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== Coverage of the Ghouta chemical attacks ==
== Coverage of the Ghouta chemical attacks ==
On 29 August 2013, an MPN article bylined to MPN contributors Dale Gavlak and Yahya Ababneh reported that [[Syrian rebels]] and local residents in [[Ghouta]], [[Syria]] alleged in interviews that the [[Al-Nusra Front]] was responsible for the [[2013 Ghouta chemical attacks|chemical weapons incidents in Ghouta]]; those interviewed claimed that weapons had been delivered to untrained fighters and "some of the fighters handled the weapons improperly and set off the explosions."<ref>''Mint Press News'', "EXCLUSIVE: Syrians In Ghouta Claim Saudi-Supplied Rebels Behind Chemical Attack," Aug. 29, 2013. http://www.mintpressnews.com/witnesses-of-gas-attack-say-saudis-supplied-rebels-with-chemical-weapons/168135/</ref> Gavlak later told [[Brown Moses Blog]] that "Despite my repeated requests, made directly and through legal counsel, they have not been willing to issue a retraction stating that I was not the author. Yahya Ababneh is the sole reporter and author of the Mint Press News piece."<ref>[[Brown Moses Blog]], 20 September 2013, [http://brown-moses.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/statement-by-dale-gavlak-on-mint-press.html?m=1 Statement By Dale Gavlak On The Mint Press Article "Syrians In Ghouta Claim Saudi-Supplied Rebels Behind Chemical Attack" ]</ref> Gavlak later clarified that she had "served as an editor of Ababneh's material in English as he normally writes in Arabic. Gavlak had been a weekly corresponent to MintPress News, writing for the online new magazine since March 2013<ref>{{cite web|title=Author : Dale Gavlak|url=http://www.mintpressnews.com/author/dale-gavlak/|accessdate=25 September 2013}}</ref> MPN editor, Mnar Muhawesh released two public statements saying that Gavlak retracted her involvement due to pressure from third parties two days after the article was published and did only "assist in the research and writing process of the article" and that MPN stands [http://www.mintpressnews.com/official-statement-on-dale-gavlaks-involvement-in-syria-exclusive/169507/ by Gavlak and the co-author Yahya Ababneh.]
On 29 August 2013, an MPN article bylined to MPN contributors Dale Gavlak and Yahya Ababneh reported that [[Syrian rebels]] and local residents in [[Ghouta]], [[Syria]] alleged in interviews that the [[Al-Nusra Front]] was responsible for the [[2013 Ghouta chemical attacks|chemical weapons incidents in Ghouta]]; those interviewed claimed that weapons had been delivered to untrained fighters and "some of the fighters handled the weapons improperly and set off the explosions."<ref>''Mint Press News'', "EXCLUSIVE: Syrians In Ghouta Claim Saudi-Supplied Rebels Behind Chemical Attack," Aug. 29, 2013. http://www.mintpressnews.com/witnesses-of-gas-attack-say-saudis-supplied-rebels-with-chemical-weapons/168135/</ref> Gavlak later told [[Brown Moses Blog]] that "Despite my repeated requests, made directly and through legal counsel, they have not been willing to issue a retraction stating that I was not the author. Yahya Ababneh is the sole reporter and author of the Mint Press News piece."<ref>[[Brown Moses Blog]], 20 September 2013, [http://brown-moses.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/statement-by-dale-gavlak-on-mint-press.html?m=1 Statement By Dale Gavlak On The Mint Press Article "Syrians In Ghouta Claim Saudi-Supplied Rebels Behind Chemical Attack" ]</ref> Gavlak later clarified that she had "served as an editor of Ababneh's material in English as he normally writes in Arabic. Gavlak had been a weekly corresponent to MintPress News, writing for the online new magazine since March 2013<ref>{{cite web|title=Author : Dale Gavlak|url=http://www.mintpressnews.com/author/dale-gavlak/|accessdate=25 September 2013}}</ref> MPN editor, Mnar Muhawesh released two public statements saying that Gavlak retracted her involvement due to pressure from third parties two days after the article was published and did only "assist in the research and writing process of the article" and that MPN stands [http://www.mintpressnews.com/official-statement-on-dale-gavlaks-involvement-in-syria-exclusive/169507/ by Gavlak and the co-author Yahya Ababneh.]

Odeh Muhawesh, whom Mnar once called “a key adviser”, was asked whether the fact that his ideological views were hostile to the Syrian opposition had influenced the story carried by Mint Press News. Reports on the controversy observed statements at websites formerly run by Odeh Muhawesh that are staunchly anti-Saudi, and caused speculation that the chemical weapons story might have been driven by his ideology rather than the facts. He called such theories "plausible but not factual”. <ref> Star Tribune 1 October 2013 [http://www.startribune.com/local/225904001.html]</ref>


The MPN report had been "widely circulated"<ref>Bryant Jordan, 10 September 2013, [[military.com]], [http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/09/10/white-house-mum-on-rebel-chem-weapons-use.html White House Mum on Rebel Chem Weapons Use]</ref> and cited among others by [[Military.com]], the [[Voice of Russia]], [[Press TV]], Spanish newspaper ''[[ABC (newspaper)|ABC]], ''[[ConsortiumNews.com]] and [[Infowars.com|InfoWars]].<ref>[[Voice of Russia]], 30 August 2013, [http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2013_08_30/Syrian-rebels-take-responsibility-for-the-chemical-attack-admitting-the-weapons-were-provided-by-Saudis-1203/ 'Syrian rebels take responsibility for the chemical attack admitting the weapons were provided by Saudis' - source ]</ref><ref>[[infowars.com]], 30 August 2013, [http://www.infowars.com/exclusive-syrians-in-ghouta-claim-saudi-supplied-rebels-behind-chemical-attack/ EXCLUSIVE: Syrians In Ghouta Claim Saudi-Supplied Rebels Behind Chemical Attack]</ref><ref>Lisa Pease, [[ConsortiumNews.com]], 4 September 2013, [http://consortiumnews.com/2013/09/04/the-still-sketchy-intel-on-syria/ The Still-Sketchy Intel on Syria]</ref><ref>[[Press TV]], 1 September 2013, [http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/08/30/321260/syria-militants-use-saudisupplied-gas/ Saudi Prince Bandar behind chemical attack in Syria: Report]</ref><ref>''[[ABC (newspaper)|ABC]]'', 2 September 2013, [http://www.abc.es/internacional/20130831/abci-siria-quimicas-rebeldes-201308311738.html Una colaboradora de AP afirma que el ataque en Damasco fue obra de los rebeldes]</ref> [[Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting]] initially characterized the article as "honest about the limits of its knowledge", but after Gavlak's comments dissociating herself from the story wrote that "with the allegations of unprofessional behavior on the part of Mint Press News, there's little reason to take the Mint Press story seriously."<ref>[[Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting]], "[http://www.fair.org/blog/2013/09/01/which-syrian-chemical-attack-account-is-more-credible/ Which Syrian Chemical Attack Account Is More Credible?]", 1 Sept 2013 with undated update 20 September 2013.</ref> Asked about the Mint Press News story [[Åke Sellström]], Chief UN weapons inspector in Syria remarked ; "They are famous for 1001 Arabian Nights Stories." <ref>[http://www.cbrneworld.com/_uploads/download_magazines/Sellstrom_Feb_2014_v2.pdf crbneworld February 2014]</ref>
The MPN report had been "widely circulated"<ref>Bryant Jordan, 10 September 2013, [[military.com]], [http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/09/10/white-house-mum-on-rebel-chem-weapons-use.html White House Mum on Rebel Chem Weapons Use]</ref> and cited among others by [[Military.com]], the [[Voice of Russia]], [[Press TV]], Spanish newspaper ''[[ABC (newspaper)|ABC]], ''[[ConsortiumNews.com]] and [[Infowars.com|InfoWars]].<ref>[[Voice of Russia]], 30 August 2013, [http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2013_08_30/Syrian-rebels-take-responsibility-for-the-chemical-attack-admitting-the-weapons-were-provided-by-Saudis-1203/ 'Syrian rebels take responsibility for the chemical attack admitting the weapons were provided by Saudis' - source ]</ref><ref>[[infowars.com]], 30 August 2013, [http://www.infowars.com/exclusive-syrians-in-ghouta-claim-saudi-supplied-rebels-behind-chemical-attack/ EXCLUSIVE: Syrians In Ghouta Claim Saudi-Supplied Rebels Behind Chemical Attack]</ref><ref>Lisa Pease, [[ConsortiumNews.com]], 4 September 2013, [http://consortiumnews.com/2013/09/04/the-still-sketchy-intel-on-syria/ The Still-Sketchy Intel on Syria]</ref><ref>[[Press TV]], 1 September 2013, [http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/08/30/321260/syria-militants-use-saudisupplied-gas/ Saudi Prince Bandar behind chemical attack in Syria: Report]</ref><ref>''[[ABC (newspaper)|ABC]]'', 2 September 2013, [http://www.abc.es/internacional/20130831/abci-siria-quimicas-rebeldes-201308311738.html Una colaboradora de AP afirma que el ataque en Damasco fue obra de los rebeldes]</ref> [[Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting]] initially characterized the article as "honest about the limits of its knowledge", but after Gavlak's comments dissociating herself from the story wrote that "with the allegations of unprofessional behavior on the part of Mint Press News, there's little reason to take the Mint Press story seriously."<ref>[[Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting]], "[http://www.fair.org/blog/2013/09/01/which-syrian-chemical-attack-account-is-more-credible/ Which Syrian Chemical Attack Account Is More Credible?]", 1 Sept 2013 with undated update 20 September 2013.</ref> Asked about the Mint Press News story [[Åke Sellström]], Chief UN weapons inspector in Syria remarked ; "They are famous for 1001 Arabian Nights Stories." <ref>[http://www.cbrneworld.com/_uploads/download_magazines/Sellstrom_Feb_2014_v2.pdf crbneworld February 2014]</ref>

Revision as of 18:38, 8 April 2014

Mint Press News
Type of site
News website
Available inEnglish
URLmintpressnews.com
CommercialYes
RegistrationOptional
Launched2013

MintPress News (MPN) is an independent American news website which was founded in 2012[1] with an administrative office in Minnesota.

According to its website, Mint Press News is an online journalism startup providing "issue-based-original reporting, in-depth investigations and thoughtful analysis of the most pressing topics facing our nation through the lens of social justice and human" covering national (U.S.) politics and policy, civil liberties, the war on drugs, foreign affairs, energy, lifestyle, culture, technology and the environment.

Reporters, correspondents and editors are based across the United States in over eight states, and several countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

“Our media has failed us very miserably,” Mnar Muhawesh said as to her aspirations of starting Mint Press and she cited uninformed public debates around issues like Iran’s nuclear capabilities or intervention in Syria. “We are in a crucial time in American history where most Americans don’t know what’s going on in the world around them.”[2]

History

MintPress News was founded in January 2011 by Mnar A. Muhawesh, a broadcast journalism graduate of St. Cloud State University and speaker on responsible journalism, sexism and women in entrepreneurship.[citation needed] She began her career as an independent multimedia journalist covering Midwest and national politics while focusing on civil liberties and social justice issues where she posted her work on her blog Mint Press, which she later turned the blog into a website.[3]

In 2012, Muhawesh raised her startup capital from her connections in the Twin Cities, MN business and non-profit world, which is currently covering all of Mint Press’s costs.[2] In 2012, MPN said it was a for-profit “regular news organization,” with an initial three-year break-even business plan based on advertising.[4] In January 2012, MPN's angel investors were said to be unnamed "retired businesspeople" who "choose to remain anonymous," and will help fund MPN for three years, according to Colombia Journalism Review.[5] Muhawesh’s father-in-law, Odeh Muhawesh, advised MPN on business matters in 2012, but is no longer listed on the masthead. Odeh Muhawesh has said he has "zero involvement financially or editorially" in MintPress, and added, "I’m too conservative to agree with a lot of what they [MintPress] print,” said Muhawesh. He said Mnar is the sole owner of MintPress." [6]

In 2013 in an email to BuzzFeed, Mnar Muhawesh said she was financing Mint Press alone: "MintPress was originally funded by angel investors when I was first putting the company together over a year ago, but that route fell through last year as I restructured the business plan,” Muhawesh said. “I am the sole investor of MintPress.”[7]


Sponsorship and Partnerships

In April 2014, MintPress became a sponsor and partner of the Free and Equal festival, United We Stand. MintPress editor in chief Mnar Muhawesh is also a speaker on the panel, along with Larry King, Amber Lyon, Abby Martin, Ben Swann, and former Green Party candidate Jill Stein.

Minimum Wage Study

In February 2014, MintPress conducted a study in an attempt to find evidence that would support a base increase in salary for the nation’s largest retailers, focusing on Wal-Mart, Target and Sears Holdings. Business For a Fair Minimum Wage.

On February 22, Frederick Reese, the Mint Press reporter who conducted the study, received an 'Honourable mention' award according to the International Center for Journalists.

Coverage of the Ghouta chemical attacks

On 29 August 2013, an MPN article bylined to MPN contributors Dale Gavlak and Yahya Ababneh reported that Syrian rebels and local residents in Ghouta, Syria alleged in interviews that the Al-Nusra Front was responsible for the chemical weapons incidents in Ghouta; those interviewed claimed that weapons had been delivered to untrained fighters and "some of the fighters handled the weapons improperly and set off the explosions."[8] Gavlak later told Brown Moses Blog that "Despite my repeated requests, made directly and through legal counsel, they have not been willing to issue a retraction stating that I was not the author. Yahya Ababneh is the sole reporter and author of the Mint Press News piece."[9] Gavlak later clarified that she had "served as an editor of Ababneh's material in English as he normally writes in Arabic. Gavlak had been a weekly corresponent to MintPress News, writing for the online new magazine since March 2013[10] MPN editor, Mnar Muhawesh released two public statements saying that Gavlak retracted her involvement due to pressure from third parties two days after the article was published and did only "assist in the research and writing process of the article" and that MPN stands by Gavlak and the co-author Yahya Ababneh.

The MPN report had been "widely circulated"[11] and cited among others by Military.com, the Voice of Russia, Press TV, Spanish newspaper ABC, ConsortiumNews.com and InfoWars.[12][13][14][15][16] Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting initially characterized the article as "honest about the limits of its knowledge", but after Gavlak's comments dissociating herself from the story wrote that "with the allegations of unprofessional behavior on the part of Mint Press News, there's little reason to take the Mint Press story seriously."[17] Asked about the Mint Press News story Åke Sellström, Chief UN weapons inspector in Syria remarked ; "They are famous for 1001 Arabian Nights Stories." [18]

References

  1. ^ cjr.org
  2. ^ a b cjr.org according to Colombia Journalism Review.
  3. ^ Peterson, Liz McKeone (November 2012). "Maple Grove Young Entrepreneurs". Maple Grove Magazine. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  4. ^ David Brauer, MinnPost, 18 January 2012, Who is MintPress and why are they doing all this hiring?
  5. ^ Binkovitz, Leah. "Mint Press News". Columbia Journalism Review. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  6. ^ Star Tribune 1 October 2013 [1]
  7. ^ Rosie Gray and Jessica Testa, buzzfeed, 1 October 2013 The Inside Story Of One Website’s Defense Of Assad
  8. ^ Mint Press News, "EXCLUSIVE: Syrians In Ghouta Claim Saudi-Supplied Rebels Behind Chemical Attack," Aug. 29, 2013. http://www.mintpressnews.com/witnesses-of-gas-attack-say-saudis-supplied-rebels-with-chemical-weapons/168135/
  9. ^ Brown Moses Blog, 20 September 2013, Statement By Dale Gavlak On The Mint Press Article "Syrians In Ghouta Claim Saudi-Supplied Rebels Behind Chemical Attack"
  10. ^ "Author : Dale Gavlak". Retrieved 25 September 2013.
  11. ^ Bryant Jordan, 10 September 2013, military.com, White House Mum on Rebel Chem Weapons Use
  12. ^ Voice of Russia, 30 August 2013, 'Syrian rebels take responsibility for the chemical attack admitting the weapons were provided by Saudis' - source
  13. ^ infowars.com, 30 August 2013, EXCLUSIVE: Syrians In Ghouta Claim Saudi-Supplied Rebels Behind Chemical Attack
  14. ^ Lisa Pease, ConsortiumNews.com, 4 September 2013, The Still-Sketchy Intel on Syria
  15. ^ Press TV, 1 September 2013, Saudi Prince Bandar behind chemical attack in Syria: Report
  16. ^ ABC, 2 September 2013, Una colaboradora de AP afirma que el ataque en Damasco fue obra de los rebeldes
  17. ^ Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting, "Which Syrian Chemical Attack Account Is More Credible?", 1 Sept 2013 with undated update 20 September 2013.
  18. ^ crbneworld February 2014
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