Bad Press is a Case Study in Defending Journalistic Intergrity

There was a time in this country when the printed press and/or electronic media were considered a trusted source of information for its citizens.  These days, the rights and obligations have seen the lines blurred beyond recognition.  In some sectors, the media has been muzzled and manipulated into printing whatever narrative fits those in power making media difficult to trust or believe.

In sovereign nations, Native American tribes determine their own laws and constitutions. Out of the 574 federally recognized tribes, only five have passed laws protecting freedom of the press. A lot of indigenous society is based on community existence and if the majority of tribal communities don’t have press, that’s a huge problem. Especially for a community that is among one of the most most invisible in our country.

Directed by Rebecca Landsberry-Baker and Joe Peeler, Bad Press is a political docu-thriller about the fight for free press in the Muscogee Nation providing unparalleled insight into the inner workings of a modern Native American tribe.

Just three years after its passage, the 2018 “Free Press Act” was repealed, placing Mvskoke Media, the Muscogee Nation’s sole news outlet, back under control of the chief and his cabinet. Veteran reporter Angel Ellis quickly became the key voice of dissent at the decimated news outlet and laid it all on the line to deliver the truth to her fellow citizens.

Unfortunately, Ellis would be fired, re-hired and allegedly slandered by the Chief as she made a journalistic attempt to halt elected officials from manipulating the news in order to become victorious and keep their dirty little secrets hidden. Of course, not all tribal chiefs are crooks, but when you have one it’s not pretty and the only way to avoid that is through the power of the press.  Witnessing how Ellis became the ‘Norma Rae’ of the Muscogee Nation while simultaneously getting railroaded is as a human being an journalist is both hard and inspiring.  She is a perfect embodiment of journalistic integrity.

Not surprising in how Lucien Tiger III, Bruner and Mark Randolph would manipulate the press for their own personal gain.  The result being the National Council passing The Shield Act consequently not shielding journalists with 569 federal recognized Native American tribes that lack laws protecting Freedom of Press.

Yet, Ellis’ hard work ultimately paid off. On September 18, 2021 the Muskogee nation became the first native American tribe to amend is constitution to protect freedom of press.

Bad Press is a perfect example of the importance of your voice by simply casting one vote, serving the people and not yourselves and the fact that there’s good news in the bad news – but the news is still the news.