

7. Political Context and Warnings:

• The series' release and promotion coincided with efforts by some Republican lawmakers to oppose further aid to Ukraine.
• U.S. intelligence officials have issued warnings about Russian disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining support for Ukraine and influencing the U.S. presidential election.

8. Legal and Regulatory Issues:

• Swann's company stopped reporting its work for Russia to the Justice Department in February 2024, despite continuing to produce RT shows.
• This raises questions about compliance with the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

9. Influencer Marketing and Politics:

• The article highlights the growing role of social media influencers in shaping political narratives and acting as de facto campaign surrogates.
• It reveals the use of influencer marketing firms, like Urban Legend, to promote political content without clear disclosure of financial relationships.

10. Broader Implications:

• The investigation underscores the challenges of regulating and identifying foreign influence operations in the digital age.
• It raises concerns about the blurred lines between journalism, propaganda, and paid promotion on social media platforms.
• The article suggests a need for greater transparency in political endorsements and content creation on social media.

Edited October 21 by Nemra