Five days after the siege on our Capitol, Mark Ronchetti returned to KRQE-TV news broadcasts following a failed bid for a seat in the U.S. Senate. That in itself should raise red flags for anyone worried about political influence in newsrooms. But furthermore, throughout his campaign, Ronchetti proudly stated “I stand with President Trump.”
Does Ronchetti still stand with Trump? Does he applaud Trump calling the media “The enemy of the people?” Does he denounce attacks on our democracy? Do politicians belong in the KRQE newsroom? Viewers don’t know because neither Ronchetti nor KRQE have addressed these important questions.
Like never before in American history, the press is under attack — figuratively and literally. For more than four years now, Donald Trump has worked to undermine trust in the press, and has incited violence against the media. For years, many saw it as campaign rhetoric — harmless barbs at those who dared question his tactics. But Trump’s words have done more than undermine trust, they have resulted in physical attacks against members of the press.
On Jan. 6, 2021, Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, inspired by Trump’s words and a vague promise he would join them in the march. Thousands of people pushed their way into the Capitol, smashing glass and busting down doors. Inside and outside the building, they physically attacked members of the press. They assaulted police officers and even killed one. They stormed inside where they ransacked offices, stole mail, documents, iPads and a laptop belonging to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. They smashed furniture, ripped down pictures and left behind graffiti, including the words “murder the media” scrawled on a door.
As the FBI continues to investigate the riot, we continue to learn that this was a planned attack, that bombs were planted and that the terrorists who stormed the Capitol that day may have planned to kidnap or kill lawmakers. According to the FBI, more attacks are planned.
There is, of course, no prohibition against journalists holding political views, and TV stations can hire whomever they like. However, appearances have strong implications, and a high-profile politician working as the face of a popular news station raises serious questions about bias and motivation.
The Society of Professional Journalists, Rio Grande Chapter stands with its members and fellow journalists and calls on Nexstar Media Group, KRQE and Mark Ronchetti to address these issues publicly, to denounce attacks on the press and to denounce the dangerous rhetoric of President Trump. That rhetoric endangers all journalists — including those who work with Ronchetti.
