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Vietnam and the United States: Promoting trusted trade partnership and green growth in agriculture

VBAF

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach – 9 September 2023 - President of the United States Joe Biden's official visit to Vietnam (Sep 10-11) will mark a new milestone in bilateral relations and positive progress between two countries. In particular, that will facilitate development and continues to show notable growth in agricultural trade. The Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has welcomed the delegations of the US Secretary of Agriculture, the United States Trade Representative (USTR), two US Deputy Secritaries of State, two US Deputy Secretaries of Agriculture, and Governors of Nebraska and California over the past year. This demonstrates the importance of Vietnam in cooperation with the United States. Concurrent with the bilateral contacts is a series of exchanges, negotiations, shared understanding and coordination activities between the 2 sides, building partner trust and a very important foundation for promoting stronger agricultural cooperation. With President Biden's upcoming visit to Vietnam, relations between the two countries will be raised to a new level, creating favorable conditions for promoting bilateral cooperation between the 2 countries in general and the agriculture and rural development sector in particular. To foster trusted partnership and development of agricultural trade The United States has been on the top list of export markets of Vietnam in general and for agricultural products in particular. Vietnam's agricultural, forestry and fishery exports to the United States reached 13 billion USD in 2022, accounting for 24.4% of the total country Agro-forestry-fishery (AFF) exports to the world. However, it only represents 6.7% of the US's AFF imports, showing a potential for Vietnam exports in the US market. The United States applies strict requirements and a wide range of technical and SPS standards on agricultural and food products. In that context, Vietnam is making efforts to better meet those requirements. Organization of production associated with the needs, tastes and technical standards of the United States. In detail, priority is given to R&D investment on plant and animal breeds, etc., that meet technical, food safety and animal and plant health conditions and standards; promoting imported seed suitable to local conditions, increasing the diversity of agricultural products, targeting the US market; building value chain integration between US import enterprises and Vietnamese enterprises to transfer technology and varieties besides ensuring quality control to meet the requirements of technical and quality standards of the US market. Improvement of product quality and value to satisfy the requirements of the US market. It is essential to review and finalize the current system of technical standards and national technical regulations for agricultural products with reference to US standards. It is also necessary to complete the food safety and disease safety control system crop, livestock, seafood, animal feed, etc., for consideration, evaluation, recognition of equivalence, and opening export markets by the United States. Moreover, many agricultural products of the two countries have been opened market access in recent years. With active negotiation between two countries, the United States is becoming the largest poultry meat exporter to Vietnam (accounting for about 34% of total poultry meat imports), the second largest beef exporter (after Australia, accounting for about 16%) and the sixth largest pork exporter (accounting for about 5%) to Vietnam. At the same time, the United States also opened the market for many Vietnamese products. Most recently, on August 7, 2023, APHIS completed updating the online database of Agricultural Commodity Import Requests (ACIR) to approve imports of Vietnamese fresh coconuts. In the coming time, Vietnam will prioritize boosting the export of wood and wood products, seafood, and cashew nuts, pepper, and coffee, fruits into the US market. To promote green growth and sustainable development The cooperation agricultural green growth between Vietnam and the United States has brought many benefits, including environmental protection and improved product quality and the sustainable development of the agricultural sector. Two countries continue to cope with environmental challenges and climate change together. Vietnam Government pays close attention to sustainable development, climate change and international commitments. At the COP26 (The UN Climate Change Conference), Vietnam made a commitment to bring net emissions to zero by 2050, joined the “Methane Pledge” and the “Glasgow Declaration on Forests and Land Use”. To implement the commitments at COP26, COP27, Vietnam has participated in many initiatives with the United States and other countries and international organizations such as: i) Initiative "Agricultural Innovation Mission for Climate Change" (AIM4C); ii) the Action Alliance "Promoting Sustainable Productivity Growth for Food Security and Resource Conservation" (SPG); iii) the World Economic Forum's "Food Innovation Hub" (FIH) and iv) the World Economic Forum's (WEF) "100 Million Farmers: Transitioning to Zero-Emission and Environmentally Friendly Food Systems"; v) Coalition on "Lowering Emissions by Accelerating Forest Finance " (LEAF). As agreed between the Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the US Secretary of Agriculture, from April 2022, the US-Vietnam Climate Change Working Group was launched with the participation of relevant agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam and representatives of USDA, USAID, and USFS to reduce emissions in agriculture, animal husbandry and forestry. In the immediate future, the two sides focus on the implementation of projects including the project “Adaptation to Climate Change in the Mekong Delta”, “Fertilizer Right”, “Transformational Strategies for Farm Output Risk Mitigation in Livestock Sector” (TRANSFORM). In particular, The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam is coordinating with the US WF to complete the signing of the Letter of Intent and develop the program " Viet Nam for Life: Nature-based Solutions for the Central " with a long-term cooperation framework lasting up to 20 years, with a budget of up to 300 million USD, focusing on addressing climate change issues, protect and restore biodiversity, while benefiting local communities in the Central Annamite Mountains, one of Asia's largest adjacent primary forests. Vietnam will join hands to cooperate with the US Government, organizations, and investors as trusted partners to develop a green and sustainable agriculture and develop better agricultural supply chains and contribute to the global food security. Contact Details VBAF vbaf@gmail.com

September 09, 2023 10:53 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Open Letter to Leaders of the European Union: Hold Amit Shah Accountable

Human Rights Transparency Trust

Human Rights Index, a platform dedicated to raising awareness about human rights issues worldwide, has published the following open letter urging a call to action for global democratic leaders with regard to the policies and actions of India’s Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah: “As leaders from around the globe gear up for the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Dehli, attention is drawn to India, a significant force in international politics and the global economy. Central to India's contemporary political scene is Amit Shah, a man whose political ambitions, beliefs, and far-reaching influence demand careful examination and consideration. Amit Shah's rise to power, his control over India's law enforcement agencies, his handling of protests, and his stance on issues such as national security, surveillance, and minority rights paint a picture of a leader with a complex and often controversial legacy. Shah's support for policies that may undermine minority rights, his alleged involvement in personal scandals and abuses, and his influence over law enforcement have led to questions about transparency, accountability, and potential abuse of power. His remarks that Western standards of human rights do not apply to India have alarmed human rights advocates globally. The upcoming G20 summit presents an opportunity for the international community to engage with India on these critical issues. It is a moment to call for reforms, to scrutinize Shah's track record, and to consider the broader implications of his leadership for regional and global security. Consider those who will look to us to defend human rights, in any language, society or culture across the globe. Let this be a call to action for world leaders, human rights organizations, and concerned citizens to take a hard look at India's human rights track record with Shah as a key advisor to Prime Minister Modi. The world must not turn a blind eye to the warning signs. The stakes are high, and the time to act is now. The G20 summit must serve as a platform for constructive dialogue and accountability, ensuring that the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are upheld. International leaders must call Amit Shah to account for his actions and not let the G20 Summit pass without remaining true to the values that bind us as a global community.” A comprehensive report detailing the influence, impact, and concerns raised by stakeholders around the world regarding the actions and politics of Amit Shah is available for download here. The Human Rights Index is a platform dedicated to raising awareness about the complex crisis faced by refugees in India. Its mission is to bring attention to the history of discrimination and violence faced by religious and ethnic minorities in India. Through research and advocacy, it aims to promote human rights and support those affected by persecution. Contact Details Human Rights Index Press Team +44 7584 421001 comms@hrindex.fund

September 08, 2023 10:12 AM Eastern Daylight Time

News Release

Lee Covington to Succeed Frank Nutter as RAA President

SFAA

The Reinsurance Association of America (RAA), the leading trade association of property and casualty reinsurers, today announced that Lee Covington, current President and CEO of The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA), has been named President-elect of the RAA, succeeding Frank Nutter, who will retire effective December 31, 2023, after 32 years as President of the Association. Mr. Covington will assume the role of President on January 1, 2024. Mr. Covington has led the SFAA since 2018. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President, Government Affairs and General Counsel of the Insured Retirement Institute. He has also held positions at Squire Patton Boggs, PWC, Director of the Ohio Department of Insurance, and Deputy Director of the Arkansas Insurance Department. In announcing these developments Justin O’Keefe, Chair of the RAA’s Board of Directors said, “Over the last four decades, Frank has grown the RAA into the leading voice for the reinsurance industry in the United States. Guided by Frank’s leadership, integrity, and vision, the RAA team has addressed some of our industry’s most complex issues at both a federal and state level. On behalf of the RAA Membership, Board of Directors and staff I would like to thank Frank for his unwavering commitment to the RAA and wish him and his family a happy retirement.” Mr. O’Keefe continued, “I am delighted to welcome Lee to the RAA. He is an immensely qualified leader and his deep expertise and extensive career in insurance industry advocacy and regulation will be invaluable to the RAA. The board and I look forward to working with Lee as he continues to advance the RAA’s strategic priorities and advocate on behalf of our members.” The Reinsurance Association of America is the leading trade association of property and casualty reinsurers doing business in the United States. RAA membership is diverse, including reinsurance underwriters and intermediaries licensed in the U.S. and those that conduct business on a cross-border basis. The RAA also has life reinsurance affiliates and insurance-linked securities (ILS) fund managers and market participants that are engaged in the assumption of property/casualty risks. The RAA represents its members before state, federal and international bodies. Contact Details Reinsurance Association of America Barb Carroll +1 202-783-8390 carroll@reinsurance.org Company Website https://www.reinsurance.org/

September 06, 2023 04:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Octane11 Introduces the "B2B Marketing Impact Audit”

Octane11

Octane11, the B2B marketing analytics platform known for its industry-leading integration of marketing and sales data, announced today the release of its new product: the Octane11 B2B Marketing Impact Audit. The B2B Marketing Impact Audit will revolutionize the way B2B companies assess, plan, and optimize their marketing and sales tactics. "We recommend Octane11’s B2B Marketing Impact Audit for all of our clients. It’s remarkably powerful with a fast and seamless set up,” said Scott Stedman, CEO of The Imaginarium. “It offers a ‘set it and forget it’ experience that delivers a concise yet comprehensive analysis of valuable insights in just 30 days, empowering our clients to ensure that their marketing engine is driving maximum revenue growth.” As marketers continue to navigate uncertain economic times and lean budgets, the B2B Marketing Impact Audit enables B2B CMOs to enhance year-end performance and make informed investment decisions for the upcoming year. The end-to-end analysis across paid, owned, and earned marketing tools and the sales CRM, provides a holistic and in-depth view of existing marketing expenditures and performance, which is especially critical as businesses strategize to invest wisely amidst this unpredictable macroeconomic environment. Delivering Proven Value to Marketer s Fast and Easy Setup: Octane11’s team of experts guide businesses through setup in four live sessions, ensuring data quality and completeness. The Audit then runs in the background for thirty (30) days. Unified Scorecard: The Audit produces a summary scorecard featuring 20 critical KPIs including ROI, Cost-per-Lead, and % of Target Accounts Engaged; marketers also receive performance comparisons against industry peers and a clear letter grade, highlighting key areas for immediate improvement. Comprehensive Analysis: The Audit includes 15 pages of clear visualizations and expert analysis, including practical and tangible recommendations on effective budgeting, tactic optimization and growth acceleration through incremental, Octane11-certified strategies. Industry Benchmarks: Company data is benchmarked against a range of B2B peers, enabling marketers to contextualize their performance with real-world comparisons updated quarterly as market conditions and the vendor landscape evolve. Interactive Access: Clients also receive access to live dashboard views, enabling them to dive deeper into the information through drill downs and scenarios, share findings with colleagues, and export data into CRM or BI platforms. Data Health and Alignment: The Audit also identifies anomalies in data setup and flags any misalignment between the marketing and sales teams’ objectives. Data Protection: The Audit is SOC2-compliant and utilized by leading privacy-focused Fortune 500 clients. It also provides the option to omit PII at the clients’ request. For a deeper dive into the features and benefits of the B2B Marketing Stack Audit, please visit www.octane11.com/audit. About Octane11 Octane11 is a B2B-focused data analytics and collaboration platform that connects paid, owned, and earned marketing, sales, and product usage data to drive real business results. We help B2B enterprises with $100M+ in revenue to integrate, enrich, and analyze data across teams, and compare performance to industry benchmarks. Octane11 is backed by Javelin Venture Partners, BDMI, Honeystone Ventures, Circadian Ventures, Plug and Play Ventures, Base Ventures, and AperiamVentures. Launched in 2020, Octane11 is already helping some of the largest B2B enterprises break down data silos and turn every digital interaction into an actionable insight. To learn more, visit www.octane11.com and follow us on LinkedIn. For media inquiries and more information, contact: press@octane11.com Contact Details Octane11 Press Inquiries +1 646-397-1631 press@octane11.com Company Website http://www.octane11.com

September 06, 2023 09:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

New Army campaign inspires young Americans to take the first step to “Be All You Can Be”

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/Zr1Os51K6G8 On August 21, the U.S. Army unveiled “First Steps,” a new campaign that shows young Americans how they can start their journey to service. The campaign is built on the premise that American youth don’t need to have everything figured out from the beginning to make an impact. Taking a chance is the first step to achieving your goals. The campaign is a continuation of the “Be All You Can Be” brand refresh, which launched in March 2023. The new campaign offers an up-close, personal, and unfiltered look at Soldiers embarking on some of the most powerful experiences in their early Army journeys, including arriving at basic training, receiving their first patch, and hitting their first target from a battle tank. Maj. Sam Winkler is a shining example of where your first steps can take you in the U.S. Army. After immigrating to the United States from Nepal, she took her own first step: enlisting in the Army at 17 years old. Now, as a Soldier and a mom, she has used her passion for family to help lead a first grassroots effort transforming the way the U.S. Army supports parents in the force. Her efforts, in collaboration with other Army parents, led to the development of the Army’s Directive 2022-06: Parenthood, Pregnancy, and Postpartum. Twelve policy changes address key issues like family care planning, fertility treatments, paid parental leave, support in returning to work, and more. On August 30, Maj. Winkler conducted a nationwide media tour discussing the campaign and the limitless opportunities in the Army for youth to find their purpose, explore their passions, build connections, and join a community. Topics Maj. Winkler discussed included: The Army’s new “First Steps” campaign Her path to Army service and the many firsts along the way Her work to improve Army life for parents through the Directive on Parenthood, Pregnancy, and Postpartum The limitless possibilities and benefits available to Army Soldiers and their families To learn more, visit: https://www.goarmy.com/ Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

September 04, 2023 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

New Report Raises Concerns Around Human Rights Violations of India's Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah

Human Rights Transparency Trust

In anticipation of the upcoming G20 summit scheduled to take place in New Delhi, India on September 9-10, 2023, Human Rights Index has released a new report titled " Amit Shah - India's Invisible Prime Minister." The report offers a in-depth examination of the influence, impact, and concerns raised by stakeholders around the world regarding the actions and politics Amit Anil Chandra Shah, India's Minister of Home Affairs. As the world's largest democracy prepares to take center stage at the G20 summit, the spotlight turns to India's leadership. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi serves as the visible face of the Indian government, the power and influence wielded by Amit Shah, the Minister of Home Affairs, cannot be underestimated. Often referred to as India's Invisible Prime Minister, Shah's track record raises serious concerns that are of utmost importance to global leaders, particularly those in Great Britain, the European Union, and the United States. The Human Rights Index report presents a meticulously researched analysis of Amit Shah's role as a key player in Indian governance and the driving force behind the country’s pivot to far-right nationalism in recent years. His close association with Prime Minister Modi and his authoritative control over a considerable police force underscore the extent of his reach and authority. Shah's political journey has been characterized by allegations of human rights violations, suppression of dissent, and the enactment of divisive policies that have disproportionately affected minority communities, including Muslims, Jews, and LGBTQ+ groups. Of particular concern is his advocacy for Article 14 and the Citizenship Amendment Act, which have sparked widespread protests and attracted international criticism. Amit Shah has also played a central role in politicizing the ongoing refugee crisis in Manipur, India, and has faced widespread criticism refusing to seek holistic solutions to the issue. The Human Rights Index report also delves into Shah's connections to Russia, especially in the context of regional peace, stability, and freedom, are also explored. As India prepares to host the G20 summit, the report underscores the importance of safeguarding democratic values and human rights on a global scale. The complete "Amit Shah - India's Invisible Prime Minister" report is accessible for download here. For media inquiries, please contact: Comms[at]HRIndex.fund The Human Rights Index is a platform dedicated to raising awareness about the complex crisis faced by refugees in India. Its mission is to bring attention to the history of discrimination and violence faced by religious and ethnic minorities in India. Through research and advocacy, it aims to promote human rights and support those affected by persecution. Contact Details Press Team +44 7584 421001 comms@hrindex.fund

September 04, 2023 03:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

ASMC, AUVSI and NCMA Collaborate for Combined Response to Interim Report from Congressional Commission on PPBE Reform

National Contract Management Association

The American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC) Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) Reform Task Force, the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) today jointly respond to the Congressional Commission on PPBE Reform’s (Commission) Interim Report which was released on August 15, 2023. The PPBE Reform Task operates in parallel with the Commission to define a set of fundamental principles and policy actions to improve the allocation of resources deemed necessary to accomplish the mission of the Department of Defense (DoD). The ASMC PPBE Reform Task Force Chairman Michael Conlin released a statement on behalf of the Task Force stating, “We appreciate the Commission’s decisive leadership in itemizing actions that can be implemented now for immediate benefit, as well as identifying a range of potential changes and requiring congressional and DoD stakeholder input before the Commission makes recommendations in its Final Report.” He added, “The Commission’s recommendations equitably balance the interests of all stakeholders involved in the process.” The Interim Report provides information on the Commission’s research over the past year, specifically seeking feedback on potential recommendations under consideration that require additional stakeholder feedback and assessment to inform the Commission’s Final Report and identifying actions where implementation could begin as soon as feasible. These potential recommendations and actions are designed to improve: • PPBE-related relationships between the DoD and Congress; • PPBE processes to enable innovation and adaptability; • Alignment of budgets to strategy; • PPBE business systems and data analytics; and • Capability of the DoD PPBE programming and budgeting workforce. Michael Robbins, Chief Advocacy Officer at AUVSI, stated: “Our Nation’s ability to quickly adapt and field new technologies to counter our adversaries’ rapidly evolving capabilities hinges on meaningful PPBE Reform. The Interim Report's recommendations set a starting foundation to inject greater speed and agility into DoD’s Budget, Requirement and Procurement processes. Our industry members look for Congress and the Pentagon to consider these recommendations and implement change where appropriate as quickly as possible.” “The ASMC PPBE Reform Task Force applauds the Commission for its diligence over the past year, completing more than 560 interviews to date gaining insight from experts in the PPBE process and related fields that include current and former personnel from Congress, the DoD, industry, academia, and research organizations,” said Conlin. “The Commission has also leveraged research performed both by its own staff and several outside research organizations. We are encouraged by the dialogue we have had between the Commission who heavily relied on the knowledge and experience of its 14 Commissioners and the Commission staff.” The ASMC PPBE Task Force is encouraged by the Commission’s transparency in acknowledging, “that while the current PPBE system has its strengths, significant improvements can be made.” PPBE represents a decision support system that has been the standard process for over 60 years. “We remain committed to elevating the discussion on PPBE reform, advocating for ASMC member interests, and supporting reform recommendations that meet the needs of government and industry to produce military capability for the 21 st Century,” said ASMC President & CEO Rich Brady. “AUVSI and its industry members fully support both the Congressional PPBE Reform Committee and the ASMC PPBE Reform Task Force. It will be their combined recommendations that will position DoD stakeholders and decision-makers with the necessary tools to rapidly advance our warfighter’s technological advantage,” said Robbins. “Our community represents government and industry contracting professionals who are committed to the most efficient and effective business practices to facilitate mission delivery. We applaud the efforts and support findings of the Commission and the ASMC PPBE Reform Task Force to find real solutions that work,” said NCMA CEO Kraig Conrad. About ASMC The American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC) is the non-profit educational and professional organization for persons, military and civilian, involved in the field of defense financial management. It represents over 14,000 professionals in the defense financial management community, 105 chapters, and 70 corporate partners. ASMC promotes the education, training, and certification of its members, and supports the development and advancement of the defense financial management profession. About AUVSI: The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of uncrewed systems and robotics, represents corporations and professionals from more than 60 countries involved in industry, government, and academia. AUVSI members work in the defense, civil, and commercial markets. About NCMA: The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) stands as the premier contract management organization whose mission is to collaborate towards a globally recognized contract management profession that strengthens its nexus with related acquisition communities. Serving approximately 20,000 members in both the public and private sectors, NCMA propels the growth, advancement, and impact of practitioners through a steadfast commitment to serve through the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums. ### Since its founding on May 19, 1959, NCMA has grown as a professional society to advance the contract management profession and its nexus with related acquisition communities through engagement, standards, and professional development. Through the years, our mission has remained focused on providing high-quality resources to have a positive impact on our profession and the career goals of our members and customers. Contact Details NCMA Holly DeHesa +1 281-865-3296 holly.dehesa@ncmahq.org Company Website https://www.ncmahq.org/

August 31, 2023 02:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Shareholders Called Upon to Nix Mark Parker, Tim Cook as Top-Level Directors for Nike

National Legal & Policy Center

Ahead of the company’s annual meeting next month, National Legal and Policy Center is asking its fellow investors to vote against the re-elections of Mark Parker, the executive chairman, and Tim Cook, the lead independent director, as members of the board at Nike, Inc. The nonprofit shareholder, in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, argues that both Parker and Cook have never been held accountable for human rights and sexual harassment scandals on their watches, and are also overcommitted with major responsibilities as top executives at other corporations. Parker is also executive chairman for The Walt Disney Company, and Cook is chief executive officer for Apple Inc. “Mark Parker is now double-dipping on ‘woke’ as the top dog at two Left Coast-based, extremist companies – Nike and Disney,” said Paul Chesser, director of the Corporate Integrity Project for NLPC. “And Tim Cook was caught with his pants down in China late last year during its Zero COVID phase, costing Apple millions of dollars in sales due to production shutdowns. Both Mr. Parker and Mr. Cook should not have such significant roles at Nike when they have major responsibilities elsewhere.” As executive chairman of both Nike and Disney, Parker is tasked with leading both boards of directors to set the companies’ priorities and goals, while holding executive staff accountable. As Nike’s lead independent director, Cook is responsible to guide the board in Parker’s absence, to serve as his top outside advisor, and to act as an intermediary between the chairman, the board, and management. Parker’s track record of late is anything but stellar – both Nike and Disney have underperformed the S&P 500 index in recent years. Disney is embroiled in several controversies, conflicts and business challenges, including: a failed CEO succession; media, streaming and entertainment industry headwinds; foolish forays into divisive political issues; off-putting, anti-family social stances; and a host of other problems that Parker is expected to help resolve. Meanwhile Nike has been challenged about its alleged use of forced labor in China, and widespread sexual harassment allegations which led to the departure of several executives – all on Parker’s watch when he was CEO. Cook leads the largest corporation in the world, Apple, which has an estimated $3 trillion-plus market capitalization. The tech giant has had its own accusations regarding coerced labor in its China-dependent supply chain, as well as sexual harassment allegations. Does he really have time to keep an eye on the performance and decision-making at the global athleticwear leader? “Mr. Parker and Mr. Cook bear material responsibility for Nike’s lagging stock price,” said Luke Perlot, associate director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project. “Nike shareholders should expect underperformance when management alienates a large portion of its customer base with ‘woke’ policies, allows a culture of sexual harassment, and lends brand credibility to a genocidal regime.” ### For more information or to schedule an interview with the Corporate Integrity Project’s Luke Perlot or Paul Chesser, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education, and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

August 24, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Media and Democracy Project Debunks FOX Opposition in Broadcast License Challenge; Highlights ‘Overwhelming, Uncontested, and Irrefutable’ Evidence of Character Violations

Raynor Ave.

Founding President of Fox Broadcasting Company, Jamie Kellner, Joins Growing Coalition Seeking FCC Hearing into FOX Broadcast License New filings argue FOX cannot be relied upon to deal truthfully with the public, election lies “shock the conscience,” and Murdochs lack character to remain public interest broadcast licensees MAD Reply (PDF) | Duggan-Kristol Supplement (PDF) | Kellner Informal Objection (PDF) Today, three blockbuster filings were submitted to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in support of the Media and Democracy Project’s (MAD) petition challenging the broadcast license renewal application for FOX Corp-owned television station FOX 29 Philadelphia (WTXF). The filings include MAD’s formal reply to Fox Television Stations (FTS) opposition submitted earlier this month. MAD is joined by a growing bipartisan coalition filing informal objections calling for an FCC hearing to fully consider the fitness of FOX Corporation (FOX) and the Murdochs to continue as licensees of the public airwaves. Informal objections were filed by former PBS President and FCC Commissioner Ervin S. Duggan, former Weekly Standard Editor William Kristol, and founding President of Fox Broadcasting Company Jamie Kellner. Media and Democracy Project Formal Reply The lies about the 2020 election that aired on Fox News, authorized at the highest levels of FOX’s corporate structure to retain FOX’s conservative viewer base and reverse failing ratings, represent a severe breach of the FCC policy on licensee character qualifications, MAD reaffirmed today in a legal response to their effort to call for an evidentiary hearing into the matter. In the reply, MAD took the opportunity to fact check and debunk various “strawman” arguments made by FTS in defense of WTXF. MAD argues that not only does the FCC have the authority to convene a hearing, but it has an obligation to do so built on decades of precedent. According to MAD, “Never in the history of the Commission has the agency been confronted with a license renewal applicant whose parent was found by a court of law to have repeatedly presented false news.” On whether MAD has made the case that FOX is not qualified to be an FCC licensee and the policy violations are sufficient to require an evidentiary hearing, the filing stated: “FOX knew – from the Murdochs on down – that Fox News was reporting false and dangerous misinformation about the 2020 Presidential election, but FOX was more concerned about short-term ratings and market share than the long-term damage caused by its spreading disinformation.” “What is astounding is the Opposition’s [FOX’s] utter failure to reckon with the findings of false statements in Dominion that raise substantial and material questions of FOX’s character qualifications to be an FCC licensee.” "FOX has demonstrated a willingness to lie to preserve its corporate profits. FOX’s lies concerning the outcome of the 2020 election caused a great injury to the American people and the institutions of our democracy. FOX’s willingness to lie demonstrates a fatal character flaw." Responding to accusations that holding FOX accountable violates the First Amendment, MAD writes: “This is not a First Amendment case. Rather the issue here concerns a corporation that, with the full knowledge and approval of its management, lied to millions of Americans. The question before the Commission is not whether FOX had a right to lie, rather it is about the consequences of those lies and the impact on FOX’s qualifications to remain an FCC licensee.” Beyond citing FOX’s willingness to lie as demonstrating a fatal character flaw, MAD highlights numerous instances of “material misrepresentations” in the WTXF renewal application itself. These violations and the station’s false certifications in FCC licensee records are “further evidenc[e of] its propensity for untruthfulness and FOX’s poor character.” MAD ends its filing by saying, “[a]s such, the Communications Act obligates the Commission to designate these vital questions to be answered in an evidentiary hearing.” A copy of the MAD’s formal reply to FOX’s opposition is available here. Duggan-Kristol Informal Objection Supplement Ervin S. Duggan and William Kristol joined MAD in responding to the “gaping holes” found throughout FOX’s opposition. The media veterans reiterate their call for an evidentiary hearing, saying: “Every application for a broadcast license renewal is not only a test for the applicant, but also for the FCC itself. In considering this application, the Commission inevitably will reveal whether it is serious about its regulations, or merely pretending; whether its standards are genuine, or mere shibboleths; whether its regulatory spine is strong, or made of mush.” The filing points out that the FCC Media Bureau already refuted FOX’s argument in 2012 that the parent company has no involvement in a station’s operations: “During the last television renewal cycle in 2012, FTS argued that the conduct of its parent company and of affiliates not directly involved in station operations cannot impact a station’s license renewal application, even if that conduct violates the FCC’s policy statements on licensee character. The Fox Reply takes essentially the same tack. But since the Media Bureau went out of its way to say that it did not endorse that position ten years ago, FTS now clothes its position in a new cloak of legalisms and technicalities that have no more merit than its previous bald assertion.” On FOX’s First Amendment defense, the pair said: “[D]espite the Fox Reply’s strenuous efforts to obscure the point through First Amendment rhetoric, the character and public-interest standards of the FCC are in fact standards of behavior, not speech. And in invoking the Commission’s character standards, MAD through its petition is asking the FCC to weigh FOX’s behavior, not asking the Commission to evaluate or sanction the content of its speech.” Duggan and Kristol say this of FOX’s claim that Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch’s role in perpetuating election falsehoods has no bearings over their ownership of WTXF: “If a broadcast licensee shows poor judgment or questionable character in managing a business that -- but for FCC licensure -- is identical in core objectives and operational particulars to the operation of a broadcast station, that bad judgment and suspect character should speak loudly to the Commission. In fact, it should speak much louder than the direct licensee misconduct in more attenuated contexts, or employees’ misconduct in unrelated businesses, that have provoked the FCC to designate hearings or seek to deny license renewals in the past.” A copy of the Duggan-Kristol informal objection supplemental is available here. Jamie Kellner Informal Objection Former Fox Broadcasting Company (FBC) President Jamie Kellner joined others in calling on the FCC to designate a hearing. Kellner is a well-respected former television executive who was present at the creation of Fox Broadcasting Company. He was hired by Rupert Murdoch in 1986 to serve as the broadcasting arm’s founding president and chief operating officer and helped FOX establish a foothold as America’s long-sought fourth over-the-air broadcast television network. In his filing Kellner says, “[m]y amazing colleagues and I worked hard to establish the Fox brand in television and to help Rupert Murdoch become an established force in American Network television.” He goes on to say: “While I was President of FBC we started a news division that provided daily feeds of national and international news stories for the Fox-owned and affiliated television stations for inclusion in their locally produced newscasts. Unlike the news feeds provided today by Fox News Channel, our news feeds did not prominently feature advocates like Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell spouting nonsensical lies about a Presidential election.” A copy of the Kellner informal objection is available here. The Media and Democracy Project: MAD is a non-partisan, all-volunteer, grassroots civic membership organization fighting for a more informative and pro-democracy media operating in the public interest. MAD aims to improve our national discourse so that American voters can engage in informed decision-making. As part of that goal, MAD has an interest in the responsibility of journalists and media to report fully, accurately, and fairly on the electoral process and the outcome of elections. Additional information is available at www.MediaAndDemocracyProject.org. Ervin S. Duggan is a veteran of the Lyndon Johnson White House, a former Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, and former President of PBS. William Kristol is a veteran political analyst and commentator. He served in senior positions in the Ronald Reagan administration and the George H.W. Bush White House. For two decades, he edited The Weekly Standard magazine, and is now editor at large of The Bulwark and a director of the educational and advocacy group, Defending Democracy Together. Jamie Kellner was the Founding President of Fox Broadcasting Company, having also founded The WB Network and served as CEO of Turner Broadcasting System, overseeing networks like CNN, TNT, and TBS. Contact Details Raynor Ave. Aaron Alberico +1 202-744-0786 aalberico@raynoravenue.com Company Website https://www.raynoravenue.com/

August 22, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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