Operation Mockingbird is a large-scale program of the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) that began in the early 1950s. Its objective is to manipulate news media for propaganda purposes, typically to sway the public (1) in supporting a war agenda and/or (2) in smear campaigns. The operation funds student and cultural organizations and magazines as front organizations.
Propaganda network
According to writer Deborah Davis, Operation Mockingbird recruited leading American journalists into a propaganda network and oversaw the operations of front groups. CIA support of front groups was exposed after a 1967 Ramparts magazine article reported that the National Student Association received funding from the CIA. In the 1970s, Congressional investigations and reports also revealed Agency connections with journalists and civic groups.
Wikipedia
Wikipedia's article on Operation Mockingbird is presented in the past-tense as an "alleged CIA program".
Known current media affiliations in network
Resources
- Wikipedia, CIA influence on public opinion