In February, staff members from the offices of prominent House Democrats were hosted by two major media outlets, Fox News and the Wall Street Journal, for strategic communications advice. This initiative was part of a trip sponsored by the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI), which covered all expenses for the attendees to travel to New York City.

The PPI, established in 1989 by the Democratic Leadership Council, aims to serve as the intellectual foundation for the “New Democrats” and aligns with the center-left Third Way. The trip included bipartisan participation, with staff from both Democrat and Republican offices attending.

Details of the Media Meetings

During the visit, which took place on February 27-28, the congressional staffers engaged with representatives from the two Murdoch-owned publications, which have historically been viewed as Republican-friendly. The meetings focused on enhancing collaboration to effectively disseminate their respective bosses’ messages.

The itinerary, approved by the House Ethics Committee, featured a private dinner with PPI staff at a Manhattan steakhouse and discussions with staff from Fox News and the Wall Street Journal. Notably, the group was given a tour at the Fox News studios and participated in a networking event with Fox producers and bookers.

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Additionally, the staffers attended a Wall Street Journal Editorial Board Discussion, led by Paul Gigot, the editor of the WSJ editorial page. The conversation revolved around the editorial board’s approach to covering Congress and publishing viewpoints from individual members.

Attendees and Activities

Among the attendees were Nicholas Martin, the top communications staffer for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene, and staff for Democrat Reps. Julie Johnson, Greg Stanton, George Whitesides, Jared Golden, Brad Schneider, and Sharice Davids, the chief deputy whip. Republican staffers included those from the offices of Andy Barr, Julia Letlow, and William Timmons.

The comprehensive visit also included a trip to NBC studios, a roundtable at Columbia University’s School of Journalism, discussions with Moody’s Credit Rating Agency, a visit to the New York Stock Exchange, and a social media workshop with Google’s communications teams.

Background and Context

The relationship between the Murdoch-owned outlets and former President Donald Trump has been complex. Despite their traditionally Republican leanings, both Fox News and the Wall Street Journal have frequently clashed with Trump. Recently, Trump criticized Fox News Senior White House Correspondent Jacqui Heinrich, suggesting she should work for CNN instead, following her coverage that he disapproved of.

Trump has also expressed dissatisfaction with the Wall Street Journal, particularly criticizing their coverage of his economic and trade policies. He has accused the publication of being influenced by the “polluted thinking of the European Union.”

This trip and the meetings held underscore the ongoing interactions between congressional staff and major media outlets, aiming to foster better communication and understanding between these entities.