Media Matters followed suit with several liberal outlets by laying off at least a dozen staffers following a federal probe and lawsuit by “X” chief executive officer Elon Musk.
Staffers, some of whom have been with Media Matters for years, took to social media announcing their sudden departure from the outlet. The layoffs followed federal probes filed by Republican Attorneys General Ken Paxton of Texas and Andrew Bailey of Missouri into the outlet for possible fraudulent activity by allegedly manipulating data on “X,” formerly known as Twitter.
Musk filed a defamation lawsuit against Media Matters in federal court in November, as the site has accused the outlet of “knowingly” manufacturing images showing advertisements from major corporations alongside posts made by white supremacists and neo-Nazis.
“Bad News: I’ve been laid off from @mmfa, along with a dozen colleagues. There’s a reason far-right billionaires attack Media Matters with armies of lawyers: They know how effective our work is, and it terrifies them (him),” staffer Kat Abughazaleh said, referring to Musk. (RELATED: Red State AG Launches Investigation Into Media Matters Over Report Ron Elon Musk’s X)
Bad News: I’ve been laid off from @mmfa, along with a dozen colleagues.
There’s a reason far-right billionaires attack Media Matters with armies of lawyers: They know how effective our work is, and it terrifies them (him).
— Kat Abu (@abughazalehkat) May 23, 2024
“After nearly four years of working at media matters, I got laid off,” another staffer named Beatrice said. “So if anyone is looking for researchers with video experience, drop a line.”
After nearly four years of working at media matters, I got laid off. So if anyone is looking for researchers with video experience, drop a line.
— Bee (@mount_bees) May 23, 2024
“Got laid off, lmk who wants research done,” researcher Brendan Karet said. “On the plus side, no more listening to the dumbest dogshit on earth everyday.”
on the plus side, no more listening to the dumbest dogshit on earth every day
— Brendan Karet (@bad_takes) May 23, 2024
“Journalism milestone achieved (got laid off),” now-former Media Matters writer Bobby Lewis wrote.
journalism milestone achieved (got laid off)
— Bobby Lewis (@revrrlewis) May 23, 2024
I got laid off from Media Matters @mmfa today, proud of the 5 years of intense work I put into fighting right-wing hatred. I’m an incredible manager with superb research skills. Please hire me!” Alex Peterson, associate research director, said.
I got laid off from Media Matters @mmfa today, proud of the 5 years of intense work I put into fighting right-wing hatred.
I’m an incredible manager with superb research skills. Please hire me!
— Alex Paterson (@AlexPattyy) May 23, 2024
Unfortunately I have been impacted by the Media Matters lay-offs alongside some brilliant and inspiring colleagues.
I’m now open to any research analyst/associate roles, specifically regarding RWM narratives on DEI, education, and LGBTQ+ issues. My DMs are open for any leads. 👇🏼— Ethan Collier 🖊 (@ethancollier_) May 23, 2024
“Layoffs at Media Matters today. Lots of smart people available for jobs now,” Jared Holt, a senior researcher at the Institute of Strategic Dialogue, said.
Layoffs at Media Matters today. Lots of smart people available for jobs now https://t.co/HyPebHjyvz
— Jared Holt (@jaredlholt) May 23, 2024
Abu praised her now-former colleagues in a thread, urging media employers to hire them.
“Bea is an incredibly skilled media analyst. She’s also one of the funniest coworkers I’ve ever had. Hire her,” she wrote.
Bea is an incredibly skilled media analyst. She’s also one of the funniest coworkers I’ve ever had.
Hire her:https://t.co/blON3ZhHvX
— Kat Abu (@abughazalehkat) May 23, 2024
“Brendan is one of the most effective researchers in the world of some of the shittiest people on the planet. He is able to dig into his research with a very rare work ethic and resilience that any place would be lucky to have,” she said.
Brendan is one of the most effective researchers in the world of some of the shittiest people on the planet.
He is able to dig into his research with a very rare work ethic and resilience that any place would be lucky to have:https://t.co/T38nmxGIze
— Kat Abu (@abughazalehkat) May 23, 2024
Media Matters’ staffing purge is the latest in the liberal media bloodbath that has become prominent in recent years. NowThis laid off half of its editorial team in February as part of a “broader initiative to realign our resources and structure to ensure a long-term sustainable business in the evolving media landscape.” The Intercept laid off 15 staffers including its Editor-in-Chief Roger Hodge, on the same day.
