Analysis: "AP Profile Of Koch Bros Whitewashes Their Fossil Fuel Ties"

"Extensive reporting from the Associated Press on the Koch brothers' financial background and political influence glossed over the duo's ties to the fossil fuel industry and ignored their efforts to dismantle action on climate change.

On August 25, the Associated Press published a "primer on the Koch brothers and their role in politics," headlined "Koch 101," along with a lengthy overview of the history of the Koch family. A primer on the influence of Charles and David Koch is sorely needed: Their political organizations are reportedly expected to spend nearly $300 million during this year's election cycle, yet most Americans still haven't heard of the highly influential brothers.

The AP reported in its backgrounder that the Koch brothers are "reshaping politics with an uncompromising agenda." But when describing the their financial background in "Koch 101," the AP merely hinted at the Kochs' ties to the fossil fuel industry, stating that their company, Koch Industries, "makes a wide range of products including Dixie cups, chemicals, jet fuel, fertilizer, electronics, toilet paper and much more.""

Denise Robbins reports for the liberal Media Matters August 25, 2014.

SEE ALSO:

"Koch 101: Some Basics on the Billionaire Brothers" (AP)

"4 Kochs Took Genes, Money in Different Directions" (AP)

"Charles Koch Linked To Creation Of Fossil Fuel-Defending Nonprofit: Report" (Huffington Post)

"Charles Koch Personally Founded a Group Protecting Oil Industry Handouts" (The Nation)

"Charles Koch Personally Founded Group Protecting Oil Industry Hand-Outs, Documents Reveal" (Republic Report)

"A Koch Brother Does Damage Control As The American People Reject Their Agenda " (PoliticsUSA)

"6 Thoughts From William Koch on Family, Politics" (AP)

"Secret Audio Nails Scott Walker! a Humiliating Suck-Up To the Koch Brothers" (Salon)

"Democrats pounce on recording of Mitch McConnell speaking at Koch brothers retreat" (Lexington Herald-Leader)

"Embedded With the Koch Brothers" (Columbia Journalism Review)

"The Koch Brothers’ Media Investment" (Columbia Journalism Review)

"Timeline: Koch Brothers' 50 Years in the Tar Sands" (InsideClimate News)

"Secret Funding Helped Build Vast Network of Climate Denial Thinktanks" (Guardian)