The Intercept Killed a Story Which Would Have Named Guests at Bohemian Grove

The Intercept, once heralded as a bastion of fearless and adversarial journalism, now finds itself embroiled in controversy as allegations surface of the suppression of critical stories and the erosion of its founding principles. At the center of this storm is a series of incidents where stories were allegedly held back or altered due to concerns from management, of donor displeasure, highlighting a troubling trend within the organization.

One such story revolves around a leaked membership list for the secretive Bohemian Grove, a private gentlemen’s club known for its influential membership. Despite efforts to verify the authenticity of the document, The Intercept’s management, led by the digital security manager Nikita Mazurov, expressed unwarranted concerns about source protection and potential repercussions. The story, which promised to shed light on the club’s influential members, was ultimately abandoned, leaving questions unanswered and truths obscured.

The new revelation, which comes about thanks to Ken Klippenstein who exposed The Intercept, a renowned investigative outlet, for suppressing a groundbreaking story about the secretive Bohemian Grove. The story, obtained by journalist Daniel Boguslaw from a leaked membership list, promised to unveil the inner workings of the exclusive club, which boasts business tycoons and former top officials like Henry Kissinger among its members.

However, The Intercept’s management, led by digital security manager Nikita Mazurov, halted the story’s publication, citing concerns about source protection. Despite Boguslaw’s assurance that the document had been obtained over a year ago from a trusted source, Mazurov treated it as if it were classified intelligence, demanding additional verification before publication.

In a bizarre turn of events, Mazurov posed outlandish hypothetical scenarios during a call with Boguslaw and editor Bill, questioning the legitimacy of the leaked document. His inquiries, likened to something out of a spy thriller, included speculations about alternate lists and CCTV footage, prompting an incredulous response from Bill.

Frustrated by the bureaucratic hurdles imposed by The Intercept’s management, Bill ultimately made the decision to abandon the story, much to Boguslaw’s disappointment. However, Boguslaw expressed admiration for Bill’s defiance against the stifling influence of officious bureaucrats within the organization.

This revelation sheds light on the challenges faced by journalists in navigating the increasingly complex landscape of digital security and source protection. It also raises concerns about the erosion of editorial independence and the stifling of investigative reporting within media organizations. As journalists strive to uncover the truth and hold power to account, it is imperative that they are supported by institutions committed to upholding the principles of transparency and press freedom.

Another instance involved a story detailing Jeff Bezos’s charitable contributions, which was initially met with resistance from The Intercept’s general counsel due to concerns about offending billionaire donors. Despite pushback from editorial staff, including threats of resignation, the story was ultimately published. However, the process exposed tensions within the organization and raised doubts about its commitment to independent journalism.

These incidents are indicative of a broader editorial crisis within The Intercept, where the pursuit of truth and accountability appears to be increasingly overshadowed by corporate interests and bureaucratic concerns. The organization’s shift away from its founding mission of holding power to account raises troubling questions about its future direction and integrity.

As journalists like Ken Klippenstein depart in search of more independent platforms, The Intercept faces a reckoning over its editorial decisions and journalistic values. The suppression of critical stories undermines public trust and erodes the credibility of an outlet once hailed for its uncompromising reporting. In an era of rampant misinformation and corporate influence, the need for fearless and adversarial journalism has never been greater. The Intercept must confront these challenges head-on and reaffirm its commitment to truth, transparency, and the public interest.

You can find more of Ken’s work here: https://www.kenklippenstein.com/