In a total turnaround for the respected BALTIMORE SUN, media circles cannot get enough of right-wing media magnate David D. Smith of SINCLAIR BROADCASTS GROUP who has taken over as The New Owner of this paper known to be entrenched in progressive thought and politics.
The purchase, of BALTIMORE SUN which is followed by an anxious meeting with Sun staff members, signifies a change in the paper’s course. It is this business oriented media reporting style of transformation that will keep everyone concerned.
A Right-Wing Takeover of BALTIMORE SUN
The Sinclair Influence
David D. Smith, the man behind SINCLAIR BROADCASTS GROUP is known for supporting former president Donald Trump. He won BALTIMORE SUN from ALDEN GLOBAL CAPITAL. However, this multimillionaire media mogul with right-wing connections disoriented the Sun journalists by emphasizing on profitability.
Tumultuous Meeting
It is reported that in a three-hour meeting, Smith insulted Sun’s journalism, asking the employees to follow FOX45 example of quality news producing. And the meeting left employees in doubt about how Smith would handle the paper.
Controversial New Ownership of BALTIMORE SUN
The background of the new owner is relatively controversial.
Political Ties
A powerful figure in politics, Smith has given vast amounts of money to far-right organizations such as PROJECT VERITAS and TURNING POINT USA. He supported Trump’s campaign, who made an agreement with SINCLAIR about favorable coverage in 2016 that raises issues surrounding his media buyouts.
Skepticism Towards Mainstream Media
Concerns about the editorial independence of THE SUN under Smith’s stewardship arise from his disregard for mainstream media as ‘left-wing drivel.’ His confessions that he read THE SUN only four times even though his family hails from those regions intensify the tension.
Challenges and Concerns for the BALTIMORE SUN
Profit-Driven Approach
The focus on profitability in the meeting, wherein Smith directs reporters to “go make me some money,” points towards divergence from Sun’s journalistic mission. The direction of THE SUN in the future remains a question mark based on the new owner’s association with FOX45 which is profit-centric.
Uncertain Future of the Staff and Print Edition
In a wait-and-see approach, Smith kept the Sun staff in the dark regarding print edition continuity and job security. It also became clear at the meeting that there was little clarity on long-standing plans and this left employees worried about possible changes being awaited.
BALTIMORE SUN GUILD’S Concerns
Editorial Direction
The Baltimore Sun Guild raised concerns over the editorial direction Smith proposed. Participants expressed concern about the transition to profit-driven journalism and asked for continued assistance with their reporting efforts.
Clash of Values
This tension between Sun reporters’ public service journalism and profit orientation of Smith creates a daunting situation. Financial priorities were also the focus of reporters when questioned in regard to public service initiatives’ persistence.
Conclusion: A New Chapter Unfolds
BALTIMORE SUN map new territory with David D. Smith at the ship’s wheel, and values clash against uncertainty about paper future in newsrooms filled both heard through media circles. This is a complex view of one of Baltimore’s established newspapers, as right-wing influence, profit orientation, and Smith’s connections to controversial political ties are evident here.
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