1 / The media loves to say it values fairness and accuracy. Here’s a case study in why the public doesn’t buy it anymore — courtesy of the News & Observer. A thread … #ncpol

2/ The N&O ran an article with the headline claim: “NC leads nation in shrinking environmental agency, leaving water, land unprotected.” No attribution. No context. Just a verdict. #ncpol

3/The N&O piece mirrors and parrots a press release and “study” from a group called the Environmental Integrity Project. The N&O and the group use the same language and attack the same target: animal agriculture. Is that what passes for “independent” journalism these days? #ncpol

4 / The report claims there’s a “regulatory vacuum” in NC. But here’s what the article doesn’t mention: DEQ releases detailed, public reports every year to the General Assembly on inspections, violations, and enforcement. Those reports tell a completely different story. #ncpol

5 / Here’s the number of actual statewide inspections of animal operations: 2021: 2,547 2022: 2,393 2023: 2,157 2024: 2,146 2025: 2,370 That’s not a “collapse.” That’s a high-performing regulatory program. #ncpol

6 / Inspections rose 10.4% last year. DEQ has long touted its inspection program as a national leader.  Yet the story tells readers: “there is no one to call.”  Ironically, the N&O didn’t call them – or us – to get the facts. #ncpol

7 / Perhaps the biggest falsehood in the entire piece: a claim about the “unchecked expansion” of hog farms.  Reminder: not one new hog farm has been built in North Carolina in more than 25 years. The number of hog farms in our state is declining. Down 4% in past year.  #ncpol

7a / That’s right. The facts are: while the number of farms are declining the number of inspections has increased. #ncpol

8 / Is it a coincidence that the N&O’s story is funded by foundations with missions that include promoting climate-harm narratives? Is it a coincidence that the newsroom continues producing stories that mirror the goals of the activist groups funding them? #ncpol

9 / If this story targeted a private individual – with false claims, omitted facts, and sensational framing provided by from outside interests – everyone would see the problem. But when it targets farmers, it’s labeled “public-interest” journalism. #ncpol

10 / If the media wants to rebuild trust, it has to lead with journalism – not by parroting activist talking points #ncpol

11 / DEQ’s own reports contradict the claim that our water and land are unprotected. That should have shaped the story, but the N&O simply repeated (copied and pasted) an advocacy “study” and called it news. That’s why the public stops believing them. #ncpol