Messages Show How Associated Press Decided to Publish Report Claiming Russia Struck Poland

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

The Associated Press published a story claiming Russian missiles struck Poland after an editor decided that a single anonymous source was sufficient, newly published internal messages show.

Reporter James LaPorta said in a Slack chat room that he’d heard from a source, described as a senior American intelligence official, that “Russian missiles crossed into Poland.” LaPorta said his source had been vetted by Ron Nixon, an Associated Press vice president.

Lisa Leff, an editor, asked if the wire service could run with the narrative despite only having a single source.

“That call is above my pay grade,” LaPorta said.

Vanessa Gera, an Associated Press reporter, said that she supported sending out an alert, writing, “I can’t imagine a US intelligence official would be wrong on this.”

Leff asked Zeina Karam, another editor, what she thought. “Yes should be ok I see source vetted by @rnixon.”

“Sending alert, barring no objections,” Leff said.

The Associated Press was the first outlet to report that Russian missiles struck Poland on Nov. 15. The outlet later retracted the report after information emerged pointing to the missile actually being fired by Ukraine, and fired LaPorta, one of the reporters whose name was on the byline.

Semafor obtained and published the internal messages. The Associated Press did not dispute their authenticity.

LaPorta, Gera, and Nixon did not respond to requests for comment. Leff and Karam could not be reached.

In the immediate aftermath of the report being published, some officials floated the attack triggering obligations under the North Atlantic Treaty Organization alliance.

LaPorta told colleagues: “Wonder if this triggers Article 5?”

Article 5 says that an attack against any one member of the alliance is considered an attack against all allies. The United States is part of the organization.

“My thoughts exactly,” another Associated Press employee wrote. Their name was redacted.

Anonymous Source Standards

News outlets deal with anonymous sources differently. At the Associated Press, the outlet says reporters can only cite anonymous sources if the material is information, rather than opinion or speculation, and is vital to the report.

By Zachary Stieber

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Both Left and Right Are Making Lists

The right admired Charlie Kirk for his faith and patriotism, while the left opposed him for dismantling their positions and narratives with ease.

Redemption’s playbook: The Senior

The Senior isn’t your usual underdog tale, it’s real, it’s raw, and it flips every cliché on its head with a playbook full of grit and plenty of aftermaths.

Kirk Assassination Oddities

Just like the assassination attempt on President Trump in Butler, PA, there are oddities that do not add up with the actual assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Pharma-Funded Medical Groups Threaten Anti-MAHA Physician Strike

“A paradoxical pattern has been suggested in the literature on doctors' strikes: when health workers go on strike, mortality stays level or decreases."

Fauci Caught DEAD TO RIGHTS in Anti-FOIA Conspiracy, Per Newly Released Emails

Fauci told Congress in 2024 he never pressured staff to delete emails, but evidence shows otherwise, raising perjury concerns and calls for indictment.

Employees Fired, Suspended for Celebrating Charlie Kirk’s Death

Multiple U.S. companies warn employees they could lose their jobs if they post comments celebrating or mocking the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Turning Point USA Announces Memorial Service for Slain Founder Charlie Kirk

The conservative political nonprofit Turning Point USA has announced a Sept. 21. memorial service for its late founder, Charlie Kirk.

Charlie Kirk’s Killing a Reminder of Need for Kindness and Civility: Justice Amy Coney Barrett

Justice Barrett calls Charlie Kirk’s assassination a tragic reminder that Americans must resolve disputes through civil discourse, not violence.

Boston University College Republicans Demand Better Security Measures Following Charlie Kirk Assassination

Boston U must provide better security for conservative students in aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, College Republicans wrote in a letter.

Trump Signs Memo Targeting Direct-to-Consumer Pharmaceutical Advertising

President Trump signed a memo to ensure drug ads give fair, balanced, and complete information to protect and inform American consumers.

Trump Runs out of Patience With China, Sharpens His Words

President Donald Trump’s recent remarks targeting China and its allies mark a noticeable shift in tone.

Trump Signs Order Renaming Department of Defense as Department of War

President Donald Trump on Sept. 5 signed an executive order renaming the Department of Defense as the Department of War.

Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting Countries That Unlawfully Detain Americans

President Trump signed an EO on targeting the unlawful detention of American citizens around the world and to facilitate the release of hostages.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central