Thread: ATF memo after CBS report: We need positive press

March 4, 2011 10:31 AM
ATF memo after CBS report: We need positive press

Posted by Sharyl Attkisson

As CBS News investigates "gun walking" allegations -- that ATF let thousands assault rifles and other weapons get into the hands of criminal suspects -- ATF bosses have remained largely silent.

We've had ongoing requests for information and on camera interviews with both ATF and the Department of Justice since prior to our first report which aired Feb. 22.

A similar lack of response has been reported by Senator Charles Grassley, who has asked for documents and briefings from ATF.

Now, we learn that after our Feb. 22 report, ATF's Chief Public Affairs officer sent an all-call internal memo to ATF Public Information Officers in an effort to "lessen the coverage of such stories in the news cycle by replacing them with good stories about ATF."

The memo asks ATF PIO's to "Please make every effort in the next two weeks to maximize coverage of ATF operations/enforcement actions/arrests at the local and regional level" in hopes it would drown out the "negative coverage by CBS News."

At the time, the memo noted "Fortunately, the CBS story has not sparked any follow up coverage by mainstream media and seems to have fizzled."

However, last night, CBS News continued reporting on this issue and will be staying on the story.

Read the full ATF internal memo below:

Public Information Officers:


Please make every effort for the next two weeks to maximize coverage of ATF operations/enforcement actions/arrests at the local and regional level. Given the negative coverage by CBS Evening News last week and upcoming events this week, the bureau should look for every opportunity to push coverage of good stories. Fortunately, the CBS story has not sparked any follow up coverage by mainstream media and seems to have fizzled.


It was shoddy reporting , as CBS failed to air on-the-record interviews by former ATF officials and HQ statements for attribution that expressed opposing views and explained the law and difficulties of firearm trafficking investigations. The CBS producer for the story made only a feigned effort at the 11th hour to reach ATF HQ for comment.


This week (To 3/1/2011), Attorney General Holder testifies on the Hill and likely will get questions about the allegations in the story. Also (The 3/3/2011), Mexico President Calderon will visit the White House and likely will testify on the Hill. He will probably draw attention to the lack of political support for demand letter 3 and Project Gunrunner.


ATF needs to proactively push positive stories this week, in an effort to preempt some negative reporting, or at minimum, lessen the coverage of such stories in the news cycle by replacing them with good stories about ATF. The more time we spend highlighting the great work of the agents through press releases and various media outreaches in the coming days and weeks, the better off we will be.


Thanks for your cooperation in this matter. If you have any significant operations that should get national media coverage, please reach out to the Public Affairs Division for support, coordination and clearance.


Thank you,


Scot
Scot L. Thomasson
Chief ATF Public Affairs Division
Washington, DC
Desk 202-648-XXXX
Cell 206-XXX-XXXX

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31727_162-20039251-10391695.html

OOPS.... Busted ! ! !

1. Ya know what ~ You got caught

2. 30,000 Mexicans are dead .. this shit has been going on LONG before it was intially reported deep into Bush's first term under 2 other names

3. A Federal agent is dead

4. Mexico is out of control and all but a failed state

5. Sniper rifles were allowed to cross that border un-hindered

6. Drug cartels have the means to take out ANYONE from miles away to include our Border Patrol Agents that were screaming dont do this and you F'rs are worried about bad press ... you better start worrying about Federal Pound you in the Back Side Penitentuary just like Ramos and Compian

Take a HARD look at that .50 Caliber Sniper Rifle Bullet on the far left ... now take a look at what the standard U.S. Army Infantryman fires back the 5.56 Nato Round .223 in the civilian world ..

The A.T.F. let these .50 Caliber Sniper Rifles bought by Illegal Aliens in some cases, just walk across the border into Mexican Drug Cartels hands while telling the Border Patrol Agents.. "Hands Off" let them go through the border without touching them

Now, you tell me if there is going to be a problem with BAD Press after this shit gets out

a Memo to the A.T.F. / D.H.S. / D.O.J.

try to get the Local New and Improved PRAVDA State Run Media to Help

Pravda Station Block Number 1 ~ ABC
Pravda Station Block Number 2 ~ NBC
Pravda Station Block Number 3 ~ CNBC
Pravda Station Block Number 4 ~ CBS
Pravda Station Block Number 5 ~ NPR
and on Occassion
Pravda Station Block Number 6 ~ FOX

Your bound to get some Positive Press if you say it was TEA Party Inspired Program or some shit like that

or that the bullets are really Little Pea Shooter in size with cheap Chinese Powder

Sarcasm OFF

Originally Posted by Newmexican

Now, we learn that after our Feb. 22 report, ATF's Chief Public Affairs officer sent an all-call internal memo to ATF Public Information Officers in an effort to "lessen the coverage of such stories in the news cycle by replacing them with good stories about ATF."

In other words it like I have been saying, since CBS is obviously not working with the ATF right now they are using all other media sources as SHILLS to spread propaganda. Typical government trick. Hey ATF, many of us in America are up on your games. We don't listen to your propaganda and have other new sources other than the MSM you use are shills.

It's little wonder America is hated by most countries in the world. Our government has interfered and help to manipulate and destroy other governments too many times. It's time we get rid of the ATF, the CIA and the DEA. It's time we pull ALL of our troops and law enforcement out of other countries. The game is over. You aren't fooling anyone any more ATF.

Here is the truth......................