Donald Trump and Falun Gong leader Li Hongzhi. Illustration of NBC News
Some days ago I received a free copy of a 24 page full format 22 inch by 12 inch newspaper — containing no advertising -— ominously titled “The Epoch Times”. Glancing at headlines and stories I rapidly concluded that it is a very well designed vehicle for anti-Democratic pro-Republican propaganda, well designed in the sense that the tone is restrained and reasonable sounding.
I searched Daily Kos for references since February 1 and found only one article — an excellent diary by xaxnar on February 23 (see About Epoch Times below). Xaxnar explained that it is indeed right wing and that it is an entity funded by Falun Gong.
Someone must have seriously deep pockets to send it out in volume. I find this run-up to the 2024 election rather concerning.
About Epoch Times (of xaxnar):
The Epoch Times is a far-right international multi-language newspaper and media company affiliated with the Falun Gong new religious movement. The newspaper, based in New York City, is part of the Epoch Media Group, which also operates New Tang Dynasty (NTD) Television.
The Epoch Times opposes China, promotes far-right politicians in Europe, and has supported former President Donald Trump in the U.S.; a 2019 report by NBC News showed it to be the second-largest funder of pro-Trump Facebook advertising after the Trump campaign. The Epoch Times frequently promotes other Falun Gong-affiliated groups, such as the performing arts company Shen Yun. The Epoch Media Group's news sites and YouTube channels have spread misinformation and conspiracy theories, such as QAnon and anti-vaccine misinformation, and false claims of fraud in the 2020 United States presidential election.
Source: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/3/2/2155949/-Anyone-else-receive-a-free-copy-of-The-Epoch-Times-newspaper
